North Georgia's own Amicalola Falls State Park
High in the North Georgia Mountains, deep within the Chattahoochee National Forest, lies the Amicalola Mountain from which a river forms, runs, swirls and drops dramatically off a cliff to create a beautiful waterfall. The native Cherokee Indians called it Amicalola, their word for tumbling waters.
The 729 foot falls are the tallest cascading waterfalls east of the Mississippi River and they, along with their reflecting pool, are the central drawing card of the park that surrounds them. The Amicalola Falls State Park is one of the most popular in the country. It welcomes over a million people each year. During mid to late October, when the forests are ablaze with color, the park is at its busiest. At this time, you might want to visit during the week or carpool on the weekends. The falls are one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia.
While tucked away in the wilderness, the park’s nine nature trails make the falls accessible to travelers with different interests and needs. There are three parking lots –one at the top of the falls, one at the base, and one half-way up. All provide trails which get you up close and personal to viewing the waterfall. There’s a 12-mile integrated hiking trail system with a series of platforms and bridges. If you want a strenuous hike, start at the base and take the mile-long East Ridge Trail that climbs 425 steps to the top of the falls. The more moderate West Ridge Trail is appropriate for small children and is wheelchair/stroller friendly. Really serious hikers can take the 8 ½ mile approach trail to Springer Mountain, which is the southern end of the famous 2,135 mile Appalachian Trail.
Amicalola Falls State Park features at variety of lodging options. The 56- room Lodge is a hotel and convention center, with all the conveniences. It is a striking modern building of glass and wood, sitting atop the mountain. When it was first built some critics thought it was too intrusive on nature and it was quite controversial. But, the amazing views won the critics’ approval. Room rates range from $75-$200. If you prefer something a little more rustic, try one of the 14 cottages ($85-$165) or one of the 24 campsites ($25-$28). Some are dog-friendly. For the true adventurer, the 20-room Len Foote Hike Inn is a hiker’s lodge, accessible only by foot, and it’s a 5-mile trek. All of these options require advance reservations. You can call (800) 864-7275 or reserve on-line at www.gastateparks.org/info/amicalola.
For day-trippers, there are picnic tables, covered shelters, a Visitor’s Center and ranger-led educational programs that highlight the history and significance of the falls and their surrounding flora and fauna. You can also visit the Lodge, enjoy a rocking chair out on the deck and eat at the Maple Restaurant, known for its Sunday Buffet and glorious panoramic views.
Two special events coming up are the Appalachian Thanksgiving and the Christmas Open House. On Thursday, November 25, 2010, the Lodge is offering a sumptuous Thanksgiving Buffet and some interesting programs for the entire family. Reservations are required for the Buffet, so call early if you’d like to attend this popular event. The Christmas Open House is Saturday, December 11, 2010, from 4 PM to 9 PM. The Lodge will be beautifully decorated and there will be plenty to entertain you, including choir performances, gingerbread house displays and a visit from Santa.
The history of the Amicalola Falls State Park is interesting but sad. The native Cherokee peoples controlled the land surrounding the falls until they were forcibly removed from Georgia in the 1830’s. President Andrew Jackson negotiated the Treaty of New Echota, which required the Indians to move further west into the Ozarks. The mass removal would later be known as the Trail of Tears, a truly low point in our nation’s history. A series of land lotteries redistributed the Cherokee lands to white settlers. The land around the falls was, ironically, so rugged and remote that even the hardy white settlers did not remain on it. The hardiest of the bunch and the first to settle on the Amicalola land in 1852 was Bartley Crane. He built his home near the base of the falls. It is rumored that he met and married a Cherokee maiden who had somehow been left behind. Their descendants sold the property to the state of Georgia in 1940 for the establishment of the Amicalola Falls State Park. The park was not really developed until the Appalachian Trail Club rerouted their trail and needed a new southern terminus in the 1950’s. Since then, the park has certainly grown, but it retains its wilderness spirit.
Amicalola Falls State Park is located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, 90 minutes north of Atlanta, midway between Ellijay and Dahlonega. The park can easily be reached from either GA 515 or GA 400. Far and away the most scenic approach is via SR 136, heading east out of Jasper. This gives an incredible long range view of the falls, particularly in the winter and spring when they’re not shrouded by leaves. A quicker alternative is to take SR 52 east out of Ellijay. The park is on the left after the intersection with SR 186. Burt’s Pumpkin Patch is right across the road from the entrance to the falls.
No matter how you get there or what time of the year that you go, you will be impressed by the sheer beauty of the Amicalola Falls State Park. Nestled in the North Georgia Mountains, amid rolling hills, large granite outcrops and dense hardwood forests, lies a true gem of beauty—evidence of God’s majesty.