As soon as you pass through our gates, you’ll see why Amicalola Falls State Park is one of the most popular parks in the South. With 829 acres of beautiful North Georgia mountain wilderness in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest, Amicalola Falls is just one of five Georgia State Parks with a lodge and restaurant.
Park Features
Amicalola, a Cherokee Indian word meaning “tumbling waters,” is an appropriate name for the 729-foot falls, the third-highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. While Amicalola Falls is the most notable feature of the park, there are many other reasons visitors have been flocking to this site since it was established as a state park in 1940.
Many beautiful and diverse hiking and walking trails wind through the park and activities are abundant at the Amicalola Falls Visitors Center. One of the most popular trails, the eight-mile Approach Trail leads from the park to Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the 2,193-mile Appalachian Trail.
Overnight accommodations at our Georgia mountain resort include 57 comfortable lodge rooms, 14 cozy rental cabins and 24 wooded campsites. On-site activities include ziplining, trout fishing, guided hikes, GPS scavenger hunts, and 3-D archery. The park is often used to host corporate events, family reunions and group retreats and is a popular destination wedding location.
Whether you want to relax in the natural confines of the wooded campground, explore the Dawsonville, GA area or hike miles of mountain trails, Amicalola Falls State Park is ready for whatever Georgia activities you have in mind.
Park Hours & Access
Amicalola Falls State Park is accessible year-round during daylight hours.
The Visitor Center is open 7 days a week from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
All vehicles entering Amicalola State Park require a $5 GA State Park Pass.
Frequent park visitors can save money with a $50 Annual Park Pass available at the Lodge or Visitor’s Center. Passes are good for one year from the purchase date.
Avoid the crowds and find more opportunities open for activities by scheduling a mid-week visit.
Pardon our Progress
Effective November 20th, 2023 the Lower Falls Trail at Amicalola Falls will be closed several months for major improvement work. The closure impacts the park’s most popular trail, and will include the reflection pool parking area at the base of the falls.
“We know there will be some disappointed visitors and apologize in advance, but we know this work will bring a much-needed improvement for the park” said James Hamilton of the North Georgia Mountains Authority. The project scope includes: widening and replacing the paved surface, replacing a bridge, and drainage improvements for protecting the resources along the 729-foot falls. Hamilton added that the Georgia DNR and park staff are counting on cooperation and patience from the public during the closure. The East Ridge Trail is an alternative route to the top of the falls and will remain open.
Funds for the project were provided through a grant from the Recreation Trails Program with matching funds provided from the Friends of Amicalola Falls State Park and the NGMA.
Guest can still access the waterfall and most of the steps from these locations:
- West Ridge Trail – Access to the mid-point of the waterfall and up to the Top of the Falls and back down stairs – Easy to Moderate – Limited parking
- From the Visitors Center – Creek Trail to Mt. Laurel Loop to Spring Trail to West Ridge Trail – Moderate to Strenuous
- From the Visitors Center – East Ridge to the Top of the Falls – Moderate to Strenuous
- Top of the Falls – Stairs down to the mid-point and back up – Moderate
Please contact Heath Carter, 770-676-0385 for additional information.