Amicalola, Cherokee for tumbling waters, is one of Georgia's most popular state parks. The main attraction in the park is a 729 foot cascading waterfall. While sometimes the cascade is listed as the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi, Amicalola Falls comes in at third place. Its imposing cascades have impressed the earliest Natives and European newcomers, and was thought as one of the most majestic scenes in the state.
   The park is made up of 2050 acres, abundant in hardwoods and pine, intermixed with dogwood, mountain laurel and rhododendron. A popular trail to the base of the falls is just uphill past the visitor center and a parking loop. The trail is paved, but a few series of steps create a moderate level of effort. Other trails, including the East and West Ridge Trails, also lead to the waterfalls with moderate to very strenuous trails lead to the lower reflecting pool and to the top of the falls. The remaining trails weave in and around the park, with the longest an 8.5 mile scenic approach to the Appalachian Trail. The southern end of the 2190 mile Appalachian Trail is on top of Springer Mountain, located within Amicalola Falls State Park.
   Those not up to tackling the climb to the top of the falls, a steep park road leads to the top of the falls and the park lodge. The 57-room Amicalola Lodge is nestled on the mountaintop, offering spectacular views. Cabins and RV and tent campgrounds add to the various styles of accommodations.

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