While traversing the mountains of north Georgia in April 1832, William Williamson, a subcommander of the Georgia Guard, came across a sight that stopped him in his tracks. It was, in his words, “a Water Fall perhaps the greatest in the World.”
In a letter penned to Gov. Wilson Lumpkin outlining the status of relations with the Cherokee in the region, Williamson went on to describe the cascade as “the most majestic Scene that I have ever witnessed or heard of.”
Wanting a closer look, he started scrambling up the steep slope beside the falls.
“But the ascent was so great that I was completely exhausted by the time I reached half way. My position was such that I had a perfect view of the entire Fall,” he wrote, before adding the stream was called “Um.ma.colo.la.”
Today, this natural wonder is known as Amicalola Falls, after a Cherokee word meaning “tumbling waters.” A state park of the same name was established to preserve the majestic stream in 1940 and currently encompasses 829 acres.
Much has changed at the site since Williamson first viewed the falls more than 200 years ago. For starters, a series of staircases with a combined total of 604 steps now wind their way up the mountain. Tackling the climb is still strenuous, but those who attempt it are rewarded with up-close-and-personal views of the impressive water feature, which, even after all these years, continues to stop visitors in their tracks.
At a towering 729 feet, Amicalola is “the third highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River,” according to the state park’s website.
Those wishing to take in the view can do so without plodding up all 600-plus stairs. A walking bridge spans the crest of the drop, and the height of the cascade is visible from spots along a paved pathway beginning at the park reflection pool. A spectacular midpoint of the falls can also be reached by way of a handicap accessible trail.
Aside from natural beauty, the park offers a variety of amenities and recreation opportunities. Perched on the ridge near the top of the falls is Amicalola Falls Lodge, where visitors can soak in mountain vistas, enjoy a meal, rent meeting spaces or find accommodations. Additionally, the park offers cabins, RV and tent campsites and glamping opportunities. For a different type of backcountry experience, check out the Len Foote Hike Inn, which can only be accessed by a 5-mile trail starting at the park.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the park’s selection of hiking trails. Of note, Amicalola serves as the trailhead for the 8.5-mile Approach Trail to the Appalachian Trail, which begins atop nearby Springer Mountain. The latter footpath stretches about 2,200 miles from Georgia to Maine. In the spring, in particular, a number of ambitious, long-distance hikers pass through the park. They have their sights set on hiking the entire trail in a single four-to-six-month outing known as a thru-hike.
A new visitor center opened near the entrance to the park in 2023. It features exhibits about the Appalachian Trail, local wildlife and even a splash of Georgia’s moonshine history.
Visitors can also take part in a variety of other activities on site, including zip lines, archery, guided hikes, hatchet throwing or GPS scavenger hunts. The park also hosts an educational birds of prey show.
A $5 per vehicle entry fee applies for entrance to the park. Annual passes are also available for purchase.
Written by Whitney Sherill for Times-Courier's 2025 Information Please Magazine