Time to Take a Hike

One of the great things about living in North Georgia is the proximity we have to some of the best hiking and most spectacular views in the country.  Amicalola Falls is a prime example – and a great day or weekend trip from Norcross.

At 729 feet, this majestic waterfall is the tallest cascading falls in the southeastern United States – and there are a variety of vantages points from which to experience her dancing beauty. 

One can literally stand on top of the falls by driving up the park road toward the Amicalola Lodge, stopping on the righthand side of the road - just before reaching the lodge itself - and walking just a few feet to the path that leads to a bridge built over the falls. 

The sound of the water rushing over the edge of Amicalola Falls is not the overwhelming jet engine roar one hears at Niagara Falls, but more of a soothing, almost musical tranquility heard only from this mountain hideaway.

If you prefer a bit of a challenge, you can park down at the base of the falls near the campgrounds and take the rustic stairway that winds itself along the falls, all the way to the top.

If you’re up for a longer hike, take the eight-mile path from the park, near the campgrounds, over to Springer Mountain.  There you’ll find the southern starting point of the famous 2,175-mile Appalachian Trail.  Some hikers like to walk part of the trail just to say they’ve been on the Appalachian Trail.  However, before you get all fired up by the idea of hiking the natural beauty of this path that meanders through 14 eastern states to the north, keep in mind it takes about six or seven months to hike all the way to the trail’s northern most point at Maine’s Mount Katahdin.

Amicalola Falls State Park does have accommodations if you wish to stay over; from very comfortable cottages at the base of the falls - complete with TV, air conditioning, bathrooms and kitchens - to the mountain-top lodge located just above the falls.  Amicalola Lodge has hotel-style accommodations, a beautiful view  and a very good restaurant that serves a wonderful Sunday brunch buffet.  It even has conference facilities for corporate retreats as well as wedding receptions.  But there is no room service.

For a bit more rustic experience - with creature comforts - hike to the Len Foote Hike Inn.  The five-mile hike from the Park’s Visitors Center is the only way to get to the inn.  Vehicles can not access the Len Foote Hiking Inn - tucked away, deep in the Chattahoochee National Forest. 

It’s required that you start out for the inn no later than 2 p.m., since the hike will take up to four hours. You only need personal items, including layered clothing, hiking boots, extra socks, rain gear, toiletries and water for the hike as well as sunscreen, insect repellent, a first aid kit and a flashlight. But you’re asked not to bring radios, pets or cell phones.   You wouldn't likely get cell service anyway. Besides, you're getting away - so, get completely away.

The inn serves breakfast and dinner each day and, if you’re an early riser, you’ll get a breathtaking view of the sunrise each morning from the aptly named Sunrise Room at the inn.  On the hike back, you can take part of the Appalachian Trail to get to the Visitors Center. 

And then you can say you've hiked the Appalachian Trail.

To get to Amicalola Falls State Park from Norcross, take GA 400 North to GA 53 (Dawsonville Highway), then, once in the Dawsonville town square, take the first right of the roundabout onto Shoal Creek Road (GA 136 Spur), then stay on Shoal Creek Road until you take a right onto Bailey Waters Road.  Continue on Bailey Waters Road until you make a left onto GA 52, then a right on High Shoals Road which takes you into the park.  It's about a 50-mile trip, with an estimated travel time of just over an hour.