Amicalola Falls State Park
Amicalola Falls: Complete Visitor Guide to Georgia’s Tallest Waterfall
Quick Facts About Amicalola Falls
- Height: 729 feet – Georgia’s tallest waterfall
- Location: 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Road, Dawsonville, GA 30534
- Distance from Cherry Log: 1 hour (50 miles)
- Entrance Fee: $5 per vehicle (cash or card)
- Park Hours: Vary by season (typically 7am-dark)
- Best Time to Visit: Spring for peak water flow, Fall for foliage
- Difficulty Options: Easy paved trails to strenuous mountain hikes
About Amicalola Falls State Park
Amicalola Falls State Park is home to the most spectacular waterfall in Georgia. At 729 feet, Amicalola Falls towers over visitors as the highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. Located in the Chattahoochee National Forest near Dawsonville, this stunning natural wonder makes an incredible day trip from Cherry Log, Blue Ridge, or Atlanta.
The name “Amicalola” comes from a Cherokee word meaning “tumbling waters” – a perfect description of the powerful cascade that plunges down the mountainside in multiple tiers. The recently renovated park (2024) offers modern amenities including a beautiful welcome center, clean facilities, and well-maintained trails that make experiencing this natural wonder accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker seeking a challenging trek to Springer Mountain (the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail) or a family looking for an easy paved path to see Georgia’s tallest waterfall, Amicalola Falls State Park delivers an unforgettable North Georgia mountain experience.
How to Get to Amicalola Falls
From Cherry Log / Blue Ridge / Ellijay
Take GA-515 South to Jasper, then GA-53 East to Dawsonville. Follow signs to Amicalola Falls State Park. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and features scenic mountain views.
From Atlanta
Head north on GA-400, which becomes GA-115. Continue to Dawsonville and follow signs to the park. Total drive time: approximately 1 hour 15 minutes (70 miles).
Parking
The park offers multiple parking areas:
- Reflecting Pool Parking: Easiest access to waterfall views
- Welcome Center: Trail maps, supplies, and information
- Lodge Parking: Top of the falls with scenic overlooks
- West Ridge Trail Access: For staircase trail hikers
Parking fills up on fall weekends – arrive before 10am for the best spots.
Hiking Trails at Amicalola Falls
Amicalola Falls State Park offers multiple trail options to experience the waterfall, from wheelchair-accessible paths to challenging mountain hikes.
Easy Trails (Family-Friendly)
Reflecting Pool Trail to Falls
- Distance: 0.5 miles (paved)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time: 20-30 minutes
- Best For: Families, accessibility needs, quick visits
This newly paved trail starts at the reflecting pool parking area and provides the easiest route to view Amicalola Falls up close. The trail features benches along the way, smaller cascades to enjoy, and a gentle incline suitable for most visitors. Free binoculars at the reflecting pool offer great views of the full 729-foot waterfall from below.
Top of Falls Access (Drive-Up)
- Difficulty: None – drive to the top
- Best For: Those with mobility limitations, young children
Drive directly to the lodge at the top of the park for spectacular views from above the falls. This option requires no hiking but still delivers incredible scenery and photo opportunities.
Moderate Trails
East Ridge Trail
- Distance: 2.1 miles one way
- Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: 2-3 hours round trip
This forest trail winds up the mountainside through hardwood forest, offering occasional waterfall glimpses. The steady climb provides good exercise without the knee-pounding descent of the staircase trail.
Challenging Trails
West Ridge Falls Access Trail (The Staircase)
- Distance: 0.8 miles
- Elevation Change: 729 feet
- Steps: Over 600
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Time: 1-2 hours round trip
The most dramatic way to experience Amicalola Falls is descending (or ascending!) the staircase that parallels the waterfall. Multiple viewing platforms and bridges provide spectacular vantage points of the cascading water. The park maintains a “Canyon Climbers Club” for those who complete this challenging route.
