My family has driven by Amicalola Falls State Park many times in the last 10 years. We have always been too busy to stop as we traveled to basketball and football games, volleyball and soccer matches and many other excuses of why not to stop and enjoy the 729-foot waterfall that happens to be be the highest in Georgia. We learned that the name Amicalola comes from a Cherokee language word meaning “tumbling waters.” What a sight it was.
My wife and I decided to go stay at the lodge and then hike the next day before another school year was to begin. The rooms were very clean and the view was majestic. We observed a storm come across the mountains and pass through the valley. It was such an awesome wonder to watch.
We had enough time to run into Dahlonega to look through some of their cute little shops. We decided to buy a couple of walking sticks since we would be hiking the next day. We really didn’t realize how important these sticks would be very crucial to our climb the next day. We were getting hungry. We had always heard of The Smith House and how wonderful their food was. It did not disappoint. I had the fried chicken and my wife had the barbecue pork. The green beans, corn and mashed potatoes were fresh and tasty. We made it back to the lodge before dark and we were able to enjoy a beautiful sunset.
We got up the next morning, ate breakfast in the restaurant (cafeteria style)at the lodge and then checked out of our room. It was now time for our hike. We’re not avid hikers so we thought this would be a good start for us. We drove to the bottom of the mountain to begin our trek up to the top of the falls. It was so steep in some stretches of our hike that we had to stop to catch our breath and to rest. We finally made it to the top and it was well worth the effort. We took several pictures and decided we would take the stairs down. We slowly worked our way down the sections of stairways. We made it halfway down and we were able to see a view to the top and a view down getting a different perspective. It was quite a treat. We finally made it down the rest of the way and I asked my wife if her legs were shaking too. She said yes and uncontrollably. We were sore for several days after that hike. We should have started with a trek that wasn’t as strenuous as this one since it was our 1st hike. However painful it was, it was well worth it.
Here are some other activities that Amicalola Falls State Park offer:
Zip-lining inside the park
Lodging
Cabin rental
Camping
Guided hikes
Birds of Prey Show by State Park staff
GPS Scavenger Hunts
3-D Archery
Survivalist Camp
There is a lot to do at this pretty little state park. Bring plenty of water, a change of clothes and a fresh set of legs if possible.
Be blessed and safe travels!
