Distance: 1.0 Miles (one way)
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
The Visitor’s Center to Amicalola Falls State Park is a great place to begin the approach to Georgia’s highest waterfall. While it is possible to drive very close to the falls and hike to the falls along the very short West Ridge Falls Access, hiking from the Visitor’s Center provides a more challenging hike, wonderful views of the entire state park and Little Amicalola Creek, and is the true beginning to the Appalachian Approach Trail to Springer Mountain.
To begin the trail, enter the Visitor’s Center (be sure to check out the live Georgia snake exhibit) and exit through the rear door of the center. Grab a map of the park on the way out too. After exiting, the hiker will immediately notice a large stone archway, and signs indicating the direction of Springer Mountain, Mount Katahdin, Maine, and the Amicalola Lodge.
The signs indicating the direction of the Base of Falls Trail is somewhat confusing. To begin the trail, do not go up the wooden steps, take an immediate left before the sign and the steps. Follow the blue blazes up the trail.
The Base of Falls Trail leads parallel to the Park Entrance road, beside several picnic shelters, and an amphitheater. The trail then crosses over a wooden walkway before crossing the road.
After crossing the road, the trail then runs alongside Little Amicalola Creek.
Continue along the trail to the left of the picnic shelter, over the creek, and around the ridge of the parking lot.
You will arrive at the base of the Waterfall Trail which contains a beautiful reflection pool filled by Amicalola Creek, and surrounded by several informative signs about the wildlife in the area.
After enjoying the reflection pond, cross over the bridge and Amicalola Creek. From here, the real climb to the falls starts, and so do the best views. From here, the pathway is made up of a rough mixture of concrete, which provides great traction along a path that can be very slick with moisture.
Be aware, prior to reaching the falls there are two somewhat steep switchbacks. At the top of the first, a potentially wonderful view of the valley opens up. Unfortunately, on my last hike, there was a heavy fog, and the view is less than outstanding (although still enjoyable).
Finally, you reach the first observation deck, the Lower Observation Platform. From here, there is a beautiful first view of the falls.
The views of the tallest drop of Amicalola falls, however, only gets better after you accept the “challenge” of the “175 Steps.”
Up, up, and Up the stairs, and then finally, the Falls Overlook.
Don’t forget to turnaround and see the view of your hike.
This marks the end of the Base of Falls Trail. For a different route back, I suggest the West Ridge Trail to the parking area, then crossing over the parking area to the Spring Trail. The Spring Trail will intersect with Creek Trail and Mt. Laurel Loop. Follow these trails back to the Visitor’s Center.
Nearby Trail
East Ridge Trail – 1.0 Miles
Creek Trail – 0.6 Miles
Spring Trail – 0.4 Miles
Mt. Laurel Loop – 1.0 Miles
Appalachian Approach Trail – 8.5 Miles
Hike Inn Trail – 5 miles
West Ridge Falls Access Trail – 0.3 Miles
Directions from Ellijay:
Follow GA-52 approximately 21 miles to Amicalola Falls State Park.
Directions from Dawsonville:
Take Hwy. 53 west to Hwy. 183 north to Hwy. 52 east.
[…] is a 186’ waterfall, one of Georgia’s tallest (though not the tallest, that honor belongs to Amicalola Falls). The Falls is, however, one of the best views of a freefalling waterfall one can […]
Your explanations of how to access the falls and the AT are the best I’ve seen on the web! Finding a good map can also be cumbersome- Thanks for trekking the way for the rest of us fellow hikers!