Amicalola Falls

The falls drop about two hundred and twenty metres in seven cascades, the tallest in Georgia and among the tallest east of the Mississippi. The name comes from a Cherokee word usually translated as tumbling waters. A staircase of 604 steps runs beside the cascades from the bottom to the top with a bridge crossing partway, and climbing it is the main activity - there is also a road to a lot near the top for those who would rather not. Behind the park, the Approach Trail runs about thirteen kilometres from the visitor centre up to Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, so thru-hikers starting northbound in spring often begin from this arch.

What you actually see

• About 220 metres in seven cascades - the tallest in Georgia.
• 604 steps beside the water - with a bridge partway up.
• The Appalachian Trail approach - thirteen kilometres to Springer Mountain.
• A road to the upper lot - for those skipping the climb.

When to go

March to November; spring for flow, October for colour. Half a day.

Honest expectations

The stairs are a genuine climb - 604 steps is more than it sounds. Flow drops in late summer. Thru-hiker season in March and April fills the park. Autumn weekends crowd the parking.

Nearby

Dahlonega is east; the Appalachian Trail runs north from Springer.