Tip: Going down the stairs is much easier than climbing up. Consider taking the East Ridge Trail down and the stairs up, or vice versa, for a loop experience.
Appalachian Trail Approach
- Distance: 8.5 miles one way to Springer Mountain
- Difficulty: Very Strenuous
- Elevation Gain: 2,000+ feet
For serious hikers, the Appalachian Trail Approach begins at Amicalola Falls and leads to Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail. This challenging all-day hike passes through beautiful mountain forest and offers a taste of what AT thru-hikers experience. The iconic stone arch near the visitor center marks the traditional beginning of this epic journey.
Best Ways to See Amicalola Falls
For Families with Young Children
Start at the reflecting pool parking area. Use the free binoculars to view the full 729 feet of cascading water, then walk the paved 0.5-mile trail to get closer to the falls. The gentle grade and benches make this perfect for little legs.
For Photographers
- Best Light: Morning (9-11am) or late afternoon (4-6pm)
- Best Angle: Midway up the staircase trail for dramatic cascade shots
- Best Season: Spring for maximum water flow, Fall for foliage contrast
- Tip: Bring a polarizing filter to reduce glare on water
For Hikers
Take the East Ridge Trail up and the Staircase Trail down for a complete loop experience with varied perspectives of the falls. This 3-mile route shows you the forest, the falls, and challenges your legs while avoiding the brutal stair climb.
For Quick Visits
Drive directly to the lodge at the top of the park. Park, walk to the overlook, and enjoy stunning views of the waterfall from above with minimal effort. Perfect for those with limited time or mobility.
Activities Beyond Hiking
Zip Line Canopy Tours
Amicalola Falls State Park features an exciting zip line course offering aerial views of the mountains. Located near the lodge at the top of the park, these guided tours take you through the forest canopy on multiple zip lines and suspension bridges.
- Reservations Required: Book in advance, especially on weekends
- Location: Drive to the lodge area
- Best For: Adventure seekers, families with older kids
Picnicking
Multiple picnic areas throughout the park offer tables with mountain and waterfall views. The reflecting pool area and lodge grounds provide particularly scenic spots to enjoy a packed lunch. The welcome center sells snacks and light refreshments if you forget to pack food.
Camping Options
Stay overnight to experience the park at sunrise and sunset:
- Lodge: Comfortable rooms with mountain views, on-site restaurant
- Cabins: Rustic to modern options for families or groups
- Campground: RV and tent sites with recently renovated bathhouse (showers, laundry)
- Backcountry: Len Foote Hike Inn (5-mile hike in)
Book accommodations well in advance for fall weekends.
Essential Visitor Information
Park Fees
- Entrance: $5 per vehicle
- Payment: Gate attendant accepts cash; welcome center takes cards
- Annual Pass: Georgia State Parks annual pass accepted
What to Bring
- Footwear: Sturdy hiking shoes with good traction (trails can be slippery)
- Walking Sticks: Highly recommended for staircase trail
- Water: At least 1 liter per person
- Snacks: Energy for those stairs!
- Sunscreen & Hat: Limited shade on some trails
- Camera: You’ll want photos of Georgia’s tallest waterfall
- Cash: For entry fee (cards accepted at welcome center)
Best Times to Visit
Spring (March-May)
- Pros: Highest water flow, wildflowers, moderate temperatures
- Cons: Occasional rain, muddy trails
- Crowd Level: Moderate
Summer (June-August)
- Pros: Lush green forest, longer days, warm weather
- Cons: Lower water flow in dry periods, afternoon thunderstorms common
- Crowd Level: High on weekends
Fall (September-November)
- Pros: Spectacular foliage, comfortable temperatures, beautiful photos
- Cons: Crowded (especially October), parking fills early
- Crowd Level: Very High
- Tip: Visit on weekdays or arrive before 9am
Winter (December-February)
- Pros: Peaceful, possible ice formations on falls, fewer crowds
- Cons: Some facilities may be closed, cold temperatures, occasional ice on trails
- Crowd Level: Low
Trail Conditions
Stop at the welcome center first to:
- Get a trail map (also available on this page)
- Check current trail conditions
- Ask rangers about water flow (varies seasonally)
- Get recommendations based on your ability level
The park underwent major renovations in 2024, including the new welcome center and improved paved trails. All main trails are well-marked and maintained.
