Amicalola Falls State Park
'Amicalola Falls' © Joe Szalay
View of the top portion of Amicalola Falls from the upper bridge.

Amicalola Falls State Park
'Over the Falls' © Joe Szalay
View of the Amicalola River as it starts its decent into Amicalola Falls.

Amicalola Falls State Park
'Cascading Falls' © Joe Szalay
Long exposure details of the upper portion of Amicalola Falls taken from the upper bridge.

Amicalola Falls State Park
'Cascading Falls' © Joe Szalay
Details of the upper portion of Amicalola Falls as viewed from the upper bridge.

Amicalola Falls State Park
'Middle Cascade' © Joe Szalay
This is one of the smaller cascades that are part of the falls.

Amicalola Falls State Park
'Rushing Stream' © Joe Szalay
Detailed water flows on the lower portion of Amicalola Falls.

Amicalola Falls State Park
'Amicalola Rapids' © Joe Szalay
Fallen tree and rapids on the West Ridge Falls Trail.

Amicalola Falls State Park
'River Run' © Joe Szalay
River rapids on the lower portion of Amicalola Falls.

Amicalola Falls State Park
'Fall Reflection' © Joe Szalay
Autumn colors reflected in the Reflection Pond at the base of Amicalola Falls.

Amicalola Falls State Park
'Amicalola Falls Bridge' © Joe Szalay
View of the upper portion of Amicalola Falls with the viewing bridge and the start of the stairway down to the lower cascades.

It's easy to see why this is one of Georgia's most popular state parks. Amicalola, a Cherokee Indian word meaning "tumbling waters," is an appropriate name for these 729-foot falls - the tallest east of the Mississippi River. An eight-mile approach trail leads from the park to Springer Mountain, the southern end of the 2,135-mile Appalachian Trail. However, numerous other trails are available for shorter journeys. A beautiful lodge is popular with guests who prefer hotel-type comforts over cottages and camping, while a 5-mile hike leads to more remote accommodations at the Len Foote Hike Inn. Be sure to stop by the park office to see nature displays, live exhibits and a gift shop.