Amicalola Falls State Park is tucked away in North Georgia’s lush, waterfall-rich Chattahoochee National Forest, nestled within the rolling, vibrant green hills of the southern Appalachian Mountains. As one of Georgia’s most popular and frequently visited state parks, it’s easy to see why. Its breathtaking highlight is the tallest cascading waterfall in the Southeast, a stunning natural marvel at the heart of this beautiful North Georgia park.
The Cherokee called it “Tumbling Water.” High in the watershed of a ridge known as Amicalola Mountain, a lively creek begins its journey. It flows along the mountain’s western slope before making a dramatic entrance into the Etowah River valley—cascading, swirling, and plunging over ledges at the southern edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The Appalachian Trail originally started on Oglethorpe Mountain near Jasper in 1937. By the early 1950s, roads and commercial developments—particularly large chicken farms—had begun to intersect the trail. In response, the Appalachian Trail Club in Harpers Ferry decided in 1956 to reroute the trail to Springer Mountain. The state of Georgia supported this change by creating a long-term parking area for hikers at Amicalola Falls State Park.
In 1977 a visitor fell off a rocky ledge near the falls, inspiring rangers to create a Mountain Search and Rescue team.
About the trails
There are four distinct groups of trails in Amicalola Falls State Park, the Amicalola Falls West Ridge complex, the East Ridge Trail, the Amicalola Falls Trail (including the Base of the Falls Trail), and a trail from the falls to Amicalola Lodge that includes an interpreted loop with scenic views. Leaving from behind the falls, the Southern Terminus Approach Trail allows hikers to get a start at the 2,108 mile Appalachian Trail.
In 1832, Georgia surveyor William Williamson penned one of the earliest known descriptions of Amicalola Falls. Captivated by its beauty, he attempted to climb to the top—but, like many visitors today, found the journey more demanding than expected. “I was completely exhausted by the time I reached halfway,” he admitted.
Amicalola Falls State Park is located along Georgia Highway 52, between Dahlonega and Ellijay. The park’s address is 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Road, Dawsonville, Georgia. Gates are open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and a $5 parking fee is required for entry.
Wander Woman 