Amicalola Falls State Park is a 829-acre park located in Dawsonville, Georgia, between Ellijay and Dahlonega. It is home to the highest waterfall in Georgia, the Amicalola Falls, which stands at 729 feet tall. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, including the Appalachian Approach Trail that leads to Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.
Height of Amicalola Falls
The Amicalola Falls is the main attraction of the park, standing at an impressive 729 feet tall. However, the main part of the falls is 429 feet in height, followed by a prolonged gently sloping run that drops another 279 feet. This makes Amicalola Falls the highest waterfall in Georgia and the third-highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River.
Trail System
The park has four groups of trails, offering a variety of hiking experiences for visitors. One notable trail is the 8.5-mile-long Appalachian Approach Trail that leads to Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. This trail is a popular starting point for Appalachian Trail thru-hikers, with over 2,500 hikers beginning their trek to Mount Katahdin, Maine each year.
| Trail Name | Distance |
|---|---|
| Appalachian Approach Trail | 8.5 miles |
| Amicalola Falls Trail | 0.5 miles |
| West Ridge Trail | 2.1 miles |
| East Ridge Trail | 2.1 miles |
History and Significance
The park’s name is derived from a Cherokee language word meaning “tumbling waters.” The area was controlled by the Cherokee tribe until 1832 when they signed the Treaty of New Echota with the United States, leading to their removal known as the Trail of Tears. The first written account of the falls was by William Williamson in 1832.
Facilities and Accommodations
The park offers a variety of facilities and accommodations for visitors, including a lodge, restaurant, cabins, a shelter for long-distance Appalachian Trail hikers, a campground, and access to the eco-friendly Len Foote Hike Inn. The park’s lodge has 57 guest rooms and conference facilities, and visitors can also stay in cabins or campsites.
Privatization and Accessibility
In 2012, the park’s operations were privatized and transferred to Coral Hospitality, a Florida-based hotel and resort management company. Despite this change, the park remains accessible to visitors, offering trails for hikers of all levels, including wheelchair-accessible trails and scenic views of the falls.
Wildlife and Activities
The park is known for its picturesque scenery and offers opportunities for trout fishing in seasonally stocked streams. Visitors can also participate in the park’s Birds of Prey program, which showcases various birds of prey found in the area.
Len Foote Hike Inn
The park is connected to the Len Foote Hike Inn, a backcountry eco-friendly inn that is 5 miles from the park, one mile from the Appalachian Approach trail, and 4.4 miles from Springer Mountain. This unique accommodation option provides a more immersive and sustainable experience for visitors.
References:
– https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amicalola_Falls_State_Park
– https://www.cedarcreekcabinrentals.com/amicalola-falls-everything-you-need-to-know-about-this-waterfall/
– https://www.amicalolafallslodge.com
– https://www.amicalolafallslodge.com/blog/all-about-amicalola-falls/
– https://kids.kiddle.co/Amicalola_Falls_State_Park