Day 2 - Saturday, October 30th, 2010
Amicalola Falls State Park
Photos are posted here:
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/578919668vVTZNH
I've have been wanting visit Amicalola Falls for a while to judge for myself whether or not it really is the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi. I've been to two other waterfalls that also make the same claim (Whitewater Falls, NC and Fall Creek Falls, TN)
So after a nice breakfast at the Lily Creek Lodge Bed and Breakfast we hit the road from Dahlonega, GA to Amicalola Falls State Park about 20 minutes away.
We started at the Reflection Pool which offers a distant view of the Falls. An all uphill, but easy hike of less than a half mile takes you to the base of a seemingly endless set of stairs. From the bottom to the top of the falls is a very well constructed staircase of over 600 steps.
Jack and Amy on the Steps to Amicalola Falls
The best view point of the waterfall comes after the 1st 175 steps. Here a viewing platforms takes you right below the largest drop of Amicalola Falls. No doubt about it, this is a tall and very impressive waterfall! However, I would definitely not consider this to be the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi!
Amicalola Falls
Jack and Amy at Amicalola Falls
To get to the top of the falls, would require another 475 steps!
425 Steps to go
This didn't sound very appealing to Amy, so she hung out below while I gave my legs a good workout! Unfortunately there are really no other good views of the waterfall, making these 475 steps not worth the effort! I stopped briefly at top to check out the view before returning back to Amy at the base of the main drop.
View from the Top of Amicalola Falls
Rather than taking the same trail back to the reflection pond, we returned via the West Ridge Trail, the Spring Trail, the Mt. Laurel Trail, and the Creek Trail.
The Reflection Pool at Amicalola Falls State Park
While we were at the park, we also decided to check out the Lodge. We originally planned on staying there for the weekend, but they were all booked up.
Inside the Amicalola Lodge
View from the Amicalola Lodge
When we plan a return visit to the area, we will definitely consider the Amicalola Lodge as a good place to stay!
The Amicalola Lodge
The rest of the trip report from our weekend getaway will be posted soon!
2 comments:
Great shots of the falls... so you've debunked the "Tallest Waterfall" claim? Looks like you had a great time, thanks for sharing your trip!
It's the tallest total drop in the East. But certainly not the tallest single waterfall, since what it amounts to is a tremendous cascade.
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