We connected with the beauty of Amicalola Falls State Park on a scavenger hunt as part of our association’s annual retreat.

When our regional association sent an email invitation about the annual conference at Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge, I was excited! It’s a new destination for many of my colleagues, though I have visited there many times before.

Part of my conference role was to create a scavenger hunt that would connect our group with natural discoveries – and plenty of exercise, too – since I am a little more familiar with the park.

Check-In:

My spouse and I settled into our lodge room with amazing views of the mountains. Amicalola Falls State Park is vast and beautiful. Just look at these lower Blue Ridge mountains stretching into the horizon for miles and miles.

Day 1:

During the day, we met onsite in several places. First, we took coffees out to the terrace of the lodge for a morning gathering that briefed us on the day’s plans. We needed sweaters and jackets in the cool mountain morning.

The conference room was ultra-modern and clean, cozy even. Speakers were scheduled throughout the day in the conference room while break-out rooms held mini-sessions. Coffees and pastries were provided, plus a late afternoon catering break with cookies, sodas, cheese and crackers.

We distributed our Scavenger Hunt booklet to conference attendees and everyone counted a number from one to five. This made our teams – all the “ones” would explore like all the twos, threes, fours, and fives. Our checklist of the Top 10 Best Things to See and Do would be rewarded with prizes if we explored them all. We had two afternoons. Here are some of the highlights our team enjoyed:

1. Approach Trail to Springer Mountain
   Amicalola Falls State Park has a beautiful stone arch that thru-hikers and day hikers on the Appalachian Trail love to photo-document. It’s a monument to the beginning of the Appalachian Trail. We hiked to the gateway and onward a couple miles and back. Our question to answer:

Q: If you walked the entire Appalachian Trail – how far would you travel to its endpoint in Katahdin, Maine?

A: 2,190 miles
Bonus Point: According to the Appalachian Trail Association only one-quarter of thru-hikers finish.

2. Live Interpretive Weekend Events
   A big one on our list was to join the Animals of Amicalola Falls interactive program with a park ranger or docent on Friday. Animals of Amicalola Falls occurs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 1 pm and 4 pm in the Visitor’s Center Arch Room. Reserve Your Spot Online.

Q: Name a bird that lives in these mountains.

A: Red-tailed Hawk

We met a local Red-tailed Hawk – a most beautiful bird. While not every program may involve a rehabilitated animal, there is always something new they’re showing and telling. It’s an up-close way to connect with the wonders of this area’s animals. When you’re out on the trails you may see or hear deer, raccoons, opossums, snakes, black bears, and squirrels. But in the winter, black bears are generally hibernating. Most animals are shy of humans.

Day 2:

3. Archery
   You can give me a bow and arrow any day and my memories will flash back to archery at my fourth-grade summer camp. I was a master! So how will I measure up 40 years later? Not so bad for feeling like a first-timer. We had a great time challenging one another, laughing and stretching out unfamiliar muscles, hitting a bullseye and feeling awesome.

Q: What is a hot range and a cold range?

A: A “cold range” is proclaimed when arrows are spent and it’s safe to collect them. Then, when players are ready to aim, the guide proclaims “hot range” as people are about to shoot.

4. Amicalola Falls staircase
   Of course, one of our scavenger hunts took us to the 729-foot cascading Amicalola Falls. If you’re up for the hike to the top of the Falls via the steps, get ready!

Q: How many steps to the top of the Falls from the parking lot?
  
A: 604 steps: Hike from the bottom of the park to the top of the Falls, stopping at a viewing platform halfway up. 

 

Q: What does Amicalola translate to in Cherokee, the indigenous people of this area?

A: “Tumbling waters.” At 729 feet, the waters cascade down the rocks to wind their way to river sources washing down to the sea.

We ended each conference day at Cascades Restaurant at the Lodge and it is one of the most beautiful dining spots you can imagine. Floor to ceiling panoramic views of the mountains offer a spectacular show as the sun slips lower and casts its final warming rays on the mountains. Check out the holiday menus for Christmas and New Year’s and that might make you jump up to come.

Planning a 2025 Event or Conference?
Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge has a variety of meeting packages for accommodating small and medium-sized groups, with just the right settings, accommodations and activities. Everything, from catering and registration to AV equipment and Wi-Fi is handled. Ask about:

• A general session and breakout room
• Delicious Southern breakfast buffet
• All-day continuous breaks
• LCD projection package & flip chart
• Catered or restaurant meals

Helpful Resources:

• Contact the Sales Team
• View Banquet menus
• Save on Meeting Packages

 

• Amber C.