Right now
Right now as of Oct 27, 2026
- Status The East Ridge Trail is closed for maintenance, per the park lodge site (undated notice, checked Oct 27, 2026).
- Permit No permit needed. Entry fee: $10 / vehicle.
Status note (Oct 27, 2026): Park open. The East Ridge Trail is closed for maintenance, per the park lodge site (undated notice, checked Oct 27, 2026). The West Ridge path is open. What the status labels mean
Amicalola Falls is a 729-foot cascade in Amicalola Falls State Park near Dawsonville, and Wikipedia calls it the tallest waterfall in Georgia. You can see it from a paved accessible path or climb 604 steps to the top. The East Ridge Trail is closed for maintenance, per the park lodge site, checked October 27, 2026. Every vehicle needs the $10 Georgia State Parks ParkPass, and the park has a lodge, 13 cabins, glamping sites and a campground.
About Amicalola Falls
Amicalola Falls is a 729-foot cascade on Little Amicalola Creek, according to the park and Wikipedia. The park calls it the third-highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi. Wikipedia calls it the highest waterfall in Georgia.
Georgia State Parks says the park is managed and operated by North Georgia Mountains Authority and Coral Hospitality. Its state parks page points to the park lodge site as the official website.
The park has a lodge, cabins, glamping sites and a campground, covered in the lodging section below. It is also the starting point of the Approach Trail to Springer Mountain.
Getting there and parking
Amicalola Falls State Park is in Dawson County near Dawsonville. The park lodge site says a $10 GA State Park Pass is required for all vehicles.
The park lodge site lists a $70 annual ParkPass, sold at the lodge or Visitor Center and good for one year from purchase. Check the Georgia State Parks ParkPass page for current rates before you go.
Some other north Georgia waterfalls charge their own fees instead of using the park pass. Anna Ruby Falls near Helen is National Forest land with its own per-person fee. Toccoa Falls sits on a university campus and charges a separate fee.
Visitor Center address and hours
The Visitor Center is at 418 Amicalola Falls Lodge Drive in Dawsonville, according to the park lodge. It's open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The park lodge says the park is accessible year-round during daylight hours.
We could not confirm a downloadable park map. Check the park lodge site for current maps and trail notices before you go.
Lodge, cabins and camping at Amicalola Falls
You can stay inside the park at the lodge, in a cabin, at a glamping site or in the campground. The park lodge lists 57 rooms at the lodge itself.
Cabins
There are 13 cabins: 9 mountaintop and 4 creekside, according to the park lodge. Four of them are pet-friendly, so ask for one of those if your dog is coming.
Campground and glamping
The park lodge's accommodations page lists 18 wooded campsites and 6 glamping sites. Another page on the same site says 24 campsites, so confirm the count when you book.
The campground road can be steep. The park's camping FAQ says it can have up to a 25% grade at times.
There is no direct hiking trail from the campground to the falls, per the same FAQ. The park recommends driving to the top of the falls instead.
Pets are welcome in the campground as long as they're friendly and always kept on a short, sturdy leash, the FAQ says.
Booking
The park lodge takes bookings at 706-344-1500. Georgia State Parks lists its reservations line as 1-800-864-7275. We did not record room, cabin or campsite rates.
Map and nearby falls
Map loads as you scroll. Open in OpenStreetMap
OpenPartly open / seasonalUnconfirmedClosedLarger map
Ways to see the falls
You can see Amicalola Falls three ways: from a paved, accessible West Ridge path, by climbing the 604-step staircase, or by walking down from the top lot.
Paved West Ridge path (no hike needed)
You can see Amicalola Falls without a real hike. A paved, accessible path from the West Ridge access parking leads to overlooks of the falls. Its length was not listed in the sources we checked.
The 604-step staircase
The best-known route is the staircase. The park lodge counts 604 steps from the bottom of the park to the top of the falls, with a viewing platform halfway up. Coming down from the top of the falls, the staircase is 425 steps.
Driving to the top lot
You can also drive to the top lot and walk down to the falls instead of climbing up. The park's camping FAQ recommends this for campers, since no direct trail links the campground to the falls.
East Ridge Trail closure
The park lodge site says the East Ridge Trail is currently closed for maintenance, with no reopening date. Lakeside News reported in July 2025 that erosion repairs were planned, funded by a $600,000 RTP grant.
The same report said the West Ridge Trail would remain open during that work.
Approach Trail to Springer Mountain
The Approach Trail runs about 8 miles from the park to Springer Mountain, the southern end of the 2,193-mile Appalachian Trail, according to the park lodge.
Dogs are allowed on a leash at all times on park trails.
When to visit
Amicalola Falls State Park is accessible year-round during daylight hours, according to the park lodge. We found no official best season for viewing the falls.
The East Ridge Trail closure notice is undated, so check the park lodge site for its status before you go.
More work is planned. Lakeside News reported in July 2025 on a $3 million Conserve Georgia grant for improved restrooms, accessible walkways, picnic areas, a new playground and shelters. It gave no completion date.
