If you’ve booked a trip to the cabins in Northern Georgia, you’ve probably heard of Amicalola Falls. Visitors come from near and far to experience the beauty of the 729-foot cascade as it is the highest waterfall east of the Mighty Mississippi. But as you plan out your vacation itinerary, you may find yourself wondering: can my visit to the falls be customized to fit my specific needs and interests? The good news is that this is more than possible. To ensure that you have the best possible experience, here’s a look at how different vacationers may choose to spend their time at Amicalola Falls.
The Family
When traveling with kids, it’s important to keep everyone entertained and to always plan ahead. The journey from your cabin rental in Helen Ga to Amicalola Falls State Park will take about an hour, so you may decide to pick up something for the kids to snack on during the drive. A good spot for baked goods and other treats is Betty’s Country Store in Helen. Upon arrival, you may want to stop at the visitors center to see if any kid-friendly ranger-led programs will be occurring throughout the day.
When going to see the falls themselves, be advised that 604 stairs must be climbed to reach the top. For energetic, older children, this shouldn’t be a problem. If you’ve got little ones in strollers, however, you may want to stick to the handicap-accessible, paved trail that takes you to the base of the falls and provides beautiful views from a reflection pool. When you’re done admiring the falls, you can let the kids burn off some steam at the park’s playground, or enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the covered pavilions. Be sure to close out the day with a visit to the Amicalola Falls Deer Park, just around the corner. Here, you and the children can make memories by feeding and petting deer together.
The Photographer
Shutterbugs will have a field day when visiting Amicalola Falls State Park. Because of various access trails and stairways, there are numerous angles from which you can capture a shot of the breathtaking cascade. You may start by following the access trail (Creek Trail) and taking pictures of the towering falls and the lovely reflection pool. From here, you can walk 179 steps to the first viewing platform for further shots, followed by a tougher journey up another 425 stops for views from the top. Of course, the falls aren’t all that there is to photograph in the park. Be on the lookout for native flora and fauna to capture on your journey.
The Trailblazer
Amicalola Falls is a great place for hiking. Regardless of your fitness level, you’ll find a trail that’s right for you. Easier trails include the Lodge Loop which features educational displays along the .25 mile loop, and the West Ridge Falls Trail which affords incredible views of the waterfall. For more of a challenge, you may consider the mile-long Mountain Laurel Loop which runs along the ridge above Amicalola Creek. The truly serious hikers will want to blaze a path along the New Appalachian Approach Trail which begins with the 604 stair trek to the top of the falls. From here, the path continues over 8 miles before joining the old Appalachian Approach.
The Fitness Buff
The falls provide the perfect backdrop for folks who like to stay fit and active. If this sounds like you, you’ll want to begin your day by checking out the fitness trail which features over 20 exercise stations along a gorgeous scenic path. And if you’re planning to climb the stairs to the top of the falls, you may want to consider joining the Georgia State Park’s Canyon Climbers Club. You can register at the park’s visitor’s center, and get your first stamp once you’ve mastered the stairs. From here, you’ll want to plan a trip to conquer the Waterfalls Trail at Cloudland State Park, foray into Scenic Canyon 5 at Providence Canyon State Park, and tackle another set of stairs at Tallulah Gorge State Park.
The Nature Lover
If you’ve come to northern Georgia to experience native plant and animal wildlife, Amicalola Falls is the perfect spot for you. As one of America’s natural wonders, the falls themselves are worth the day trip to the Dawsonville area. Beyond the magnificent cascade, however, there is much to be seen within the park. As you hike along Lodge Loop Trail you can learn about the plant life that lines your path. As you forge deeper into the wooded areas of the park, you may be fortunate enough to cross paths with deer, foxes, beavers, lizards, and other native critters.
How will you choose to experience Amicalola Falls?
