Amicalola Falls State Park Trail Map

418 Amicalola Falls Lodge Drive • Dawsonville, GA 30534 • Park: 706-265-8888 • Emergency: 911 • Reservations: 1-800-573-9656 • www.gastateparks.org

Park Boundary CAMPGROUND #14 Len Foote Hike Inn Trail Park Boundary #13 #12 #11 #10 #9 #8 #7 Appalachian #6 Approach Trail

Top-of-the-Falls Area

Lodge Fitness Trail Park Boundary P

West Ridge Staircase

FALLSAREA LODGE West Ridge Falls Access Trail

P ls Trail Lodge

Loop Trail

Base-of-the-Fal Spring Trail Reflection Pool

LEGEND Gravel Roads Paved Roads Appalachian Approach Trail PS #5 Hike-Inn Trail Mountain Lodge Loop Trail Laurel Trail Lodge Fitness Trail

Creek Trail Top-of-the-Falls Trail West Ridge Falls Access Trail PS #4 Base-of-the-Falls Trail West Ridge Spring Trail Creek Trail #1 Mtn. Laurel Trail

#2 Connector Trails PS #3 River #3 Park Visitor Center PS #2

Park Boundary Restroom #4 PS #1 Picnic Area #5 Base-of-the-Falls Trail Picnic ! P Parking Hiker Max Epperson Parking P Trail Shelter Cottage Adirondack

Appalachian RV and Camping Approach ry Park Bounda Trail Restaurant / Lodging Playground Fishing