Whatever the season, the 604-step climb takes effort, so bring water and allow time for breaks.
| Height | 729 ftNote: per the park and Wikipedia; Wikipedia calls it Georgia's tallest waterfall |
|---|---|
| Trail | Paved accessible path from the West Ridge access parking to overlooks, or a 604-step climb from the bottom of the park to the top of the falls |
| Difficulty | Easy (paved path) / Hard (staircase) |
| Entry fee | $10 Georgia State Park Pass, required for all vehicles (park lodge site, checked Oct 2026) |
| Permit / reservation | No permit; every vehicle needs the $10 Georgia State Park Pass |
| Parking | Park lots ($10 pass) |
| Hours / season | Visitor Center 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (park lodge site) |
| Dogs | Allowed on a short, sturdy leash at all times; 4 of the 13 cabins are pet-friendly (park lodge) |
| Wheelchair / stroller | Partly: a paved, accessible path from the West Ridge access parking leads to falls overlooks |
| Walk behind the falls | No |
| Managed by | Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites (Georgia DNR); managed and operated by North Georgia Mountains Authority and Coral Hospitality |
Safety and swimming
The park sources we checked do not post a swimming rule for the falls. The safe way to see the cascade is from the stairs, platforms and overlooks. Stay on them, and do not climb onto the rocks beside the water.
With 604 steps, the climb is long. Take breaks, including at the viewing platform halfway up, and let faster hikers pass. If stairs are hard for you, use the paved West Ridge path or start from the top lot.
Steps can be slick when wet. Wear shoes with good grip, and watch children closely near the railings.
Conditions change: confirm with the park before you go. Our waterfall safety guide has more tips.
Where to stay near Amicalola Falls
Compare hotels, cabins and rentals close to the falls around Dawsonville.
See places to stay nearbyAffiliate link: we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Partners do not see or change our waterfall facts. Disclosure.
Photos
Amicalola Falls FAQ
How much does it cost to visit Amicalola Falls in 2026?
$10 per vehicle. The park lodge site says a $10 GA State Park Pass is required for all vehicles. It also lists a $70 annual ParkPass, sold at the lodge or Visitor Center and good for one year from purchase.
How many steps are at Amicalola Falls?
604 steps, from the bottom of the park to the top of the falls, according to the park lodge. A viewing platform sits halfway up. The staircase down from the top of the falls is 425 steps.
Can you see Amicalola Falls without hiking?
Yes. A paved, accessible path from the West Ridge access parking leads to overlooks of the falls. You can also drive to the top lot and walk down instead of climbing the 604 steps.
Is Amicalola Falls the tallest waterfall in Georgia?
Yes, according to Wikipedia, which calls Amicalola Falls the highest waterfall in Georgia at 729 feet. The park lodge describes it as the third-highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River.
Can you camp at Amicalola Falls State Park?
Yes. The park lodge's accommodations page lists 18 wooded campsites and 6 glamping sites, plus 13 cabins and the lodge. Another page on the same site says 24 campsites, so confirm when you book at 706-344-1500.
Does the Appalachian Trail start at Amicalola Falls?
Not quite. The Approach Trail starts at the park and runs about 8 miles to Springer Mountain, where the Appalachian Trail officially begins, according to the park lodge.
Are dogs allowed at Amicalola Falls State Park?
Yes, on a short, sturdy leash at all times. Four of the park's 13 cabins are pet-friendly, according to the park lodge.
Is any trail closed at Amicalola Falls?
Yes. The park lodge site says the East Ridge Trail is closed for maintenance, with no reopening date. Lakeside News reported in July 2025 that the West Ridge Trail would stay open during the repairs.
Nearby waterfalls
Helton Creek Falls24 mi straight-lineOpen100FT COMBINED, 100+
Raven Cliff Falls27 mi straight-lineOpen60FT
Anna Ruby Falls33 mi straight-lineOpen153FT
High Shoals Falls35 mi straight-lineOpen
Panther Creek Falls49 mi straight-linePartly open70FT
Toccoa Falls50 mi straight-lineOpen186FT
Bald River Falls52 mi straight-lineOpen90FT
Glen Falls65 mi straight-lineOpen70FT
Dry Falls67 mi straight-lineOpen75FT
Bridal Veil Falls67 mi straight-lineOpen45FT
Ruby Falls70 mi straight-lineOpen
Abrams Falls75 mi straight-lineOpen25FT
City guides: Waterfalls near Atlanta, GA · Waterfalls near Blue Ridge, GA · Waterfalls near Chattanooga, TN
On these lists: Dog-friendly waterfalls
Sources
Some facts credited to the Georgia State Parks come from search-result excerpts of its official pages. Confirm fees and rules on the official site.
- Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge: Georgia State Park ($10 pass, Visitor Center hours, East Ridge notice)
- Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge: Accommodations
- Amicalola Falls State Park: Camping FAQs (PDF)
- Georgia State Parks: Amicalola Falls State Park (management and reservations)
- Georgia State Parks: ParkPass
- Georgia State Parks: ParkPass 2026 FAQ (PDF)
- Amicalola Falls Lodge: View Amicalola Falls from the top down
- Amicalola Falls Lodge: Wild Scavenger Hunt (604 steps)
- Lakeside News: Renovations planned at Amicalola Falls State Park (July 28, 2025)
- Wikipedia: Amicalola Falls
- Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge (official park site): 729 ft, third-highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River (read Oct 29, 2026)
Last verified Oct 27, 2026 by The Waterfall Guide editorial team. Conditions change: confirm with Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites (Georgia DNR); managed and operated by North Georgia Mountains Authority and Coral Hospitality before you go. Spotted something out of date? Report a correction.