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Amicalola Falls State Park, Dawsonville, GA

Photo: BakedintheHole, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sport & OutdoorOutdoor AdventureFamily Favorite

Amicalola Falls State Park

418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd · Dawsonville, GA

Why you should go…

This 829-acre park near Dawsonville centers on Amicalola Falls, a 729-foot cascade whose name comes from a Cherokee word meaning tumbling waters. Trails lead from the visitor center to the waterfall, and an 8-mile approach trail runs from the park to Springer Mountain, the southern end of the Appalachian Trail. The park also has a lodge with a restaurant, cabins, camping and a zip line course with 20 zip lines.

  • #state park
  • #waterfall
  • #hiking
  • #appalachian trail
  • #lodge

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Amicalola Falls State Park, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    Family Favorite

    Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

    $25–$50

    Heritage train excursion from downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia to McCaysville and Copperhill along the Toccoa River.

    21 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Project Chimps

    $25–$50

    Guided tours of a chimpanzee sanctuary in the north Georgia mountains, home to retired research chimps.

    21 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Attractions
    Quirky Fun

    Babyland General Hospital

    Free

    Tour the Cabbage Patch Kids hospital, watch a doll's birth at Mother Cabbage and adopt one to take home.

    28 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sightseeing
    Quirky Fun

    Helen

    Free

    A Blue Ridge Mountain town built as a Bavarian-style alpine village, promoted by its convention and visitors bureau.

    30 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Brasstown Bald

    Under $25

    Ride the shuttle or hike a paved half-mile trail to the observation deck on Georgia's highest summit.

    32 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Anna Ruby Falls

    Under $25

    Follow a paved trail along Smith Creek to viewing platforms at the foot of twin waterfalls near Helen.

    33 mi awayMore like this