Amicalola Falls State Park trail map [2009]

Amicalola Falls State Park Trail Map

418 Amicalola Falls Lodge Drive Dawsonville, GA 30534 Park: 706-265-8888 Emergency: 911 Reservations: 1-800-573-9656 www.gastateparks.org

Park Boundary

Park Boundary
CAMPGROUND
#14 #13 #12 #11
#10 #9 #8 #7
#6

Appalachian Approach Trail (blue) Hike Inn Trail

(lime green)

Park Boundary
52

Mountain Laurel Loop Trail (green)

lazed)
Lodge F

Park Boundary

Top-of-the-Falls Area

West Ridge Falls

ss Falls

(unblazed)

Lodge Fitness Trail

(unblazed)

itness Trail (unb

East Ridge Trail (unblazed)

Acce Trail
palachian Approach Trail (blue)

Lodge Loop Trail (unblazed)

Spring Trail (orange)

Ap
Reflection Pool

Laurel Loop Trail (green) Creek Trail (yellow)

Creek Trail (yellow) EAapsptalRiadcghieanTrAailp (purnoblaaczehd)Trail (blue)

Mountain

PS #5 PS #4

#1

#2

PS #3 #3

#4 #5

PS #2 PS #1

Appalachian Trail Parking

Max Epperson Trail Shelter

PARK ENTRANCE

East Ridge Trail (unblazed)

LEGEND
Paved Park Roads Gravel Park Roads East Ridge Trail (unblazed) Hike-Inn Trail (lime green) Lodge Loop Trail (unblazed) Lodge Fitness Trail (unblazed) West Ridge Falls Access Trail (white) Appalachian Approach Trail (blue) Spring Trail (orange) Creek Trail (yellow) Mountain Laurel Trail (green) Connector Trail River Waterfalls Park Visitor Center Public Restroom Picnic Area Picnic Shelter Parking Cottage Adirondack Tent & RV Camping Restaurant & Lodge Playground Fishing Observation Area Scenic Overlook Amphitheater Handicap Accessible Staff Residence

0

.07 1 Mile

1 inch equals .07 mile

Park Boundary Park Boundary

AMICALOLA FALLS STATE PARK
Amicalola Falls State Park is home to the Southeast's tallest cascading waterfall and one of Georgia's Seven Natural Wonders. Amicalola, a Cherokee Indian word meaning "tumbling waters," is an appropriate name for this 729-foot cascade. Offering a range of accommodations, including a majestic 56-room mountaintop lodge with full-service dining room and banquet/meeting facilities, 14 fully equipped cottages, and a 24-site campground, Amicalola Falls is the perfect getaway. An eight and one half mile approach trail leads from the park to Springer Mountain, the southern end of the 2,150-mile Appalachian Trail. Just for hikers is the backcountry Len Foote Hike Inn reached by a 5.5-mile trail starting at the park and traveling through the Chattahoochee National Forest.
www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/AmicalolaFalls
www.Hike-Inn.com

Appalachian Approach Trail Blue Blaze The park's most popular and scenic trail follows the creek and waterfall on a series of stairs and decks. This trail is moderate to strenuous due to the steep slope and stairs, and a few benches are provided along the way. Hikers travel one mile to the falls overlook and an additional 7.5 miles to Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.
APPALACHIAN APPROACH TRAIL

3600

3400

3200

3000

2800

2600

2400

2200

2000

1800

Visitor

1

2

Center

3

4

5

6

Miles

7

8 Springer

Mountain

Appalachian Approach Trail - 8.5 miles Moderate to strenuous.

Creek Trail Yellow Blaze This scenic walk leads from the Visitor Center to the Reflection Pool at the base of the falls. Seasonal fishing is allowed in this small pool and the creek downstream (license required).
CREEK TRAIL
2150

2100

2050

2000

1950

1900

1850 Visitor Center

Reflection Pool
Creek Trail - 0.6 mile Moderate in difficulty.

Spring Trail Orange Blaze This trail connects the parking lot of the West Ridge/Falls AcScPReINsGsTTRrAaILil to the Mountain Laurel Loop Trail.

2400
2350
2300
2250
2200
2150 Mt. Laurel Trail intersection

Parking Lot
Spring Trail - 0.4 mile Moderate.

