Just an hour drive outside of Atlanta sits the tallest waterfall in Georgia— Amicalola Falls. At 729 feet tall, the thundering sounds of water crashing down below your feet will take your breath away. After climbing up 600 steps, with sweat dripping down your face, and the humidity making you question your choice of wearing pants, you finally make it to the top. As you walk on the platform, you can feel the mist of the water hitting your face while you squint up towards the top searching for the beginning. At this point, you are smiling from cheek to cheek.
Amicalola Falls is the perfect day, or weekend, trip to take outside of Atlanta. It offers something for people of all ages, and a place where your outdoorsy side can let loose.
Driving to Amicalola Falls from Atlanta will take you straight into the North Georgia mountains. As you twist and turn through the winding streets, vast mountains will be your backdrop. There aren’t many stores once you reach the falls, so please make sure you plan and pack accordingly.
Once you arrive at the park, you will be greeted by a gate tenant (unless you arrive after hours) where you can pay for your Georgia State Park pass, which is $5 a day. As you drive in, on your left will be the visitor center where you can find information about the park along with the park map.
Accommodation Options
Amicalola Falls offers three accommodation options: the Amicalola Falls Lodge, a cabin, or a campsite. The cabins and campsites always book out early so plan your trip at least 1-2 weeks in advance, especially during the summer.
The lodge is for those who want a taste of outdoors, but prefer to stay in a hotel. It is going to be the most expensive option, but nicest in terms of amenities and accommodations. It offers a viewing of the mountains on the back deck, along with a restaurant.
The cabins are great for people that are coming with a large group or if you prefer a private spot with your family. There are 14 cabins located in Amicalola Falls. They can house 4 to 10 people.
Amicalola Falls campsite
A short walk from the falls sits 24 campsites that you can rent. Each campsite comes with a charcoal grill, a fire pit, a picnic table, a hose for water, power outlets (make sure you bring an extension cord), and the campsite area. The area is large enough to fit two tents or an RV/camper. There are public bathrooms and showers on the campground along with two laundry rooms (pictured above.)
At night, you can look out from your tent and see thousands of twinkling stars. It’s absolutely spectacular, especially for those coming from city life in Atlanta.
To be on the safe side they ask that you buy your firewood once you get to the camp to prevent the spread of tree-killing insect infestations and diseases. The campground host, who lives right across from the bathrooms, sells the firewood for $5 for a bundle of eight pieces. Book your campsite here.
Hiking Trails at Amicalola Falls
Amicalola Falls– It takes 600 steps to get to the top of the falls. There are many viewpoints along the way where you can stop and take breaks. At the bottom of Amicalola Falls, there is a small pond where many people like to fish.
Appalachian trail– A 15 mile roundtrip hike through the mountains.
Len Foote Hike Inn– A 9-mile roundtrip hike that takes you deep through the woods. It takes you to an Inn that has a decent view of the mountains. In my opinion, the view isn’t that great compared to the work it takes to get there.
The hike is not easy and is filled with trails packed with large rocks, tree roots, and hills. It is 3 hours each way, for a total of 6 hours so be sure to give yourself enough daylight to make it back.
Incredibly embarrassing side story:
I was not so smart and made the mistake of leaving at 4 pm (remember it’s 6-hour hike) and was stuck hiking in the woods at night for 1 hour. My only light being the flashlight on my dying iPhone. It was pitch black and I couldn’t see more than 5 feet in front of me.
Trust me, this was not a good idea. This is bear country folks. Every time I heard a crackle or sound in the woods my insides cringed. I felt like I could be bitten by a bear or snake at any moment. To my defense, I knew I started the hike late so I figured I could just catch a Lyft/Uber once I made it to the Inn. Little did I know, there is no road up there and the only way to stay at the hotel is if you hike there. Talk about a downer, I didn’t even know that was a thing!
So my only options were to either pay $150 to stay at the hotel (with none of my belongings) or to hike back to the campsite for 3 more hours. Mind you, I had already hiked 3 hours there and did Amicalola Falls earlier that morning under the scorching sun. I was BURNT OUT, to say the least.
Imagine being so physically exhausted you consider going to sleep in the middle woods. I know, I know you’re probably thinking: Even though you were exhausted, why didn’t you just run back so you could beat the sunset? Trust me I would have, but this was a family trip and I couldn’t leave my aunt behind, who was having a lot of muscle pain due to the hike.
We were all banking on being able to take a Lyft back down. Instead, we found ourselves hiking in absolute darkness, scared of being eaten, not a person in sight, for an entire hour. We eventually made it back to our campsite, where we showered and crashed. We ended up doing 18 miles that day, and NOT by choice.
Things To Do Outside Of Amicalola Falls
Burt’s Farm – A cute farm that is down the street from the park that offers hand made jellies, pies, stews, and more. In the Fall, they offer a large pumpkin patch where you can pick your favorite.
Ziplining– I screamed the entire time I was zipping through the sky and had the BEST time. This excursion is perfect for the thrill-seekers and adventure junkies. Your tour will have about 10 to 12 people. Book yours here.
3D Archery- Learn how to use a bow and arrow and take practice shots at their outdoor range.
GPS Scavenger Hunt- There are eight coordiante locations that you can hike to and test your GPS skills.
I hope you enjoy your trip to Amicalola Falls! Let me know in the comments if this is a place you have been before or hope to go one day.
