Amicalola Falls:fall into one of Georgia's seven natural wonders!
Published: Oct 14, 2009
The namesake waterfall within Amicalola Falls State Park is considered one of the seven natural wonders of Georgia; just a glimpse of its magnificent display and it’s easy to understand why.
A waterfall is not a complex concept and yet the effect of water falling is somehow overwhelmingly captivating to us. We may understand how it happens, but the spectacle of rushing wild water in a beautiful dance with gravity is something we can never truly comprehend – which is perhaps why travelers have been drawn to the sight of Amicalola Falls since the mid-1800’s.
The falls were aptly named Amicalola by the Cherokee Indian tribe, who controlled the land on which the park is now located until they were forced to move west in 1832. In the Cherokee language the name means, “tumbling waters.”
At 729-feet tall, Amicalola is now known to be the highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. Visitors from all over come to see the falls, but they stay to enjoy the trails, campgrounds and other amenities found within the state park.
In fact, many hikers begin their Appalachian Trail adventure on the 8.5 mile approach that winds around the falls and leads from the park to Springer Mountain (the trail’s southernmost point). Less adventurous hikers can still climb the lower portion of this trail to fully take in the falls from several vantage points on the way to the top. Cars may also be driven to the top of the falls, although clear views of the cascading water can only be seen on foot.
The 829-acre park offers visitors 12-miles of hiking trails, picnic spots, a 56-room lodge, 14 cottages, campsites, restaurant, a Hike Inn, fishing and ropes course (by reservation only), not to mention exquisite views. The visitor’s center boasts an Appalachian Trail display, gift shop, nature exhibits, and live animals.
Check the website for special events throughout the year, including events at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The park is located between Ellijay and Dawsonville, about an hour and a half north of Atlanta.
- by Christine Foster, Atlanta Reporter for HelloMetro
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