Who doesn’t love a waterfall hike?
We were visiting family over Christmas and decided to squeeze in a quick trip to Amicalola Falls State Park. We didn’t have our hiking gear with us, but it worked out. The Amicalola Falls hike (at least the section we completed) is made up of paved trails and metal stairs. So wearing our sneakers was a-okay!
Don’t let the trail material fool you. This “hike” was challenging because we had to climb 600 steps. Not to mention the steep grade of the paved paths. But it was worth it to see Georgia’s tallest waterfall!
If you’d like to visit this natural beauty, the guide below has everything you’ll need to know.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Some Amicalola Falls Facts
- Amicalola Falls, located within Amicalola Falls State Park, is Georgia’s tallest waterfall! The cascading waterfall is 729 feet high, making it the third-tallest cascading falls east of the Mississippi River.
- The name Amicalola comes from the Cherokee language. It means “tumbling waters”.
- There are multiple ways to see the waterfall. We started our hike at the very bottom of the falls. However, you can easily get to the middle or the top without having to climb the stairs (but where is the fun in that?).
- If you start at the bottom of the falls, you’ll climb up 600 stairs to reach the top!
- Amicalola Falls State Park is the unofficial start of the Appalachian Trail. Many hikers take the 8-mile approach trail from there to Springer Mountain to begin their journey.
Prepare For Your Visit to Amicalola Falls
Location
Amicalola Falls is located within Amicalola Falls State Park in Dawsonville, Georgia. It’s about 1.5 hours from Atlanta and just under 2 hours from Chattanooga, TN.
Park Entry Fee
Amicalola Falls State Park charges $5 per vehicle to enter. You can also use your Georgia Annual Park Pass.
Parking
There are several parking lots located near the waterfall. Where you park is determined by where you want to start your climb.
We parked next to the reflection pool, which holds at least two dozen cars. However, you can park next to the Visitor Center to lengthen your hike.
There are also lots closer to the middle and top of the waterfall if you’d like to reduce the number of stairs (or avoid them altogether) to climb.
Good to Know: We visited the day after Christmas, and even though the park was busy, we could still easily find parking. I would imagine the spring and summer months would be much busier, so arrive early if possible to find parking.
Amenities
The Visitor Center has clean bathrooms, water fountains, and water bottle filling stations. There are also several picnic tables. And you can purchase small snacks at the vending machines or inside the gift shop.
Near the top of the falls, the Amicalola Lodge has a full-service restaurant and bar.
Cellular Service
We had no issue with cell phone service while at Amicalola Falls State Park. Of course, it’s always good to download a map before visiting.
Pets
Amicalola Falls State Park is pet-friendly (dogs must be leashed). However, the stairs at Amicalola Falls are open metal grate steps. Small dogs may catch their paws. We saw several dog parents carrying their pooch up the steps, which didn’t look very comfortable for either of them! It may be a good idea to leave your dog at home for this one.
Be a Responsible Visitor
Remember to respect nature as you visit this park. Stay on established paths, pack out your trash (including food waste), and leave what you find behind.
The more popular these destinations become, the more we need to be diligent about keeping our parks and lands clean and safe for all. You can learn more here.
Amicolola Falls Hike Via the Stairs
| Trail Location: | We started at the reflection pond |
| Trail Length: | 1.3 miles out and back |
| Trail Difficulty: | Hard due to the number of stairs |
| Trail Type: | Out and back |
| Elevation Gain: | 560 feet |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes and no (dogs are allowed, but it’s not ideal for them) |
Starting the Trail
As noted above, we parked along the loop by the reflection pond.
The trail starts off flat and paved as you walk around the pond. But it quickly becomes a steeply paved trail with grading up to 20%! They have a few seating areas where you can rest if needed.
Lower Observation Platform
After the paved trail, you’ll come across a platform at the bottom of the falls. This is an excellent place for a photo op!
This is also where you’ll encounter the first 175 stairs that lead to the bridge crossing the falls.
The Bridge
Once you complete the 175 stairs, cross the bridge to continue up the stairs. But don’t rush! This is another fantastic spot for a photo.
West Ridge Staircase
After crossing the bridge, you’ll encounter the West Ridge Staircase, which features 425 steps to the top of the falls. This is a strenuous climb, and thankfully, there are several areas you can get out of the way to stop and rest.
And, since we visited in the wintertime, we had some lovely views of the falls and the mountains in the distance.
At the top of the waterfall, you have some incredible views of the mountains. There are also several benches so you can rest your legs before heading back down.
Top of the Falls
Going Back Down
We have found on past hikes that sometimes going down stairs can be just as tiresome as going up (like when we did the Thousand Steps trail in Central Pennsylvania). However, this wasn’t too bad. I was more nervous about possibly slipping on the steps than anything, so I held onto the railing!
The worst part about going down is the paved trail section, since it is so steep. I witnessed some people going down backwards. The kids chose to kind of run/walk down the path. I did more of a side-step maneuver. It was definitely tough on the quads and knees.
Other Trails at Amicalola Falls State Park
There are several trails at Amicalola Falls State Park, many of which connect to the waterfall portion of the Appalachian Approach Trail.
You can lengthen your hike by starting at the Visitor’s Center and taking the Appalachian Approach Trail from there. Or, make the hike even longer by connecting the Creek, Mountain Laurel, and Spring Trails before meeting up with the West Ridge Access Trail. You would avoid the first 175 steps by doing it that way.
Amicalola Falls Hike Wrap-Up
Although this might not be considered a “hike” by some, it was still pretty strenuous! Our thighs were burning by the end. I think this was a fun way to see Georgia’s tallest waterfall. I’m glad we chose to conquer all 600 steps instead of parking halfway or at the top. But that is certainly an option (and no judgment if that’s what you choose to do!).
You don’t need hiking boots for this trail, but I recommend proper footwear, especially with good tread.
Pin It For Later