Park Boundary Observation Area Scenic Overlook Amphitheater Handicap Access

Staff Residence Hwy. 52

PARK 0 .07 1 Mile ENTRANCE 1 inch equals .07 mile AMICALOLA FALLS STATE PARK Spring Trail West Ridge Falls Access Trail SAFETY TIPS & ETIQUETTE This trail runs from the parking lot of the West Ridge/ One of the best views of the falls and one of the easier Amicalola Falls State Park is to the Southeast’s tallest Falls Access Trail to the Mountain Laurel Loop Trail. It is trails. Trail surface is flat and coated with recycled tires. Amicalola Falls is a fragile beauty that can also be dangerous waterfall and one ’s Seven Natural Wonders. moderate in difficulty. Length is 0.4 mile. Orange Blaze. Length is 0.3 miles with a gentle slope. Wheelchair when people ignore rules and regulations. Several fatalities and Amicalola, a Cherokee Indian word meaning “tumbling accessible. injuries have occurred from visitors leaving the designated trails and WEST RIDGE FALLS ACCESS TRAIL entering restricted areas. For this reason, anyone who leaves the waters,” is an appropriate name for this 729-foot cascade. designated trail or staircase system and attempts to climb or walk Offering a range of accommodations, including a majestic 2400 2400 down the waterfall corridor will be considered in violation of the law 56-room mountaintop lodge with a full-service dining room 2350 and subject to arrest or citations. Remain on marked trails, steps, and structures to help us protect this natural beauty and to ensure and banquet/meeting facilities, 14 fully equipped cottages, 2300 2350 and a 24-site campground, Amicalola Falls is the perfect your safety. Other tips to follow: 2250 getaway. An eight-mile approach trail leads from the park 2300 • Tell someone your itinerary and expected return time. 2200 to , the southern end of the 2,150-mile • Be prepared for unexpected weather changes by dressing . For hikers looking for a rustic lodging 2150 2250 in layers and carrying rain gear. Mt. Laurel Trail Parking Parking Base of experience, the backcountry Len Foote Hike Inn is reached intersection Lot Lot Falls • Take a map, water, snacks, first aid kit, flashlight and whistle. by a 5.5-mile trail starting at the park and traveling through Spring Trail - 0.4 mile West Ridge Falls Access Trail - 0.3 miles Three short blasts on a whistle are known as a call for help. Compacted Natural Soil Surface Recycled Tire Surface portions of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Moderate in difficulty. • Do not stray from trails. If you become lost, stay in one location Wheelchair Accessible - Gentle Slop and wait for help. This will make it easier for rescuers to find you. For more information visit: www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/AmicalolaFalls • Don’t count on cell phones to work in the wilderness, but if they Mountain Laurel Loop Lodge Loop do, be able to give details about your location. Also visit: www.Hike-Inn.com This trail is a loop that runs along the ridge above Paved surface with educational displays. Length is • Invest in good socks such as those found at sporting Amicalola Creek. The trail is moderate in difficulty. 0.25 mile. Trail is easy and wheelchair accessible. goods stores. Avoid blisters by carrying “moleskin” and applying Length is 1 mile and sections of the trail can be it as soon as you feel a hot spot on your feet. Available in the foot Appalachian Approach Trail used along with the Spring Trail, the West Ridge Falls care section of drug stores, moleskin is like felt that sticks to your This trail is moderate to strenuous in difficulty. Length is Access, and the West Ridge Stairs to connect the lower 2750 skin. 8.3 miles to southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail at sections of the park to the upper areas. Green Blaze. 2700 • Be prepared for unexpected rain and wind which can lead to Springer Mountain. Blue Blaze. 2650 hypothermia. Always carry quality rain gear and turn back in bad weather. If you become wet or cold, it is important to get dry and 2600 3600 2200 warm as quickly as possible. 3400 2550 3200 2150 • Dress in layers and avoid cotton. Luckily, today’s hikers can 2500 3000 2100 choose from numerous fabrics that wick moisture, dry quickly 2800 Trailhead Return or conserve heat. Many experienced hikers wear a lightweight 2600 2050 Lodge Loop - 0.25 mile loop 2400 shirt that wicks moisture, while carrying a fleece pullover and rain 2000 Paved Asphalt Surface / Wheelchair Accessible jacket. 2200 Trail is lighted for early morning and/or evening use. 2000 1950 • Pack out all trash. 1800 1 North Miles South Visitor 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Springer Intersection Intersection • Keep pets on a leash. Center Miles Mountain w/Creek Trail w/Creek Trail Hike Inn Trail • Do not pick flowers or disturb wildlife. Appalachian Approach Trail - 8.3 miles Mountain Laurel Loop - 1 mile The only access to the Len Foote Hike Inn. This trail Compacted Natural Soil Surface Compacted Natural Soil Surface is moderate in difficulty. A permit must be obtained • Protect the landscape by staying on trails. Moderate to Strenuous in difficulty. Moderate in difficulty. from the Visitor Center to hike this trail. Length is 5.5 miles. Yellow Blaze. PARK INFORMATION Base of the Falls Trail Creek Trail Very scenic as it runs along the creek below the falls 3300 Park Hours ...... 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 3200 This trail is moderate in difficulty. Length is 0.6 mile, providing and eventually climbs the falls corridor itself on a series Hike Office Hours...... 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. of stairs and decks. This trail is moderate to strenuous 3100 Inn a nice walk from the Visitor Center to the Reflection Pool at 3000 the base of the falls. Yellow Blaze. due to the steep slope and stairs. Length is 1 mile. Red In Case of Emergency: 2900 Pay Phones are located at the Visitor Center and in the Lodge. Blaze. 2800 2150 Park staff residences are indicated on the map. There are two 2250 2700 2200 residences near the campground and the upper cottages. One 2100 2600 2150 Top of 1 2 3 4 5 6 Appalachian residence is located next to the Visitor Center. 2050 2100 Falls Miles Approach Trail 2050 2000 Park Emergency Phone ...... 911 or (706) 265-8888 2000 Reflection Hike Inn Trail - 5.5 miles Pool EMT, Fire, Sheriff ...... 911 1950 1950 Compacted Natural Soil Surface 1900 Hospital ...... 911 or (706) 864-6136 1900 Moderate in difficulty. 1850 1850 1800 Chestatee Regional Hospital is located 18 miles east of the park in Visitor Reflection 1 Center Pool Visitor Miles Base of Dahlonega. Turn left onto Hwy 52 out of the park gate. Go 18 miles Center Falls Fitness Trail to Dahlonega and turn right at the second light onto Hwy 60. The Creek Trail - 0.6 mile Base of the Falls Trail - 1 mile Easy access from the lodge. More than 20 exercise hospital is located ¼ mile ahead on the right. Compacted Natural Soil Surface Compacted Natural Soil Surface stations along the wooded route. Moderate in difficulty. Moderate to Strenuous in difficulty.