Mountain Laurel Loop Trail Green Blaze This wooded loop runs along the ridge above Amicalola Creek. Access is provided by the Spring Trail or Creek Trail.
MOUNTAIN LAUREL TRAIL

2200
2150
2100
2050
2000
1950 North
Intersection w/Creek Trail

1

Miles

South

Intersection

w/Creek Trail

Mountain Laurel Loop - 1 mile Moderate.

West Ridge Falls Access Trail White Blaze One of the best views of the falls is found on this easy trail. The gently sloping, recycled-tire surface is suitable for wheWeElcSThRaIDiGrsE FaAnLLdS ACsCtEroSSllTeRArsIL.
2400

2350

2300

2250
Parking Lot

Base of Falls
West Ridge Falls Access Trail - 0.3 mile Recycled Tire Surface is Wheelchair Accessible.
Easy.

Hike Inn Trail Lime Green Blaze This provides the only access to the backcountry Len Foote Hike Inn, and a permit must be obtained from the Visitor Center. Overnight guests (reservations required) are treated to hot showers and family-style meals.
HIKE INN TRAIL

3300

3200

3100

Hike Inn

3000

2900

2800 2700

2600

Top of

1

2

3

4

5

6 Appalachian

Falls

Miles

Approach

Trail

Hike Inn Trail - 5.5 miles Moderate.

Lodge Loop Trail Not Blazed To the right as you exit the front door of the lodge, this loop features educational displays and is lighted for early morning or evening use.
Lodge Loop - 0.25 mile Paved Asphalt Surface is Wheelchair Accessible.
Easy.
Lodge Fitness Trail Not Blazed More than 20 exercise stations are found along the wooded route.
Lodge Fitness Trail 1 mile Not rated.
East Ridge Trail Not Blazed Previously used as the approach to the famous Appalachian Trail, this trail follows part of an old roadbed from the Visitor Center to the top of the waterfall.
East Ridge Trail 1 mile Moderate to difficult.

SAFETY TIPS & ETIQUETTE
Amicalola Falls is a fragile beauty that can also be dangerous when people ignore rules and regulations. Several fatalities and injuries have occurred from visitors leaving the designated trails and entering restricted areas. For this reason, anyone who leaves the designated trail or staircase system and attempts to climb or walk down the waterfall corridor will be considered in violation of the law and subject to arrest or citations. Remain on marked trails, steps, and structures to help us protect this natural beauty and to ensure your safety. Other tips to follow:
Tell someone your itinerary and expected return time.
Be prepared for unexpected weather changes by dressing inlayers and carrying rain gear. If you become wet or cold, it is important to get dry and warm as quickly as possible. Dress in layers and avoid cotton. Choose from numerous fabrics that wick moisture, dry quickly or conserve heat.
Take a map, water, snacks, first aid kit, flashlight and whistle. Three short blasts on a whistle are known as a call for help.
Do not stray from trails. If you become lost, stay in one location and wait for help. This will make it easier for rescuers to find you.
Don't count on cell phones to work in the wilderness, but if they do, be able to give details about your location.
Invest in good hiking socks such as those found at sporting goods stores. Avoid blisters by carrying "moleskin" and applying it as soon as you feel a hot spot on your feet. Available in the foot care section of drug stores, moleskin is like felt that sticks to your skin.
Pack out all trash.
Keep pets on a leash.
Do not pick flowers or disturb wildlife.
Protect the landscape by staying on trails.
PARK INFORMATION
Park Hours........................................ 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Office Hours....................................... 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
In Case of Emergency: Pay Phones are located at the Visitor Center and in the Lodge. Park staff residences are indicated on the map. There are two residences near the campground and the upper cottages. One residence is located next to the Visitor Center.
Park Emergency Phone..................... 911 or (706) 265-8888 EMT, Fire, Sheriff.............................................................. 911 Hospital............................................... 911 or (706) 864-6136
Chestatee Regional Hospital is located 18 miles east of the park in Dahlonega. Turn left onto Hwy 52 out of the park gate. Go 18 miles to Dahlonega and turn right at the second light onto Hwy 60. The hospital is located mile ahead on the right.