One of the most compelling reasons to go hiking in the wilderness is to be awe-inspired by the sights. While Georgia has its share of stunning waterfall hikes, none of them truly compare to Amicalola Falls. As the tallest waterfall in Georgia, it’s a must-visit destination whether you’re a nature enthusiast or not.
Because of the height of the waterfall, this hike is a bit more challenging than most. However, much of the trail has stairs and paved sections, so it’s not exactly treacherous or dangerous. Let’s take a closer look at Amicalola Falls trail and what you can expect during your hike.
[Want to read more? Explore some of the most amazing waterfalls in Georgia in our full guide.]
The Basics
- Hours of Operation – 8:30 am – 5 pm (for the Visitor’s Center)
- Length – 2.1 miles Round Trip
- Location – Amicalola Falls State Park
- Fees – $5 per Vehicle
When’s the Best Time to Go?
Although Georgia is well-known for its hot and muggy summers, the best time of year to visit Amicalola Falls is between March and November. Visiting during the winter isn’t advised because sections of the trail can ice over, making it far more dangerous and potentially deadly.
If you do visit during the summer, try to come early to experience the falls without fighting through crowds. While this trail doesn’t necessarily draw a massive audience, there are more people out and about when the weather’s nice.
Fall is an amazing time to hike to the summit of the falls because the views of the surrounding area are spectacular. Looking out at the changing colors of the leaves is a transcendent experience – photos can’t even do it justice.
Overall, you shouldn’t have to fight your way to the top of the trail, but spring and summer are the busiest months. If you don’t mind cooler weather, you can have the trail practically to yourself during the winter.
Other Considerations About Amicalola Falls Trail
Since we’re talking about the tallest waterfall in GA, this trail is not without its setbacks and considerations. Here are some elements to pay attention to before making your visit to Amicalola State Park:
- There are Tons of Stairs – If you’re the type of person who hates hiking up and down stairs, you should stick to the milder bottom section of the trail. If you’re trying to make it to the top, you’ll likely hate having to traverse so many stairs in so little time.
- There’s a Lodge at the Top – Ideally, you should make a day trip to visit Amicalola Falls, so you can spend time at the lodge at the top of the mountain. Here you can sit back and enjoy a drink along with a delicious meal before you head back down the trail.
- There’s Camping On-Site – If you don’t like the idea of staying at a lodge or hotel nearby, you can pitch a tent and sleep under the stars. Two of the campsites allow dogs, so you can plan accordingly.
- Dogs and Children are Allowed – That said, the steep incline and sheer number of stairs may make it tricky for some dogs and especially small children. So, you may need to plan accordingly and forgo reaching the summit.
- It Does Snow – If you visit Amicalola Falls during the winter, you may see a light dusting of snow in the forest. Since snow and ice, coupled with waterfall spray and runoff, can be dangerous, it’s best to avoid the trail until the weather gets better. That said, if you have the right equipment and pay attention to where you’re going, you shouldn’t have to worry about slipping and falling.
- You Don’t Have to Hike the Whole Thing – There are several resting areas, bridges, and waiting sites along the trail. So, don’t feel compelled to hike from the bottom to the top. Instead, you can start in the middle and work your way to your final destination.
Overall, Amicalola Falls is worth the trip, whether you’re coming for an afternoon or an entire weekend. The visitors center is under renovation as of 2023, but the new building will amaze visitors and turn this highly-popular spot into a nature-lovers destination, drawing hikers from every corner of the country (and the world).