Guide To Visiting Amicalola State Park
Amicalola Falls State Park is located between Ellijay and Dahlonega in Dawsonville, just 75 miles from Atlanta. Nestled on the threshold of the North Georgia Mountains within the Chattahoochee National Forest, it’s an area of outstanding American natural beauty and is the perfect location for an outdoor adventure.
From our Ellijay vacation rentals, you'll be just a short drive away from the park's entrance and a variety of outdoor activities.
Amicalola Falls is a bucket-list-worthy getaway for any outdoor enthusiast and nature lovers of all ages and is one of the most beloved Georgia State Parks. In this article, we’ll give you the lowdown on the best things to do during your visit.
Getting to Know Amicalola Falls
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Photo Credit: Michael Hicks via Flickr CC2.0
Officially established in 1940, the state park offers 829 pristine acres of natural wilderness recreation, stunning mountain views, wildlife observation, and more. The centerpiece of the popular state park is its namesake, Amicalola Falls, a spectacular 729-foot waterfall — and the third-tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River and of course, one of the best waterfalls to see in North Georgia.
Aptly named from the Cherokee Indian word meaning “tumbling waters,” Amicalola Falls is spectacular. The waters flow through the former territory of the Cherokee Nation, from the Little Amicalola Creek, a tributary of the Etowah River. There are three ways to access the legendary falls, with beautiful views via overlooks, trails, and a staircase:
- For those with limited mobility, use the short, wheelchair-accessible West Ridge trail (0.3 miles)
- Park at the top of the falls for an overlook view
- Hike a direct path to the top of the mountain from the bottom of the park, ascending more than 600 steps to the peak of the falls with a viewing platform located halfway up
Activities At Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge
Photo Credit: Jim K via alltrails.com
In 1991, the state expanded and upgraded park facilities, including renovations to trails, campgrounds, and the Visitor's Center, plus the addition of the Amicalola Lodge. On-site facilities at Amicalola State Park & Lodge include:
- Picnic shelters
- Playground
- Restaurant
- Ziplines
- Fishing
- Geocaching
- 3D archery
- Ranger programs
Let’s look at some of the most popular activities in further detail.
Ziplining
For a bird's-eye-view of one of the most picturesque landscapes in the southeast, check out the Screaming Eagle Aerial Adventure Tour! This multilevel zip line canopy tour features options for adventure-seekers ages 8 and up, reaching heights of up to 250 feet in the air.
The level-one experience is perfect for younger zip-liners. Level two consists of nine zip lines ranging from 75-1,000 feet in length, while level three adds seven more lines to the trek, up to 2,000 feet long. Zip line adventures will take you to areas of the park that are not open to hiking!
Fishing
Anglers will want to steer toward the Reflection Pool at the base of the falls. This pond is regularly stocked with trout for catch-and-release fishing. Equipment is available to rent at the park office, so there is no need to pack your own gear — unless you have a lucky hat that is mandatory for a successful day on the water, of course!
Dining
Modern, developed facilities at the state park include the lodge and restaurant. Amicalola Falls Lodge can be rented as an event space for up to 200 guests (perfect for a party or extended family reunion), with adjustable indoor and outdoor meeting spaces, banquet halls, and a veranda. The Maple Restaurant offers traditional Southern cuisine with panoramic views of the valley. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets are available daily for flat-rate pricing. (Breakfast - $12.99/person; Lunch - $15.99/person, Dinner - $17.99/person.)
Hiking Amicalola Falls State Park
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Approach Trail
- Challenging
- 8.5 miles
The Approach Trail climbs through hardwood forests, with wide switchbacks, set to the slowly-approaching sounds of the plunging waterfall. The trail includes a bridge crossing the crest of the falls and a tranquil, reflective pool near a picnic area and playground at about the 1.5-2-mile mark.
East Trail
- Moderate
- 1 mile
To slightly extend its route, tackle a multi-segment portion of the park’s trail network. Pick up the 0.4-mile Spring Trail at the parking lot of the West Ridge/Falls Access Trail to access the 1-mile Mountain Laurel Loop Trail that runs along the ridge above Amicalola Creek.
Lodge Loop Trail
- Easy
- 0.25 miles
Hike Inn Trail
- Moderate
- 5.5 miles
What to Know Before You Go
If you’re planning a trip to see Amicalola Falls State Park’s natural beauty, here’s all you need to know to make the most of your trip:
- Address: 418 Amicalola Falls Rd. Dawsonville GA 30534
- Phone: (706) 265-8888
- Opening times: Year-round during daylight hours. The Visitor's Center is open daily from 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Entry fee: All vehicles entering the state park require a $5 GA State Park Pass
- Pet policy: The park is pet-friendly, but pet guests must be kept on a short, sturdy leash, and guests are asked to clean up after their pets.
An Outdoor Adventure in North Georgia
For outdoor enthusiasts visiting Georgia, there’s no better way to spend a day than discovering this incredible waterfall and the stunning nature that surrounds it.Amicalola Falls lies just south of Ellijay, so why not combine your visit with a few days of exploring all that this charming city has to offer. Be sure to book your cozy cabin in advance to guarantee a perfect stay in North Georgia.