Amicalola Falls Base of the Falls Amicalola Falls State Park, GA
miles
LENGTH 0.7 MILES
DIFFICULTY 2.6 Easy
DURATION 1 hour
ELEVATION GAIN
290
feet
TRAIL TYPE
There And
Back Again
Amicalola Falls Base of the Falls

Hike to the base of the highest waterfall in Georgia and one of the state's seven natural wonders, the 729-foot Amicalola Falls. Travel along a rushing creek to the base of this impressive falls. You'll also travel along the official AT approach trail that leads to Springer Mountain. Dogs are allowed but are not recommended to take on the grated metal steps.

The most popular route to Amicalola Falls is at the end of the road straight past the Visitor Center. If that lot is full, you can add the Creek Trail for a longer hike from the parking area at the Visitor Center.

If you take the Creek Trail, it's fairly easy to navigate; just follow the signs to the base of the falls. This adds a mile round trip to the hike. From the Reflection Pool, go around to the left, heading up the steep paved-gravel path. After a quarter mile, you'll reach you're first view of Amicalola Falls.

Head up over 175 steps to reach the bridge crossing the base of the falls from a bridge crossing above powerful cascades. In the right conditions you can get a little wet here. If the first set of steps wasn't enough for you, make this a loop hike and take on another 425 steps to reach the top of the falls.

Explore more trails at Amicalola Falls State Park.

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Elevation Map Length (miles) by Elevation (feet)
Terrain Map Click to control map
Details
length0.7 miles
difficulty2.6 Easy
duration1 hour
trail typeThere And Back Again
blazeBlue
elevation gain290 ft.
state Georgia 
park/forestAmicalola Falls State Park
visitor infoAmicalola Falls Visitor Center
280 Amicalola Falls State Park Road
Dawsonville, GA 30534
706-265-4703
hours7am - 10pm (Park)
9am - 5pm (Visitor Center, Sun - Wed)
9am - 7pm (Visitor Center, Thu - Sat)
parking fee$5/Day, $50 Annual Pass
trailhead coordinates 34.563486, -84.246857 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 34°33.81, W 84°14.81 (Degree Minutes, MinDec)
N 34°33'49'', N 34°33'49'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)
Trailhead Directions
34.563486, -84.246857 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 34°33.81, W 84°14.81 most GPS units use this one
N 34°33'49'', N 34°33'49'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)
Google Map It
When you enter the park, drive straight past the Visitor Center to the end of the road. If there is no parking here, park at the Visitor Center and take the Creek Trail.
Notes
Dogs are allowed at the park but won't do well on the grated metal steps leading up to the falls.
Stay on the maintained paths. Wet rocks can be very slippery.
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Reviews / Comments
Average Review Rating
5 (2)
Smokey12-4 years ago
A winner any time!
We did the Creek trail and it was a really pretty hike. The steps are daunting and although we've done all of them before, we opted just to do the 175. You just have to stand in awe of the falls!
Easy-Medium | Hiked Winter 2020
hikethesouth-6 years ago
Take the Short Route to Georgia's Highest Waterfall
This is a perfect short hike for those not looking for anything too challenging. Standing below the powerful Amicalola Falls is absolutely worth this short trip. Do it.
Easy | Hiked Summer 2018
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