There are few places more beautiful in the Southeast than the North Georgia Mountains in fall. The array of autumnal colors that grace the branches of our deciduous trees make Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge one of the top destinations in the state for a fall Georgia adventure.

While fall weekends in the park are bustling, the colors still shine bright during the week, making Amicalola Falls a great spot for empty nesters to plan a thrilling weekday getaway in Georgia. Avoid the crowds and get the most out of your time at our mountain retreat.

Fall Colors & Fresh Air

As the crisp mountain air rolls through the valleys, guests of our Georgia mountain resort bask in the refreshing confines of the park. With near limitless opportunities for outdoor adventures, your next mid-week or weekend excursion awaits.

No matter what month the calendar shows, the park’s featured attraction, Amicalola Falls, is a sight to behold. As the tallest cascading waterfall in Georgia, the 729-foot fall stands in memorable contrast to the changing leaves in October and November.

Hiking the park’s 10 trails is a common activity for many visitors and with varying distances and difficulty levels, everyone can enjoy the amazing landscape. Beyond the main pathways in the heart of the 829-acre park are even more opportunities for hiking. Past the park’s northern boundary is the Chattahoochee National Forest and the Approach Trail connecting to the legendary Appalachian Trail at the southern terminus of Springer Mountain. This is a great hike for those seeking the challenge of a deep forest trek.

We encourage all thrill-seeking guests to try our zip line course, especially this time of year. Zooming high above the ground among the vibrant trees is the ultimate way to experience fall at Amicalola and it’s sure to be some of the best zip lining in Georgia. The valley view on Level 2 of our course will stick with you forever!

North Georgia Activities Beyond the Park

Just 15 miles northwest of the city of Dawsonville, Ga., Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge is ideally situated to access the many small towns and iconic festivals that exist in the surrounding area. Overnight visitors to the park commonly take advantage of the proximity to these charming small towns and festivals by venturing out on day trips from the park, especially in the fall.

Typically held in early October, the Georgia Marble Festival in Jasper celebrates the area’s early roots in the marble industry. Less than 30 miles from the park, the two-day festival includes a parade, 5K run/walk, kid’s activities, live music, and quarry tours, along with arts, crafts, and food vendors.

One of the most heralded festivals in the South is Dahlonega’s Gold Rush Days. Held the third full weekend in October every year, the celebration commemorates the 1828 discovery of gold in Dahlonega. With over 300 art and craft exhibitors and food vendors and an estimated 200,000 visitors, the two-day festival is full of fun and family adventure just 30 minutes away from the park.

For more than five decades, downtown Dawsonville has hosted the Mountain Moonshine Festival. A three-day, weekend-long festival, the annual event celebrates the community’s heritage in moonshine and fast cars. Highlighted by one of the largest car shows in the South, historic Dawsonville comes alive with a parade, live entertainment on three stages, 300-plus vendors, and lots of kid-friendly activities.

After You Play, Enjoy Your Stay 

After a full day of activities in and around the park, relax in the comfort of our lodge as you soak up the golden hour before sunset. The panoramic views afforded from the Maple Restaurant are best enjoyed with the beverage of your choice from the recently updated and aptly named Mountainview Bar. When it’s not in use for a private event or a destination wedding, the covered veranda of the lodge is the most amazing location to watch the sun set.

The views are even sweeter when you save with our current specials and perfect packages. Empty nesters take note: all guests 62 or older will receive a 20% discount when they use the Senior Discount Rate at booking. Ideal for a weekday getaway, The Sunset Dinner Package includes overnight accommodation in our lodge, dinner for two and a bottle of House wine to enjoy while watching the sun set over the mountains. For travelers seeking a mountainside rest, try the Bed and Breakfast Package, which includes a stay in one of our comfortable, renovated rooms and a delicious breakfast for two in our Maple Restaurant.

At Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge, there are a variety of accommodations for overnight guests to choose from based on their needs and desires.

If you choose to stay in our Lodge, know that every room in the hotel has a wide view of the enchanting fall landscape. For guests seeking nature from the comforts of their resort-style room, the lodge boasts balconies along the four suites and six additional rooms with patios.

There are 14 Georgia State Park cabin rentals tucked among the changing trees, while the campsites provide RV or tent campers with a fresh, crisp shot of fall mountain air each morning. Whatever overnight accommodation you choose, the red, orange, and yellow colors of fall will be right outside your door.