Amicalola Falls — 729ft Tiered in Georgia

Amicalola Falls is a 729-foot tiered waterfall in Dawson County, Georgia, reached by a moderate hike over 2.1 miles.

Amicalola Falls in Dawsonville, Georgia is the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi at 729 feet across seven cascades — and the southernmost waypoint on the Appalachian Trail's approach corridor. The state park preserves the falls and serves as the unofficial 'gateway' to the AT, with thru-hikers regularly starting their northbound journey from Springer Mountain (8.5 miles via the AT Approach Trail from the visitor center). The 2.1-mile loop trail with 600+ stair steps takes you alongside the cascading drops.

What to expect

Drive into Amicalola Falls State Park (1 hour north of Atlanta). Pay the state park day-use fee. Park near the trail base. The classic loop is 2.1 miles round-trip via the East Ridge Trail and the famous staircase that climbs alongside the cascades — 600+ steps, no shortcuts. Multiple overlooks at intermediate cascades. The 8.5-mile AT Approach Trail begins from the upper falls parking. Pair with Springer Mountain or fall foliage in October-November.