Amicalola Falls is a 729-foot waterfall on Amicalola Creek in Dawson County, Georgia. It’s the highest waterfall in Georgia. The name “Amicalola” is derived from a Cherokee language term ama uqwalelvyi, which means “tumbling waters.

Camping and being out in nature is one of my favorite things to do. I camped at Amicalola State Park back in March. The campground was really nice and the waterfall is absolutely breathtaking!

As always, when I’m doing an adventure (solo) trip, I’m usually up between 4 – 4:30 a.m. This gives me enough time to get up, shower, get dressed, set out for my destination, explore and be back on the road. I’m usually home between 10 – 11 p.m. Amicalola is about a 6 and 1/2 hour drive from me; one way.

When I left, it was around 39 degrees. Not dressing properly for the cold weather wasn’t an option but me being me…LOL! I eventually changed into something much warmer. I stopped at Dunkin Donuts for breakfast; those egg bites were nasteeeee but the chocolate donut made up for it…LOL!

I stopped at a rest area and slept for almost 4 hours before hitting the road. Never drive when you are tired. Drowsy driving dangers.

I finally made it to my destination and it was packed. There were also people there getting permits or maybe needing to register to hike the Appalachian Trail. This would be so cool to do; even if I didn’t walk the entire trail but it requires A LOT of planning. I would love to hike to the Len Foote Hike Inn from Amicalola. It’s about a 10 mile hike (round trip) and accessible only by hiking there. I would stay overnight.

Hiking to the inn: https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/georgia-hike-inn-trail-amicalola-falls/

Len Foote Inn: https://hike-inn.com/

Springer Mountain; This seems doable after a good nights sleep and breakfast at the inn. Detailed information can be found by clicking the link. https://www.hikingtheappalachians.com/trail-reports/amicalola-falls-state-park-hike-inn-trail-at-approach-trail-and-east-ridge-trail-dawsonville-georgia

Some important information on the do’s and don’ts

One of the primitive shelters for those hiking the Appalachian Trail. I met a young man that was preparing for the hike. Pretty interesting to say the least on how he was preparing for the hike. His mom was with him and she’d be bringing him supplies at stops along the trail.

There could be several people in here at any given time.

After checking out the shelter, it was time to do my hike. I could have taken the stairs but I decided to hike the trail and then take the stairs down after seeing the waterfall. I stopped to eat once I made it to the top of the waterfall.

Stay tuned for part 2…..