Amicalola Falls State Park050

Amicalola means tumbling waters in Cherokee, and this jewel among Georgia state parks is named for its impressive 729-foot falls. There's multiple ways to view the falls, and you can start at the bottom, middle, or top, depending on how strenuous a walking experience you're looking for. It's several hundred steps to the falls' base, and we recommend taking the metal stairs that bring you closest to the water in the "down" direction, which is easier than taking them up to the top. Whichever way you trek, it's worth the views, both from the top and the bottom. The tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River is most spectacular in the fall and spring, and a park path leads to the southern end of the Appalachian Trail.

Do not leave your camera at home, but be aware that there is a lot of moisture nearby the rushing waters, so exercise care when positioning your shots.

Both wildflowers and wildlife are natural eye candy - we saw vibrantly colored birds and a family of deer on our visit. Plenty of picnic tables are on site, and small playgrounds can be found in three locations (one's closest to the lodge). A visitors center hosts animal interactions and special nature programs, and several types of accommodations are available - from campsites to a mountain lodge with wireless Internet access.