Amicalola Falls

Georgia's Tallest Waterfall - Amicalola Falls

Amicalola Falls is a 729-foot (222 m) waterfall in Dawson County, Georgia, United States. It the highest waterfall in Georgia and is considered to be one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia. The name "Amicalola" is derived from a Cherokee language word meaning "tumbling waters". It is located within Amicalola Falls State Park. Amicalola State Park is one of the best place in Georgia to see the Leaf Watch in fall season. 

Amicalola Falls Trail is actually two trails, the "Base of Falls" Trail and the waterfalls trail (Top of the Falls) and they have two entirely different personalities. The Base of Falls Trail parallels the paved road between the visitor’s center and the reflecting pool, crossing it once and ending up at the southwest corner of the lower falls parking lot. The falls portion of the Amicalola Falls Trail is a steep, paved trail that requires a good deal of effort to climb up.

Amicalola Falls View in 3 Different Season 

There are several hiking trails, including an entrance to the Appalachian Trail. It is loaded with fun park amenities.

·         East Ridge Trail (Old Appalachian Approach Trail)

·         Spring Trail

·         Mountain Laurel Loop

·         New Appalachian Approach Trail/Base of The Falls Trail

·         West Ridge Falls Access Trail

·         Backcountry Len Foote Hike Inn

To reach the top of the Amicalola Falls we have to climb total 620 steps to the summit – 175 to the viewing area deck and then another 445 to the top. For this reason, we suggest you climb to the top of the falls via the East Ridge Trail and come down the "Top of Falls Trail" on the return to visitor center parking lot. This hike is much easier. 

Amicalola Falls State Park

Amicalola Falls State Park in Georgia

Amicalola Falls State Park is an 829 acre (3.35 km²) Georgia state park located between Ellijay and Dahlonega in Dawsonville, Georgia. The park's name is derived from a Cherokee language word meaning "Tumbling Waters". Amicalola State Park is one of the best place in Georgia to see the fall colors.

The park is home to Amicalola Falls, a 729-foot (222 m) waterfall, making it the highest in Georgia. It is considered to be one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia. An eight-mile (13 km) trail that winds past Amicalola Falls and leads to Springer Mountain, famous for being the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, begins in the park. Amicalola Falls State Park also offers many hiking trails, a guest lodge, restaurant, cabins, a shelter for long distance Appalachian Trail hikers, a campground and access to the eco-friendly Len Foote Hike Inn.

Amicalola Falls Trail is actually two trails, the "Base of Falls" Trail and the waterfalls trail (Top of the Falls) and they have two entirely different personalities. The Base of Falls Trail parallels the paved road between the visitor’s center and the reflecting pool, crossing it once and ending up at the southwest corner of the lower falls parking lot. The falls portion of the Amicalola Falls Trail is a steep, paved trail that requires a good deal of effort to climb up. For this reason, we suggest that you climb to the top of the falls via the East Ridge Trail and come down the "Top of Falls Trail" on the return. This hike is much easier.

How To Reach : Amicalola Falls State Park, 418 Amicalola Falls Lodge Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534

Fall Colors in Amicalola Park

Georgia's Beautiful Fall Colors in Amicalola

Georgia’s landscape transforms into a palette of gorgeous fall colors in October and November. To enjoy the reds, yellows and all the hues in between during an outing framed around the best scenes the season has to offer. 

The mountains of North Georgia are the ideal location for experiencing some of the finest views. We can enjoy a blanket of red, yellow and orange covers the entire Georgia in each fall season.

Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge boasts the Southeast’s tallest cascading waterfall. Choose a flat path to a boardwalk overlook, or try your stamina on the steep staircase from the bottom of the falls. Either way, the payback is striking scenery. 

Amicalola Falls State Park in Dawsonville is Just an hour north of Atlanta you’ll find the Southeast’s tallest cascading waterfall.  The falls can be enjoyed from both easy and difficult trails.  A short, flat path leads to a boardwalk offering the most spectacular views.  There’s also an easy-to-reach overlook at the top.  For a tougher challenge, start from the bottom of the falls and hike up the steep staircase.  Amicalola Falls gets very busy on pretty October weekends. 

