There is something magical about waking up in a luxury tent in the North Georgia mountains, with Georgia's tallest waterfall just up the road and the start of the Appalachian Trail right next door. We spent a long weekend glamping at Amicalola Falls State Park, and even with the rain (and the bear warnings), it was a peaceful, gorgeous escape. Here is everything you need to know.
Is Amicalola Falls State Park worth visiting?
Absolutely. Amicalola Falls is the tallest waterfall in Georgia at 729 feet, the park is the gateway to the Appalachian Trail, and the glamping tents make it an easy, comfortable basecamp for a mountain weekend. Whether you want a hard hike or a relaxed nature retreat, this park delivers.
Glamping in a luxury tent
We stayed in one of the park's glamping tents, and it struck the perfect balance between camping and comfort:
Real beds for everyone. Two bunk beds (our kids claimed the top bunks) plus an oversized king bed for us, with plenty of extra blankets since the tent is not insulated.
Year-round comfort. Two heating and cooling units mean you can use the tent in any season, a huge plus in the chilly mountain air.
A beverage station. A Keurig with branded adventure mugs, plus a mini fridge and freezer for snacks.
A workspace and Wi-Fi. There is a desk and free campsite Wi-Fi if you need to stay connected.
A great outdoor setup. Out back you get Adirondack chairs, a hammock, a ceiling fan, a water spigot, a patio table, and a fire pit with a grill grate for s'mores and cookouts.
One important note: there is no cooking space inside the tent (just the grill out back), so plan your meals and snacks accordingly. And this is bear country, so clean up everything and store food properly unless you want furry visitors.
Amicalola Falls: 729 feet, 600+ steps
The star of the park is the waterfall itself. Amicalola Falls is the tallest waterfall in Georgia at 729 feet, one of the tallest cascading falls east of the Mississippi. For the ambitious, you can climb the staircase from the reflection pool at the bottom all the way to the top, about 600 steps. Consider it a free leg day with a waterfall view.
We had the kids and the dogs with us (and it was raining), so we skipped the 600-step climb and took the paved trail in the middle instead. It is an easy, family-friendly path that gets you a beautiful view of the falls without the stair workout. Perfect for little legs and four-legged friends.
The start of the Appalachian Trail
Here is the bucket-list bonus: Amicalola Falls State Park is the unofficial start of the Appalachian Trail. The 8-mile approach trail to Springer Mountain (the AT's official southern terminus) begins right here. We were not about to attempt a 2,000-mile thru-hike with kids in the rain, but standing at the gateway to one of the most famous trails in the world is pretty cool. Maybe one day, when we have seven months to spare.
Bonus: views all the way to Atlanta
On a clear moment, the mountain views from the park are stunning, and you can even spot the Atlanta skyline off in the distance. After days of rain, finally seeing those layered blue ridges (and the city beyond) was a perfect payoff.
Tips for visiting Amicalola Falls
Book a glamping tent if you want comfort without roughing it. The heating/cooling makes it a year-round option.
Plan your meals. No cooking inside the tent, so use the outdoor grill and pack accordingly.
Store your food. It is bear country. Clean up and secure everything.
Pick your falls route. The 600-step climb is a workout. The paved middle trail is family- and dog-friendly.
Pack rain gear. Mountain weather changes fast, and a rainy hike is still a beautiful one.
FAQ
How tall is Amicalola Falls?
It is 729 feet, making it the tallest waterfall in Georgia and one of the tallest cascading falls east of the Mississippi.
How many steps to the top of Amicalola Falls?
About 600 stairs from the bottom reflection pool to the top. There is also a paved trail to a closer viewpoint if you want to skip the climb.
Is Amicalola Falls the start of the Appalachian Trail?
Yes. The park is the start of the 8-mile approach trail to Springer Mountain, the AT's southern terminus.
Can you stay overnight at the park?
Yes. There are glamping tents, a lodge, and campsites, making it a great basecamp for a mountain weekend.
Is it good for families?
Very. The glamping tents are family-friendly, and the paved trail lets kids and dogs see the falls without the stair climb.
The Verdict
Amicalola Falls gave us the best of both worlds: a cozy, comfortable glamping tent and a front-row seat to Georgia's tallest waterfall and the gateway to the Appalachian Trail. We dodged the rain, skipped the 600 steps (no regrets), and soaked up four peaceful days in the North Georgia mountains. If you want a mountain escape that works for the whole family, dogs included, put this one on your list. Just bear with us, and bring the rain jackets.
Want to see the falls and the glamping setup? Watch it on YouTube: We Found This Amazing Waterfall at Amicalola State Park, and subscribe to Finding Our Forte for more.
