United States · Appalachians, Georgia
Amicalola Falls
The tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi tumbles down a series of rock staircases beside a 604-step metal stairway that climbs alongside it, near the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Thru-hikers headed for Springer Mountain often pass through the park at the start of their journey.
The tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi tumbles down a series of rock staircases beside a 604-step metal stairway that climbs alongside it, near the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Thru-hikers headed for Springer Mountain often pass through the park at the start of their journey.
Amicalola Falls drops 222 metres (728 ft) on the Amicalola Creek, inside Amicalola Falls State Park. It is a cascade-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Dawsonville, with ATL the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate.
Spring and fall give the best combination of flow and foliage color along the staircase trail.
What you can do here
Zip lines
Cable-crossing a gorge at the height the spray reaches, usually with the falls in your peripheral vision the whole way.
Hiking
From ten-minute boardwalks to multi-day approaches through cloud forest.
Photography
Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.
When to go
Spring and fall give the best combination of flow and foliage color along the staircase trail.
Entry: State park parking fee
Getting there
- Base townDawsonville
- AirportATL
- CountryUnited States
- RegionAppalachians, Georgia, North America
- AccessModerate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail
On the map
34.5578, -84.2461
Quick answers
How tall is Amicalola Falls?
Amicalola Falls drops 222 metres (728 feet). It is a cascade-type waterfall on the Amicalola Creek.
When is the best time to visit Amicalola Falls?
Peak flow is March to April and October to November. Spring and fall give the best combination of flow and foliage color along the staircase trail.
What can you do at Amicalola Falls?
Beyond the viewpoints: zip lines, hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail.
How do you get to Amicalola Falls?
The usual base is Dawsonville, and the closest airport is ATL. A real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail from there. State park parking fee.
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