Combining Amicalola Falls with Other North Georgia Attractions
Make a full day out of your visit by combining Amicalola Falls with nearby attractions:
Sample Day Trip Itinerary
- Morning: Start in Dahlonega for breakfast at a local café
- Mid-Morning: Arrive at Amicalola Falls (9am to beat crowds)
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Hike to see the falls
- Afternoon: Drive to Ellijay for wine tasting or Mercier Orchards
- Evening: Return to your Cherry Log cabin rental for hot tub relaxation
Nearby Attractions (Within 45 Minutes)
- Dahlonega: Historic gold rush town, wineries, shops
- Ellijay: Apple orchards, more wineries, downtown shopping
- Helen: Bavarian alpine village
- Cherry Log: Peaceful mountain community, perfect cabin rental location
Wildlife and Safety
Wildlife Viewing
The Chattahoochee National Forest surrounding Amicalola Falls is home to diverse wildlife:
- White-tailed deer (commonly seen)
- Black bears (rarely seen, but present)
- Wild turkeys
- Numerous bird species
- Salamanders near streams
Bear Safety: Keep food in vehicles, don’t approach wildlife, make noise on trails
Trail Safety
- Trails can be slippery, especially after rain or near waterfalls
- The staircase trail is strenuous – know your limits
- Stay on marked trails
- Bring plenty of water
- Check weather before hiking
- Tell someone your plans
Accessibility
Amicalola Falls State Park offers accessible options:
- Paved trail from reflecting pool (0.5 miles, some incline)
- Drive-up access to top of falls at the lodge
- Accessible parking at welcome center and reflecting pool
- Accessible facilities at welcome center
- Wheelchair-accessible viewing at reflecting pool
Photography Tips for Amicalola Falls
Camera Settings
- Use slow shutter speed (1/4 to 2 seconds) for silky water effect
- Bring a tripod for long exposures
- Polarizing filter helps reduce glare
- Shoot in RAW for best editing flexibility
Best Photo Locations
- Reflecting pool – Full 729-foot view from bottom
- Midway up staircase – Dramatic cascade shots
- Top overlook – Looking down perspective
- Bridge crossings – Frame the falls through forest
Seasonal Photography
- Spring: Maximum water flow, vibrant new growth
- Summer: Lush green surroundings, potential rainbows in mist
- Fall: Golden foliage frames the white water
- Winter: Possible ice formations, stark beauty
Why Visit Amicalola Falls
Amicalola Falls State Park represents the best of North Georgia’s natural beauty. At 729 feet, this is more than just Georgia’s tallest waterfall – it’s an experience that combines accessible viewing options with challenging trails, modern amenities with wilderness adventure, and stunning natural beauty with rich Cherokee and Appalachian Trail history.
Whether you’re staying at a Cherry Log cabin rental like the Lazy Laurel or exploring the Blue Ridge area, Amicalola Falls makes an essential day trip. The combination of the spectacular waterfall, well-maintained trails, recent park improvements, and connection to the Appalachian Trail creates a destination that appeals to casual tourists and serious hikers alike.
Plan your visit to Amicalola Falls State Park and discover why this 729-foot cascade has become one of Georgia’s most beloved natural attractions. From the easy paved path to the challenging staircase climb, from the peaceful reflecting pool to the adventurous zip line course, Amicalola Falls delivers an unforgettable North Georgia mountain experience just an hour from Cherry Log.
Ready to explore more of North Georgia? Check out our guides to Cherry Log, Blue Ridge, and Ellijay to plan your perfect mountain getaway.
