1st Time at Amicalola Falls

Jack Orebaugh
Jun 26, 2020
2 min read

Updated: May 18, 2022

Located in the north Georgia mountains, Amicalola Falls is a 1,200 stair hike up to the top of a gorgeous waterfall overlooking the valley below. Ryan and I decided on this hike after having everyone we knew who was an outdoors person recommend the falls, raving about the vistas.

After packing our boots and bags in the car, we set off on the hour and a half drive from outside of Atlanta to the falls. Not knowing what to expect on the drive, we were pleasantly surprised with farms, cornfields, rolling hills, valleys, and even a marble mine.

Once we crested the hill leading into the Amicalola Falls State Park, we were greeted with a well kept visitor's center, complete with clean bathrooms and helpful attentive staff. At roughly 10 o'clock we settled into our parking spot after a quick bathroom break, and got ourselves ready to begin the hike. The beginning of the trail started with a natural pond formed by rocks at the bottom of the falls, full of fisherman from around the area.

Lacing up our boots, we set off up the trail, starting out with pavement at a relatively steep incline that lead to stairs, where we began the ascent up the falls. We stopped frequently on the way up so that Ryan could get the awesome pictures you see now. Once we reached the stairs, we began the vertical climb up the falls.

Reaching the the top of the first set of stairs, we stood on a platform where we could stand parallel with the falls and take in their beauty as the cool water sprayed off the falls. After snapping a few good selfies, we walked a little farther and came to the next set of stairs that led all the way to the top of the falls. 425 steps later, we reached the top, looking out over an angelic waterfall that dwarfed the valley bellow with rays of sunlight peaking through the shadows.

After we had our fill of the falls, Ryan and I discussed our thoughts on the 1st time going to Amicalola Falls. It was an easy drive, nice faculties, beautiful views and a well maintained trail. Perfect for the whole family, pets, and elderly relatives, with plenty of places to pull off and take a rest on your way. Leaving the park and driving home, Amicalola Falls State Park is not to be overlooked.