Whether hiking the storied Appalachian Trail or soaking in the beauty of Amicalola Falls, there is no better retreat than a stay at Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge. Located just 8 miles from the Appalachian Trail within the Chattahoochee National Forest in Dawsonville, and a short hike from the majestic 729-foot waterfall for which it is named, the lodge offers a cozy respite after a cornucopia of nearby adventures such as ziplines, archery, guided waterfall hikes and leaf peeping. As one of Georgia’s most popular state parks, it is never more sought-after than when mother nature paints the park red and orange for the fall season.
The Lodge, Cabins and More
From cozy suites and rooms in the Lodge to cabins and campgrounds and even glamping, Amicalola State Park & Lodge offers the perfect perch for spying fall color, wildlife and panoramic mountain views, especially from the Lodge’s impressive veranda. In fact, the Lodge’s terrace was my favorite place to gather while staying at the park. Except perhaps, when I checked in to my king suite that offers a sitting area and private porch, that touts those same amazing views but with more solitude for personal reflection. Simply put – utter relaxation.
The lodge boasts 57 resort-style rooms with spectacular views with king, queen, double and several suite options. Each room comes complete with central air, satellite TV and Wi-Fi. The lodge also offers Cascades Restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner for guests and day trippers, serving up Southern fare and a sweeping mountain view. Take your seasonal specialty drink to the veranda for sunset views to remember.
For larger groups, the 13 cabins (offering either one, two or three bedrooms) provide the perfect perch for avid hikers. The nine mountaintop cabins located above the falls are ideal for families planning to hike not only in the park but into the surrounding Chattahoochee National Forest as well. There are also four Creekside cabins along the water and they have been recently renovated to include modern furnishings and amenities. Ask about the pet-friendly cabins if interested in bringing your fur baby on your adventure. Both the lodge and cabins are just minutes away from Amicalola Falls.
Enjoy being even closer to nature? There are 18 wooded campsites accommodating tent camping and RVs sites, complete with water, power, grill and a fire ring. Campsites have a six-person occupancy limit, and tents must fit on designated tent pads.
Would you like to be immersed in nature but be pampered a little too? Then check out glamping in the Amicalola Falls State Park’s glamping Safari Tents, which combine luxury with the great outdoors. Safari tents include a mini fridge, Keurig coffee maker, rugs, lamps and other home décor as well as a ceiling fan, air conditioning and heating. The glamp site also includes two hammocks for relaxing, a wood fire ring for smores, a charcoal grill for cooking as well as a picnic table, string lights and two camp chairs. Sleeping options include a king bed with two bunk beds or two queen beds.
Ready for Adventure
Without a doubt, your first stop is the new Visitor Center that opened in late 2023. This is the perfect place to buy a walking stick or souvenir T-shirt while learning about the park’s history and wildlife in the exhibit gallery that showcases 150 years of Georgia history. You can also learn more about the rich history and traditions of the Appalachian Trail. For adventurous hikers, an interactive map that lights up the trails shelters along Georgia’s part of the trail, which encompasses 80 miles, is a must-see.
Behind the Visitor’s Center, hikers will not want to miss the stone arch, the “unofficial beginning” of the approach trail to Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the 2190-mile Appalachian Trail that leads all the way to Maine.
The highlight of the park is of course Amicalola Falls, a 729-foot waterfall that is the third-highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. You can easily access the top of the falls behind the Lodge and descend the stairs to the bottom of the falls, or park at the base and hike up 175 stairs, whichever hike strikes your fancy. You can also schedule guided Waterfall Hikes at the Visitor Center.
Zipline tours are available via Amicalola Zipline, and reservations are highly recommended, especially in fall. Try an intro course or check out their Adventure Tour Plus that includes seven ziplines with the longest being 2,000 feet and three bridges, the highest point being 250 feet in the air.
Guests can also book archery sessions to learn the basics of shooting a compound bow and arrow into 3D foam targets or channel your inner mountain man (or woman) with hatchet throwing. All equipment is provided, just don’t forget your closed-toe shoes!
Plan for peak color
When planning your trip to the Amicolola Falls State Park & Lodge, consider peak color and book reservations early. We suggest booking your stay for late October to early November, but peak color of leaves can vary slightly depending on weather conditions. If you want the best view, try to get the mountain view rooms and a private porch at the Lodge if available for maximum enjoyment.
Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge
418 Amicalola Falls State Park Road
Dawsonville
