Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge, Dawsonville, Georgia

“There’s no better place to find yourself than sitting by a waterfall and listening to it’s music.”

Roland R. Kemler

Whenever we are traveling through the North Georgia mountains, we feel the need to go see at least one waterfall and this time was no exception. Since we had spent the night in the quaint town of Ellijay, Georgia we were only 21 miles from Amicalola State Park, Georgia’s 12th state park. We had been there many times before but this remarkable waterfall and park, never gets old. First thing in the morning, we drove the picturesque 21 miles along highway 52 before we pulled into the park.

We had no wait as we pulled up the entrance and paid our $5 entry fee. This state park has 829 amazing acres and is located just NE of Dawsonville, Georgia in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest. This is the perfect place to visit for nature lovers. The road winds around the beautiful hardwood forest till you come to the visitors center. We had been there years before with our son, Jason when he signed in inside the lobby to be a thru hiker on the Appalachian Trail. I took his picture under the famous stone archway, a symbol for the experienced trekkers of the 2,150 mile AT.

The Cherokee Indians lived in this area until they were forced to leave in 1838 during the “Cherokee Trail of Tears.” The Cherokee people named this area Amicalola which means “tumbling waters.” It has been told that one Cherokee woman was able to live so remotely on this land that she was able to continue living there until the late 1840’s.

In 1852, Bartley Crane owned several hundred acres near where the visitors center is now located and built a gristmill for corn and flour. He later added a campground near the falls that was used for revivals. During the Civil War the campground was used by Confederate and Union Forces. After Bartley passed, John continued to run the mill, and added a general store. John sold the land in 1940 to the state and later that year the land became Amicalola State Park.

We continued driving straight to get to the lower trailhead below the magnificent 729 foot cascading waterfall which is the third highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River and the tallest waterfall in Georgia. We easily found a parking spot and walked to the trailhead next to the “Reflection Pond” where many people were sitting taking in the view or fishing.

We walked around the lovely lake and headed up to see the falls. First, it was just a paved trail that was pretty steep to hike up. On the way up, we noticed there were signs identifying various plants, trees, and wildlife along the path.  We stopped part of the way up to see the rocky creek and where you get the first glimpse of the towering falls. We headed up to an observation deck, one of a few along the path. From there, 175 steps lead to a platform where you could get the best views of the falls from. It was spectacular seeing the cascading falls pour down over the rocks. The sight of the falls mesmerized me as I stood watching the water crashing down and hearing the sounds of the rushing water. I can see why this is considered to be one of Georgia’s seven natural wonders.

The park has ten trails to choose from in the park with the most popular one being the 8.5 mile Approach Trail that starts at the visitors center in the park and goes up to Springer Mountain which is the southernmost spot on the Appalachian Trail. From here, more than 2500 thru hikers begin their trek each year. This isn’t an easy trail especially with a back pack and many hikers choose to avoid this trail and drive up to Springer Mountain to start their voyage.

 

The Appalachian Trail originally began on Oglethorpe Mountain near Jasper, Georgia back in 1937. By the early 1950’s the trail had too many roads and commercial developments that broke up the trail and made it not feasible to start there anymore. So in 1956, they rerouted the trail to start in Amicalola State Park.

After viewing the falls from the lower trailhead we decided to head up to the top of the falls. You can walk up the entire way which has 425 steps straight up or drive. We drove up. At the top of the falls is a nice shady park with a pretty stream flowing through it and a viewing platform where you can see where the falls start. We saw many people who were walking the steps for exercise and they said they do it at least every weekend. They were all in great shape.

 

In 1991 they built a beautiful lodge up at the top of the mountain that has 57 resort style rooms, a restaurant, and a great venue that can hold from 10 to 200 people. The views from this resort were spectacular. This is only one of five state parks in Georgia that have lodging and a restaurant available. There were signs up near the lodge that there was a family fun adventure area that included a zip line adventure and 3 D archery, as well as guided hikes, and even a GPS scavenger hunt. There is so much to do here for a young family.

We saw the cabins that they have for rent at the top of the mountain. They have fourteen cabins available that are 1, 2, and 3 bedroom cabins available either at the top of the mountain or down creek side. They have been recently renovated and they all have heat/ac, decks, fireplace, and satellite TV. Two of the cabins are dog friendly. There is also a campground with 24 easy pull in or back in RV spots and tents sites. They each come with water, grill, and a fire ring. You can only have six people maximum per spot.

There is even a trail that leads to a lodge named Len Foot Hike Inn which is Georgia’s only hike in lodge. To get there you have to do a five mile trek in. They say it is an easy to moderate trail. When you get there you have a choice of rooms from bunk style to a suite or a separate unit. They serve hot meals and if you wish to hike from there, they will pack you a lunch for the day. I’ve heard from people who have gone that it is fabulous. We will have to try that someday for sure.

This is a fabulous place to go and spend a day. I suggest getting there early as they fill up and there may be a wait to get in. It is well worth your trip. Check them out at: www.amicalolafallsstatepark.com. Or if you prefer, you can call them at 1-800-573-9656.

Till next time. Bye for now.