Welcome back to Georgia Gems! This week I am taking you to Amicalola Falls State Park near Dawsonville, GA. Natalie first shared this as a "bonus gem" when discussing Fausett Farms in March of 2021. You can re-visit that post here. This state park is so magnificent that I wanted to share my experience and advice when visiting. The first state park I ever discussed on this blog was Red Top Mountain, so I am excited to bring you along to another favorite. If you are planning your trip for the first time, I would recommend visiting the Atlanta Trails website; it is a great resource for hikers and anyone interested in learning about the different trails, hiking essentials, and places to stay. But what if you are not a hiker? Rest assured that anyone can experience Amicalola Falls, from the most experienced hiker to people who simply want to enjoy the beautiful views. In fact, every gem I feature on this blog can be enjoyed without having to hike. When you arrive, be prepared to pay a $5.00 entry fee. If you plan to visit multiple state parks, you might want to consider the annual pass. Also, make sure to stop at the visitor center and speak with the friendly staff who will answer any questions you may have. Below are three ways to catch breathtaking views at Amicalola Falls State Park without having to hike. If you are going for the day and are looking for easy access to stunning views, I would check out these three spots.
1. Upper Observation Platform: This is by far my favorite view at the state park. Not only can you see the North Georgia Mountains from this vantage point, but you can also view the top of the waterfall as it plunges 729 feet below. The best part? You can access this upper platform from an adjacent parking lot. So it requires minimal walking. When you first arrive at Amicalola Falls State Park, there is a paved road to the left of the visitor center and parking area. This road will take you past two parking lots with easy access to waterfall views. Go past the first lot on the right and continue to the second parking lot at the very top. You will walk out to a wooden observation deck with the most breathtaking views! This puts you at the top of the waterfall, where you can capture some beautiful photos and videos.
From there, you can take the West Ridge Staircase down to the Lower Observation Platform for an incredible view of the cascading falls. However, this includes 425 steps which the park considers "strenuous." Skip down to number 2 on this list for an easier way to access the lower observation platform. While I was there, I noticed a lot of people who wanted to see the waterfall from the lower platform but were unsure of how strenuous the stairs would be; it is hard to gauge the difficulty from the top. Admittedly, I was also unsure. Just know that both observation platforms can be accessed without stairs and are also handicap accessible, so everyone can enjoy these incredible views. You do not have to take the stairs!
I've included some pictures I took from the top of the falls or Upper Observation Platform. Keep in mind that I visited during the Fall, so the leaves were just starting to change. Now that all the leaves have fallen, the view is a little different, but just as beautiful.
2. Lower Observation Platform: Perhaps the most popular place to view the waterfall is from the lower observation platform. This includes a bridge that takes you right up to the waterfall. If you are up for taking the stairs, you can either access this bridge from the West Ridge Staircase or the Appalachian Approach Trail (Base-of-the-Falls Trail) leading up to the waterfall. You can see a detailed park map here.
However, remember that paved road I told you about earlier? Follow the signs and pull over at the first parking lot on the way to the top; it will be on your right. From here, you will find the West Ridge Falls Access ADA, which is a .3 mile walk to the lower observation overlook. When I parked here, I wasn't sure how long the walk would be, but I am so glad I decided to go anyway. The path is beautiful and well-manicured. It is such a comfortable walk because the trail is made of recycled tires, making it perfect for wheelchairs, strollers, and all ability levels.[1]
Within a few minutes, I had made it to the platform where I stood in disbelief. I can't adequately put into words how magnificent the waterfall is, but hopefully these pictures and videos will give you an idea! I met so many friendly people along the way from every age group. You will feel as if you are standing in the middle of the waterfall, and you can even watch the water flowing beneath your feet while standing on the bridge.
While you are making the short (0.3 mile) walk to the waterfall, keep an eye out for the abandoned truck cradled by some trees. It gives new meaning to the words "hidden gem" and will be on your left side. I spoke with some hikers who pointed it out and told me that it was an abandoned moonshine truck from the Prohibition Era. How cool is that? You have to see it in person! There are also plenty of signs throughout the park warning visitors that this is "Bear Country." Thankfully, I didn't see any while I was there! I guess there were bearly any bears the day I visited. :)
3. The Lodge: If you go past the parking lot at the top of the falls and continue on the road as it curves around to the right, you will find a beautiful lodge. You can even catch a glimpse of it as you are walking on the West Ridge Falls Access ADA heading toward the waterfall. This is a perfect place to catch an incredible sunset, grab some dinner, or just relax. As soon as you walk through the front lobby, you will see spectacular mountain views from the huge windows. There are two glass balconies near the back of the lodge where you can go outside and enjoy the views. There is even a fire pit and plenty of seating for guests. Not to mention, the Amicalola Falls Lodge claims that most hotel rooms have great views, and there are occasionally promotions on the website if you are looking to extend your stay. Of the five state parks that offer dining and hotel accommodations, Amicalola Falls is one of them.[2]
Click here to learn more about Amicalola's Lodge and all the activities you can do while you are there.
The Lodge is a great place to grab a few photos, especially at sunset. I look forward to going back and perhaps staying here in the future. It is quaint and unexpected, and the views from the back are unreal. I would make this the last place you see while at Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge if you are taking a day trip. If possible, pick a sunny day and check out the panoramic views at sunset. The Lodge also has a restaurant called Maple, which is open all week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Plus, you can't beat the views while enjoying your meal. Take a look at the website to learn more about this hidden gem. Amicalola's Lodge was probably the most unexpected hidden gem I discovered.
When you do decide to visit Amicalola Falls State Park, I hope you have a great time! If you make a point to see all three of the spots mentioned above, you will have seen the very best of Amicalola Falls. What impressed me most during my visit was how well manicured the park was. The five dollar entry fee was minimal, especially given how outstanding the views are. I also appreciate that anyone can enjoy the park's beauty, from young children in strollers to those who need handicap accessible paths. I can see why this gem is one of the most popular in Georgia. Don't forget to follow @MyGeorgiaGems on Instagram and Pinterest and tag us when you decide to visit.
[1] West Ridge Falls Access Trail - Amicalola Falls. Discover Georgia Outdoors. (2019, October 4). Retrieved January 20, 2022, from https://www.discovergeorgiaoutdoors.com/trail/west-ridge-falls-access-trail-amicalola-falls/ In addition, West Ridge Falls Access ADA is handicap accessible.
[2] All about Amicalola Falls. Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge - Dawsonville, GA. (2019, August 7). Retrieved January 20, 2022, from https://www.amicalolafallslodge.com/blog/all-about-amicalola-falls/
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