Amicalola Falls State Park is an 829-acre (3.35 km) Georgia state park located between Ellijay and Dahlonega. The park’s name is derived from a Cherokee language word meaning “tumbling waters”. Amicalola Falls is in Dawsonville located in Dawson County Georgia. Amicalola Falls State Park has four groups of trails within it, including the trail leading up to the top of the waterfall. There is a $3 parking fee and the falls can be seen from the parking area. For best viewing you need to climb 175 steps to the first landing which gives excellent views close up. If you want to walk to the top it is another 475 steps, or you can drive to the upper parking area. There are many places along the walk up to take various pictures from different angles. This falls is some 700+ feet tall and is breathe taking to see.

This is a popular tourist spot so if you want to avoid crowds go during off-peak times. As with many viewing areas it is platforms and a bridge so heavy foot traffic wrecks havoc causing vibrations with trying to get decent timed exposures. As for best times to go it depends on what you want to accomplish. An 8.5 mile approach trail leads from the park to Springer Mountain, the southern end of the 2,135-mile Appalachian Trail. However, numerous other trails are available for shorter journeys. A beautiful lodge at the top of the mountain is popular with guests who prefer hotel-type comforts, while a 5-mile hike leads to more remote accommodations at the Len Foote Hike Inn.

In the midst of the Chattahoochee National Forest, the lodge and park are a beautiful setting for group meetings, family gatherings and conferences. Within walking distance from the lodge is the falls that the Cherokee Indians named Amicalola, meaning, “tumbling waters.” The Lodge at Amicalola State Park is surrounded by natural beauty and creates an atmosphere perfect for any retreat or getaway. No article about destinations in the Atlanta area would be complete without a mention of Amicalola Falls and its infamous approach to the Appalachian Trail.