Just an hour north of Atlanta, you can be here. I’m a huge fan of Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge and while I can describe 100 ways to chill here, let’s go with Top 4. Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge is the place to stimulate all the senses as you witness the Southeast’s tallest cascading waterfall. A short, paved path leads to a boardwalk offering up-close views. For a tougher challenge, start from the bottom of the falls and hike up the staircase to the very top (or go down, either way provides plenty of up-close views and a little cardio to boot).

Chill No. 1: Go Glamping
Choose to relax at your glamping site with included amenities like bedding and furniture, a wood fire pit, hammocks, A/C and heat, power inside the large safari tent and picnic tables. Stay a while.

Chill No. 2: Find Fall Color in North Georgia
The Georgia State Parks Leaf Watch will help you determine the best time to see brilliant fall colors – usually in late October or early November. Our family Christmas card last year included the waterfall and fall colors as our backdrop. People commented on how they loved the scene.
Think about celebrating someone’s birthday here this fall with a short hike. Or even just a chill afternoon reading in your safari tent with the flaps open for fresh fall breezes.

Chill No. 3: Follow the trail from Tumbling Water to the Great Mountain
Quick history lesson: You walk in the footsteps of people who named this waterfall long, long ago every time you visit. The word Amicalola is derived from the Cherokee, meaning Tumbling Water. At 729 feet with 7 cascades, Amicalola Falls is the tallest cascading waterfall in Georgia and one of our state’s 7 Natural Wonders.
Amicalola Falls State Park is renowned for its spring kickoff weekends as hikers begin the 8.5-mile Approach Trail for Appalachian Trail thru-hikers – 2,150 miles – to Mt. Katahdin in Maine. Katahdin means Great Mountain, named by the indigenous Penobscot people.

Chill No. 4: Plan for a Holiday Getaway
Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge sits atop a mountain in the middle of an enchanting forest. Tap into the serenity by planning a holiday gathering this Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas. You don’t do any of the cooking! Instead, your holiday gathering centers on hiking, relaxing, sharing stories and capturing the casual mountain vibe. The holiday buffets are sublime and packed with delicious offerings.
Kids and families love the Christmas décor with an incredible display of nutcrackers and holiday festivities for the whole family to enjoy.

Katie C.