Amicalola Falls State Park Trail Map - N

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
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Park Bounda
CAMPGROUND
Len Foote
Hike Inn Trail
#14
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Park Bounda
#13
#12
#11
#10
#9
#8
#7
Appalachian
Approach
Trail
#6
Top-of-the-Falls Area
Park Bound
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West Ridge
Staircase
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LODGE
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Base
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Spring
Trail
Reflection
Pool
LEGEND
Gravel Roads
Paved Roads
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Appalachian Approach Trail
PS #5
Hike-Inn Trail
Cr
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Tr
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Lodge Loop Trail
Lodge Fitness Trail
Top-of-the-Falls Trail
West Ridge Falls Access Trail
Base-of-the-Falls Trail
West Ridge Spring Trail
Creek Trail
Mtn. Laurel Trail
Connector Trails
River
PS #4
#1
PS #3
Park Boundary
PS #1
#5
Hiker
Parking
Park Bounda
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Restroom
Ba
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PS #2
#4
Park Visitor Center
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#3
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#2
Max Epperson
Trail Shelter
Picnic Area
Picnic Shelter
P
Parking
Cottage
Adirondack
RV and Tent Camping
Appalachian
Approach
Trail
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Restaurant / Lodging
Playground
Fishing
Park Boun
Observation Area
Scenic Overlook
dary
Amphitheater
Handicap Access
Staff Residence
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2
PARK
ENTRANCE
0
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1 inch equals .07 mile
1 Mile
Amicalola Falls State Park is home to the Southeast’s tallest
waterfall and one Georgia’s Seven Natural Wonders.
Amicalola, a Cherokee Indian word meaning “tumbling
waters,” is an appropriate name for this 729-foot cascade.
Offering a range of accommodations, including a majestic
56-room mountaintop lodge with a full-service dining room
and banquet/meeting facilities, 14 fully equipped cottages,
and a 24-site campground, Amicalola Falls is the perfect
getaway. An eight-mile approach trail leads from the park
to Springer Mountain, the southern end of the 2,150-mile
Appalachian Trail. For hikers looking for a rustic lodging
experience, the backcountry Len Foote Hike Inn is reached
by a 5.5-mile trail starting at the park and traveling through
portions of the Chattahoochee National Forest.
West Ridge Falls Access Trail
One of the best views of the falls and one of the easier
trails. Trail surface is flat and coated with recycled tires.
Length is 0.3 miles with a gentle slope. Wheelchair
accessible.
Spring Trail
This trail runs from the parking lot of the West Ridge/
Falls Access Trail to the Mountain Laurel Loop Trail. It is
moderate in difficulty. Length is 0.4 mile. Orange Blaze.
AMICALOLA FALLS STATE PARK
WEST RIDGE FALLS ACCESS TRAIL
2400
2400
2350
2350
2300
2250
2300
2200
2150
2250
Parking
Lot
Mt. Laurel Trail
intersection
Parking
Lot
Base of
Falls
Spring Trail - 0.4 mile
Compacted Natural Soil Surface
Moderate in difficulty.
For more information visit:
www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/AmicalolaFalls
Mountain Laurel Loop
This trail is a loop that runs along the ridge above
Amicalola Creek. The trail is moderate in difficulty.
Length is 1 mile and sections of the trail can be
used along with the Spring Trail, the West Ridge Falls
Access, and the West Ridge Stairs to connect the lower
sections of the park to the upper areas. Green Blaze.
Also visit: www.Hike-Inn.com
Appalachian Approach Trail
This trail is moderate to strenuous in difficulty. Length is
8.3 miles to southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail at
Springer Mountain. Blue Blaze.
West Ridge Falls Access Trail - 0.3 miles
Recycled Tire Surface
Wheelchair Accessible - Gentle Slop
• Invest in good hiking socks such as those found at sporting
goods stores. Avoid blisters by carrying “moleskin” and applying
it as soon as you feel a hot spot on your feet. Available in the foot
care section of drug stores, moleskin is like felt that sticks to your
skin.
2750
2700
Visitor
Center
2600
2200
2550
2150
2500
Trailhead
2100
Lodge Loop - 0.25 mile loop
Paved Asphalt Surface / Wheelchair Accessible
Trail is lighted for early morning and/or evening use.
