Amicalola, a Cherokee Indian word meaning tumbling waters, is an appropriate name for these 729-foot falls the tallest east of the Mississippi River.
An eight-mile approach trail leads from the park to Springer Mountain, the southern end of the 2,135-mile Appalachian Trail. However, numerous other trails are available for shorter journeys.
A beautiful lodge is popular with guests who prefer hotel-type comforts over cottages and camping, while a 5-mile hike leads to more remote accommodations at the Len Foote Hike Inn. Be sure to stop by the park office to see nature displays, live exhibits and a gift shop.




Being a muslim, and wearing a headscarf, I didn't expect people to be so warm and inviting. Also, I watch too much Criminal Minds, so I had a hard time completely letting go, but honestly I never felt intimidated, or alone. The park was pretty busy even on a Thursday. I have to say at the lodge, information center, bathrooms, restaurant, trail to water falls, and everyone in site was clean, orderly, easy to follow, and all the employees were great. Though my niece, nephew, and my friend, when in the beginning of June, the falls were still pretty rapid. I would suggest getting plenty of water, wearing comfortable shoes and wearing light clothes. We went on a humid, and rather cool day with 85 degrees, and with a little rain it was a very pleasant trip. I would suggest packing a lunch because the hotel restaurant staff were friendly, and the view is breath taking, for the type of food I'd much rather pack my own lunch. For adults it was 1195 lunch and children over 5 were very affordable at 549 lunch. So considering some fast food joints aren't far behind, it is affordable, but the food is cafeteria style and I doubt any of it was organic. Still great to try if not but sit and have a soda or tea. I think I will soon plan a stay for my husband and I and some friends in the hotel or a near by cabin. I will be sure to pick days with a sprinkle to cool things off a bit. OH, I wish I have pack flips flops because once you reach the top of the falls, there is a nice cool creek where we took our sneakers and socks off and cooled down a bit, it would have been easy to go down in flip flops, and less gross wearing wet socks. :-)

This day of family fun celebrates our nation’s independence. Join us for relay races, patriotic crafts, and our famous watermelon seed-spitting contest. $5 parking. 706-265-1969.

This weekend will be sprinkled with basic skills classes introducing skills such as fire building, orienteering, and natural-cordage making. Programs are a blend of lecture and hands-on activities suitable for families (7+ years old). $5 parking. 706-265-1969.

Enjoy living history demonstrations in the lower lodge lobby. Explore the magic of handmade folk toys, and try your hand at churning butter. Reservations required for the lodge's very popular Thanksgiving Buffet. $5 parking. 706-344-1505.

Enjoy musical performances and meet our visiting artists. Kids can join the park's volunteers in the craft room to make seasonal ornaments to take home. View gingerbread house creations and vote for your favorite. Get cozy by the fire and visit with Santa, then wind down with a holiday story or two.