Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge

Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge

Reservations (800) 864-7275
Lodge Reservations (800) 573-9656
Park (706) 265-4703

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 cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. An 8.5 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 at the top of the mountain is popular with guests who prefer hotel-type comforts, while a 5-mile hike leads to more remote accommodations at the Len Foote Hike Inn. Be sure to stop by the visitor center to see nature displays, live exhibits and a gift shop.

Park Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lodge open 24 hours

Reservations (800) 864-7275
Lodge Reservations (800) 573-9656
Park (706) 265-4703

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 cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. An 8.5 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 at the top of the mountain is popular with guests who prefer hotel-type comforts, while a 5-mile hike leads to more remote accommodations at the Len Foote Hike Inn. Be sure to stop by the visitor center to see nature displays, live exhibits and a gift shop.

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Become a "Friend" of Amicalola Falls State Park

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(NOTICE: For Hike Inn reservations, call 800-581-8032.)
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Park Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lodge open 24 hours

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FACILITIES:

829 Acres
24 Tent, Trailer, RV Campsites ($25)
14 Cottages ($80-$160)
Cottage #5 (Bottom of Falls) and Cottage #6 (Top of Falls) are dog friendly cottages
4 Picnic Shelters ($40)
Group Shelter (seats 50, $75)
56-Room Lodge & Conference Center ($75-$190)
Restaurant
20-Room Hike Inn
Visitor Center
Ropes Course
Gift Shops

ACTIVITIES:

Hiking – 12 miles of trails
Picnicking
Trout Fishing
Interpretive Programs
Photography

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:

Blue Ridge Mountains
Dawson County
Helen, Georgia
Dahlonega Gold Museum
Fort Mountain State Park
New Echota State Historic Site
Unicoi State Park and Lodge
Vogel State Park
Chattahoochee National Forest

Hard Labor Creek State Park

Hard Labor Creek State Park In Georgia

Reservations (800) 864-7275
Park (706) 557-3001
Golf (706) 557-3006

While this park may be best known for its golf course, The Creek, it also offers a wide range of recreational opportunities in a beautiful wooded setting. Horseback riders can explore 22 miles of trails, while hikers have their own 2.5-mile trail. A lakeside beach is open for swimming during summer. The park provides one of Georgia’s best golf values, along with a pro shop, driving range, rental carts and junior/senior citizen discounts. Hard Labor Creek cuts through the course, creating water hazards on five holes. The creek is thought to have been named by slaves who tilled summer fields or by Native Americans who found it difficult to ford.

(Information Subject to Change)
FACILITIES:

5,804 Acres

2 Lakes

63 Tent, Trailer, RV Campsites ($25-$50)

20 Cottages ($100-$110) – cable TV
Cottages #13 and #17 are dog friendly cottages
4 Picnic Shelters and Barbecue Pit ($60-$80)
2 Group Shelters (seat 85 and 120, $85-$325)
2 Group Camps (sleeps 75–120, $175–$580)
Pioneer Group Campground ($40)
30 Horse Stalls, Riding Ring and 12 Equestrian Campsites ($18)
Swimming Beach and Bathhouse (seasonal)
The Creek Golf Course (18-Holes) ($35 M-Th, $40 Fri, $45 Sat-Sun)

ACTIVITIES:

Golf (rental carts, driving range)
Boat Rental – pedal boats (seasonal), canoes, fishing boats
Fishing
Horseback Riding – 22-mile trail, stalls, no horse rentals
Hiking – 2.5-mile trail, weekday hiking on 22-mile horse trail
Swimming (March-September)

Observatory Open House
Saturday, Sep 6, 2008 8:30 PM - 10:30 PM Additional dates between now and Oct 4, 2008
Georgia State University's Hard Labor Creek Observatory will be open to the public one Saturday per month from March until October. 706-557-3001.