2000
1950
1
2
3
4
Miles
5
6
7
8 Springer
Mountain
North
Intersection
w/Creek Trail
Base of the Falls Trail
Very scenic as it runs along the creek below the falls
and eventually climbs the falls corridor itself on a series
of stairs and decks. This trail is moderate to strenuous
due to the steep slope and stairs. Length is 1 mile. Red
Blaze.
2250
2200
2150
2100
2050
2000
1950
1900
1850
1800
2100
2050
2000
1950
1900
Reflection
Pool
Creek Trail - 0.6 mile
Compacted Natural Soil Surface
Moderate in difficulty.
Visitor
Center
3200
Hike
Inn
3100
3000
2900
2800
2700
2600
Top of
Falls
Base of the Falls Trail - 1 mile
Compacted Natural Soil Surface
Moderate to Strenuous in difficulty.
2
3
4
5
6
Miles
Appalachian
Approach
Trail
Hike Inn Trail - 5.5 miles
Compacted Natural Soil Surface
Moderate in difficulty.
1
Base of
Falls
Miles
1
• Do not pick flowers or disturb wildlife.
• Protect the landscape by staying on trails.
PARK INFORMATION
Park Hours ....................................... 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Office Hours....................................... 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
3300
Reflection
Pool
• Be prepared for unexpected rain and wind which can lead to
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
warm as quickly as possible.
• Dress in layers and avoid cotton. Luckily, today’s hikers can
choose from numerous fabrics that wick moisture, dry quickly
or conserve heat. Many experienced hikers wear a lightweight
shirt that wicks moisture, while carrying a fleece pullover and rain
jacket.
• Pack out all trash.
• Keep pets on a leash.
Hike Inn Trail
The only access to the Len Foote Hike Inn. This trail
is moderate in difficulty. A permit must be obtained
from the Visitor Center to hike this trail. Length is 5.5
miles. Yellow Blaze.
Mountain Laurel Loop - 1 mile
Compacted Natural Soil Surface
Moderate in difficulty.
Creek Trail
This trail is moderate in difficulty. Length is 0.6 mile, providing
a nice walk from the Visitor Center to the Reflection Pool at
the base of the falls. Yellow Blaze.
2150
1
South
Intersection
w/Creek Trail
Miles
Appalachian Approach Trail - 8.3 miles
Compacted Natural Soil Surface
Moderate to Strenuous in difficulty.
1850
Visitor
Center
Return
2050
• Be prepared for unexpected weather changes by dressing
in layers and carrying rain gear.
• Take a map, water, snacks, first aid kit, flashlight and whistle.
Three short blasts on a whistle are known as a call for help.
• Do not stray from trails. If you become lost, stay in one location
and wait for help. This will make it easier for rescuers to find you.
• Don’t count on cell phones to work in the wilderness, but if they
do, be able to give details about your location.
Lodge Loop
Paved surface with educational displays. Length is
0.25 mile. Trail is easy and wheelchair accessible.
2650
3600
3400
3200
3000
2800
2600
2400
2200
2000
1800
SAFETY TIPS & ETIQUETTE
Amicalola Falls is a fragile beauty that can also be dangerous
when people ignore rules and regulations. Several fatalities and
injuries have occurred from visitors leaving the designated trails and
entering restricted areas. For this reason, anyone who leaves the
designated trail or staircase system and attempts to climb or walk
down the waterfall corridor will be considered in violation of the law
and subject to arrest or citations. Remain on marked trails, steps,
and structures to help us protect this natural beauty and to ensure
your safety. Other tips to follow:
• Tell someone your itinerary and expected return time.
Fitness Trail
Easy access from the lodge. More than 20 exercise
stations along the wooded route.
In Case of Emergency:
Pay Phones are located at the Visitor Center and in the Lodge.
Park staff residences are indicated on the map. There are two
residences near the campground and the upper cottages. One
residence is located next to the Visitor Center.
Park Emergency Phone .................... 911 or (706) 265-8888
EMT, Fire, Sheriff ............................................................. 911
Hospital .............................................. 911 or (706) 864-6136
Chestatee Regional Hospital is located 18 miles east of the park in
Dahlonega. Turn left onto Hwy 52 out of the park gate. Go 18 miles
to Dahlonega and turn right at the second light onto Hwy 60. The
hospital is located ¼ mile ahead on the right.