The reasons to treat yourself and your soul to a mountain getaway are endless. From time to time, we can all be driven by the need to escape the city life, the desire to indulge in natural surroundings or the search for adventure that’s slightly off the map.

With this in mind, we have handpicked the highlights of what awaits at Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge and the gorgeous area of Dawsonville, Georgia we are lucky enough to call home. These 7 reasons will inspire you to carve out space in your life for travel that truly takes you places. You and the loved ones you bring along will surely be grateful for all the memories you’ll carry home.

1. Keep the whole group entertained and happy.

As far as adventure and activities are concerned, there is truly something for everyone, making it easy for families and groups to satisfy an array of interests. From hiking and ziplining to shopping and sight-seeing, this majestic portion of the Peach State is full of both history and excitement. Even the most seasoned foodie will find great eats, local wines, and Georgia’s own craft beers to indulge in.

2. North Georgia is a region of natural wonders.

It’s not every day you witness a natural wonder–unless you are staying in Amicalola Falls State Park. Amicalola Falls is not only awe-inspiring but also record-holding. It carries the celebrated title of the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. The falls will take your breath away as you climb the 729 feet from the bottom to the top on our legendary stairway. An accessible pathway, connecting the “Top of Falls” to a middle portion, takes you face-to-face with this natural wonder. This sight alone should be reason enough to book your North Georgia vacation.

Amicalola Falls State Park is also a popular starting point for hikers taking on the famous Appalachian Trail. An 8.5-mile Approach Trail emanates near the front of the park and serves as a common pathway to Springer Mountain where the AT begins. Every year, hundreds of hikers visit our park to seek education about thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, to register with our rangers before taking off and to bid their families farewell as they attempt the 2,175-mile, usually 6-month journey that leads them all the way to Mt. Katahdin in Maine. The stone archway at the trailhead is an iconic symbol to all the hikers who frequent the park.

3. You might find gold! (And you will definitely find fascinating history.)

Twenty years before the California Gold Rush, gold deposits were discovered in Dahlonega, Georgia. Experience a touch of America’s first gold rush by panning at one of the area’s gold mines. You can also tour the Dahlonega Gold Museum, which is housed in the former Lumpkin County Courthouse. Built from locally made brick that includes trace amounts of gold, it was active as a government building from 1836 to 1965. It’s also the oldest existing courthouse in the state.

4. You can stay in comfy cabins, camp in the mountains or lounge in a lodge guest room.

Georgia State Parks offer unparalleled options for camping, RVs and rental cabins. Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge is no exception. With so much to choose from, there is no need to compromise comfort. Guests enjoy laundry facilities, restrooms, and showers close to every campsite, cabins equipped with heating and air conditioning, and lodge rooms with all the modern conveniences. Whatever level of roughing it you and your crew desire, customizing your ideal set-up is part of the fun. Deals and discounts for every season can be found on the Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge website, which makes planning your next adventure fun and affordable.

5. The vantage point is perfect for new (and exciting) experiences.

Tour the treetops courtesy of the Screaming Eagle Aerial Adventure Tour at Amicalola Falls with a ziplining adventure to remember. This is some of the best ziplining in Georgia and will leave you with a whole new perspective. When mapping out your activities, keep in mind that one ride down the zipline may leave you wanting more. So, leave some time open to revisit this or any of the other amazing Adventure Activities before packing up.

6. You’ll have easy access to next level mountain biking.

Ellijay, Georgia offers the upper-echelon of mountain bike trails. The surrounding area is becoming a mountain biking mecca. Great bike shops and interest groups–such as the Ellijay Mountain Bike Association–are eager to share their passion and knowledge of this gnarly pastime with visitors to the region. Before you strap on your helmet, reach out to the association or local riders for the best trails, area hacks and recommendations.

7. You’ll find yourself in serene surroundings.

Whether you stay in a Georgia State Park cabin or in a mountain resort lodge, serenity surrounds you and peace of mind awaits. You only need to decide how you’d like to reach it. At the top of a mountain hike? Or paddling down a local stream? Maybe the amazing panoramic view from the Maple Restaurant while you indulge in local cuisine is where you’ll find your zen. The beauty of spending a retreat, a family reunion or a vacation in such a rich landscape is that each person can seek his or her own special form of relaxation. Coming back together to create memories and share in the glory of exploring such a special place is just one more reason that Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge is the perfect place for your next North Georgia Mountain vacation.