Stone Mountain Walk-Up Trail

Walk-Up Trail to Top of Stone Mountain

Stone Mountain Walk-Up Trail is a heavily trafficked loop trail located near Stone Mountain, GA that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. The trail is open daily from dawn to dusk, unless otherwise posted. Just follow the painted yellow line and enjoy the unique scenery and spectacular views.

Stone Mountain Park features 15 miles of hiking and walking trails, including the 1-mile trail to the top of the mountain which starts at the Confederate Hall Historical & Environmental Education Center.

Stone Mountain Park Trails

·         Cherokee Trail - White Blazes

·         Nature Gardens Trail - Green Blazes

·         Songbird Habitat Trail - Red Blazes

·         King's Trail At Indian Island - Indigo Blazes

·         Trail of the Muscogee - Blue Blazes

·         Walk-Up Trail - Painted Yellow Lines

Stone Mountain offers the rare treat of an amazing view at just minutes outside of Atlanta. Rising over 800 feet from the surrounding area, on a clear day you can see downtown Atlanta, Kennesaw Mountain, the North Georgia mountains and the surrounding area. 

Stone Mountain is also the site of the world largest bas-relief sculpture, depicting Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, and Jefferson Davis.

How to Reach :  Confederate Hall Historical & Environmental Education Center, Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30087

Bavarian Alpine village

Helen - Georgia Bavarian Alpine village

Helen is a city in White County, Georgia, United States, along the Chattahoochee River. The city resurrected itself by becoming a replica of a Bavarian alpine town, in the Appalachians instead of the Alps. This design is mandated through zoning first adopted in 1969, so that the classic south-German style is present on every building.

Helen, a Bavarian Alps replica town in Appalachian Georgia, is home to an Oktoberfest for the ages, overflowing with two-liter beer glasses and Germany's famous bratwursts. The Chattahoochee River flows gently through Helen, a re-creation of a Bavarian Alpine village, complete with cobblestone streets. Local history is linked to the Cherokee Indians and early settlers who came to mine for gold and work in the lumber industry.

Helen now has more than 200 specialty and import shops offering everything from candle making and glass blowing to cuckoo clocks and quilts. Dining options range from traditional German fare to traditional Southern.

A favorite getaway is Unicoi State Park with trails for hiking and biking as well as swimming and boating on Unicoi Lake. Stop for a wine tasting at Habersham Winery or for some "Georgia Ice-Cream," otherwise known as grits, at Nora Mill Granary.

Recreation is in abundance with fly-fishing, golfing, horseback riding, River tubing and paddling. Attractions include Charlemagne's Kingdom, Scarlet's Secret, the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway and waterfalls.

Florida Blue Wave Beaches

Florida Blue Wave Beaches

Blue Wave beaches and destinations represent the complete eco-coastal experience.  As such, to support clean, safe and economically thriving beach. The Blue Wave program is the first national environmental certification for beaches.  The Blue Wave certification process is designed to help maintain robust, healthy, and vibrant beaches.

The Blue Wave Award is given by the Clean Beaches Council, a not-for-profit organization devoted to increasing public awareness and volunteer participation in beach sustainability.

Beaches are rated on their water quality, cleanliness, safety, services and maintenance, conservation efforts, warning and information systems and management of erosion.

Here I am listing few beaches which I have visited …

Florida Blue Wave Beaches (South Atlantic)

Pompano Beach

Fort Lauderdale Beach

Deerfield Beach

Hollywood City Beach

To Get more info, Click on any images. 

Welleby Park

Welleby Park in Sunrise Florida

Welleby Park is one of the largest parks in the Sunrise City - and one of its most utilized. The park offers year-round recreational opportunities for Sunrise residents, and is the site of the annual Woodstock Arts & Crafts Festival. 

The Welleby Park nearly 29 acres, features ten picnic pavilions, as well as an extensive children's play area with playground equipment atop a rubberized safety surface. Welleby Park also has a restroom facility and a looped walking path totaling 1.23 miles 

Location : Welleby Park is located just southwest of the corner of NW 44 Street and Hiatus Road.