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Amicalola Falls Lodge

© Vickie Ferguson

Having lived in Atlanta, Georgia for ten years, I visited, camped, hiked, motorcycled and dirt biked my way over a good portion of the state. While each area has it's own unique attraction, I was, and still am, drawn to the North Georgia mountains. If I could live on a mountainside in a log cabin perched between the Georgia and North Carolina state lines, I would happily become a hermit!

If you've never had the opportunity to visit this part of the country in the spring or fall then I have to tell you you've missed one of nature's most beautiful areas.

About an hour and a half drive from Atlanta heading north down Hwy 400 is the city of Dawsonville. Just past the city itself down Hwy 52, you'll come to Amicalola Falls and Lodge, http://ngeorgia.com/parks/amicalola.html one of the most scenic locations to be found in north Georgia.

The Cherokee Indians, who inhabited this area until 1838, gave the 729-ft falls its name meaning "tumbling water".

Once you drive into the park itself, the road forks. You can continue straight ahead to the visitor center or to the reflecting pool that marks the beginning of the hiking trail leading up to the falls. This is a very steep climb, so be prepared! If hiking is not for you, veer left and drive 1 mile (steep) to the top where the falls begin. There's an observation deck traversing the side of the slope so you can get an "up close and personal" view of the falls. The ridge running atop the falls affords a panoramic view of the mountains. I had the privilege of visiting the park many times before the Lodge was built and I can tell you for a fact, the views are breathtaking!

Note: For those interested in additional hiking, Springer Mountain is an 8-mile trek from the park and serves as the beginning point for those wanting to hike the 2,150-mile Appalachian Trail.

If you continue your drive past the observation point at the top of the falls, you will arrive at the 57-room Lodge. http://www.amicalolafalls.com/

Whether you prefer to stay in one of the deluxe guest rooms, all with mountain views, or one of the 20 available private cottages, you'll be treated to a special time of awakening to beautiful scenery, relaxing with lovely sunsets and experiencing true southern hospitality.

For those who are looking for a more remote getaway and wilderness hiking you can stay at the Len Foote Hike Inn. http://www.hike-inn.com/

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