Amicalola State Park, GA

Amicalola Falls State Park in Georgia is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and anyone seeking a fun escape in nature. Nestled between Ellijay and Dahlonega, the park offers a bounty of activities that will leave you wanting more. Here's why a visit to Amicalola Falls State Park is a blast:

• Thrilling adventures: Get your adrenaline pumping with the park's Aerial Adventure Park. Soar through the trees on zip lines, challenge yourself on the suspension bridges, and take part in a GPS scavenger hunt. You can also test your archery skills at the 3D Archery Course or learn survival skills in their program.
• Majestic waterfalls: The park's namesake, Amicalola Falls, is the main attraction. Witnessing this cascading beauty, the highest waterfall in Georgia at 729 feet, is an awe-inspiring experience. Hike to the top for a breathtaking view or take theAmicalola Falls Shuttle for easier access.
• Hiking trails galore: Lace up your boots and explore a network of trails catering to all skill levels. The challenging hike to the top of Amicalola Falls offers panoramic views, while shorter, family-friendly trails like Len Foote Hike lead you through scenic forests.
• Unwind in nature: Find a peaceful spot by the cascading water or amidst the lush greenery and reconnect with nature. Have a picnic lunch at one of the designated picnic areas or cozy up by a crackling campfire in the designated fire pits (with a permit).
• Explore the visitor center: Learn all about the park's history, geology, and wildlife at the interactive visitor center. You might even catch a live regional reptile exhibit or a bird of prey demonstration.

Our first day of travel was occupied by the drive from Sarasota, FL to Amicalola Falls, GA. This Park & Lodge is an 829-acre Georgia state park located between Ellijay and Dahlonega in Dawsonville, Georgia. The park's name is derived from a Cherokee language word meaning "tumbling waters". The 429 foot high Falls are the tallest in Georgia

The Southern entrance to the Appalachian Trail can be reached here via the Appalachian Approach Trail an 8 mile trail starting near the Park Visitor Center. It is possible to drive to the Appalachian Trail starting point, but it is all dirt roads, seriously uphill and has very little parking.

The overall trip was approximately 2,300 miles and we had laid out the routes and stops to allow us to become more familiar with areas that we had not previously visited. We go into more detail on each destination page, click any destination in the list below right;

1. Sarasota, FL
2. Tallula State Park
3. Amicalola State Park
4. Asheville, NC
5. Catawba State Park
6. Chimney Rock Park
7. Shenandoah National Park, VA
8. Lake Anna, VA