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Amicalola Falls State Park includes epic views from is one of the most beautiful waterfalls near Atlanta. If you are a resident of Atlanta or just visiting, Amicalola Falls is a must see natural attraction and one of the best state parks near Atlanta.
If you were wondering the meaning of Amicalola Falls is, it means “tumbling waters” in Cherokee language.
I can attest, the name gives it complete justice. The waterfall is very large at 729 feet from top to bottom. This makes it the tallest waterfall in Georgia.
From Atlanta, Amicalola Falls can be visited as a day trip or you can choose to camp, glamp or stay at the lodge.
Location and Parking Map
From Atlanta, it is just over 70 miles north up 400 to Dawsonville.
From bottom to top on this map, I labeled four primary parking areas worth noting.
- At the very bottom of the map, there is parking available at the visitors center. If available, I would keep driving on Top of the Falls Road and park at the next section.
- At the roundabout on Top of the Falls Road, near the Reflection Pool, is a great spot to park and has access to hike up along side of the falls.
- On the left, accesible via Ranger Road, you can park at the West Ridge Parking to access the Lower Observation Platform.
- If you keep going on Ranger Road, you will eventually come to the Upper Observation Platform, where you can see the falls and get access to camping and the lodge. There is also trail access to the Springer Mountain Trailhead.
The blue trail marked on the map above, is one my kids and I love to do. We usually park at the Reflecting pool, walk up the trail and down the East Ridge Trail. We usually have a picnic at the top of the falls and walk down the East Ridge Trail and stop at the playground at the bottom, next to the visitor center before heading back to the car.
3 Ways To View The Falls at Amicalola Falls State Park
Physical abilities are recommended, but not required to see the falls.
Here are three ways to view to view the falls:
- If you can manage 604, very steep steps, the best way to see Amicalola Falls is to climb your way right next to falls. The cool mist from the falls aides your climb, especially on a hot Georgia day.
- The second way is simply parking on top of the falls. Seeing the falls from the very top and looking out over the Amicalola Falls State Park is is breathe taking. This view is easily accessible by parking at the lot on top of the falls adjacent the Amicalola Falls Lodge. Literally, you step out of your car and iti s right there.
- The third way is to park at the West Ridge Trail and walk the .3 miles. This trail is constructed of recycled plastics. It’s a mostly easy walk and takes you to the Lower Observation Platform. From here, you can admire the view, walk up to the Upper Observation Platform, or head back to the car and drive up to the Upper Observation Platform.
Hiking Trails at Amicalola Falls State Park
On the parking map above, I labeled a loop route in blue. This is a hike my kids and I love to do. We usually park at the Reflecting Pool, walk up the trail and down the East Ridge Trail. I usually pack some sandwiches and we have a picnic at the top of the falls and walk around the short trails around the lodge. Afterwards, we walk down the East Ridge Trail. At the bottom, we stop at the playground, next to the visitor center before heading back to the car.
Its a nice hike, with some great views. This loop trail is a little over 2 miles and moderately strenuous. The trail is rocky and there are some steep drop off’s that make for great views. My 5 and 8 year old had no issue with the difficulty of this trail.
For a complete list of trails at Amicalola Falls State Park, check the parks site.
AT Approach Trail
If you are up for a challenge, one trail that is not on the state parks website is the AT approach trail to Springer mountain. If you hike it out and back, it is over 15 miles. This trail leads to the start of the Appalachian Trial on Springer Mountain. You can find the 8 mile approach trail behind the visitors center at Amicalola Falls State Park.
Keep in mind, there are multiple strenuous climbs before you reach Springer Mountain.
Camping, Glamping and the Lodge at Amicalola Falls State Park
If you prefer to stay over at the park, there are a few options available to you.
The Lodge offers 24 campsites that can be RV equipped. They amenities like gas, power, grill and fire ring.
The lodge has rooms for rent or reserve one of 14 cabins. The cabins have 1,2, and 3 bedroom options.
For more information on what the Lodge at Amicalola Falls State Park has to offer check here for reservations.
Glamping at Amicalola Falls
There is one other option that mixes primitive camping, with comforts from home, like a bed and access to power at Timberline Glamping. They offer single and double safari tents that are even climate controlled.
Amicalola Falls State Park is located 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534. For more information please see the state parks website.