Nestled in North Georgia’s Chattahoochee National Forest, this park is home to Amicalola Falls, the tallest waterfall in the state at 729 feet. Its name, which means “tumbling waters” in Cherokee, beautifully captures its essence. Just 75 miles from Atlanta, the park offers outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, zip-lining, 3D archery, and survival courses. Whether you’re an experienced backpacker, a family on vacation, or a couple on a romantic getaway, you’ll find plenty to enjoy, along with a range of accommodations from tent and RV camping to a luxurious lodge with full amenities.
Ideal for a day trip from Atlanta or Chattanooga, Amicalola Falls is a pet-friendly spot packed with adventures. Start at the Visitor Center, open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., where you can get maps, see live animal exhibits including birds of prey and reptiles, explore an Appalachian Trail exhibit, and shop for souvenirs. With nearly 20 miles of trails, you can choose from an easy, wheelchair-accessible 1/3-mile walk to more challenging routes like the 8.5-mile New Appalachian Approach Trail that guides you to the falls and continues through the forest to Springer Mountain, the start of the Appalachian Trail. For an adrenaline rush, try the zip lines at Aerial Adventure Park, featuring suspension bridges, 3D archery, and GPS scavenger hunts.
After a day of exploration, enjoy a meal at Maple Restaurant, open daily. It serves Southern-inspired dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with stunning mountain views through floor-to-ceiling windows.
The park’s trail network offers something for everyone, from beginners to seasoned hikers, providing close encounters with the falls, local streams, and wildlife. Some trails are wheelchair-friendly, while others have stairs to navigate the rugged landscape, leading to breathtaking viewpoints. Be mindful on rainy days, as the terrain can be slippery, and stick to marked paths to avoid disturbing the environment and wildlife.
Try a zip line tour over the treetops, or enjoy a guided 3D archery session outdoors. Enhance your hiking with the GPS Scavenger Hunt, a self-led trek with checkpoints. There are also guided hikes, ax throwing, and survivalist workshops where you can learn essential skills like making a fire and setting up a tent. Most activities require booking ahead, especially during busy months.
Don’t miss the bird of prey demonstrations held on Saturdays from 10 to 10:30 a.m. in the Lodge. Sundays at 10 a.m., the Visitor Center hosts “Meet a Reptile” sessions, perfect for kids’ interactive learning.
Stay overnight at one of 24 campsites equipped for tents and RVs, each with water, electricity, picnic areas, and campfire setups. Many sites are ADA accessible with paved paths. Facilities include accessible restrooms, showers, and laundry services. Note the steep 25% grade road to the campground, which may not suit all vehicles, and the capacity limit of six people per site.
Amicalola Falls State Park is around 90 minutes from Atlanta by taking I-75/85-N to GA 400-N/US 19-N and continuing to GA-136 W. For visitors from Chattanooga, follow US 27-S to I-24 E, merge onto I-75 S, and take exit 336 A, eventually following GA 42-E to the park.
The park is committed to accessibility, with two wheelchair-accessible trails, accessible lodging, and facilities like restrooms and parking designed for visitors of all abilities.
