Amicalola Falls
Cherokee words for Tumbling Water
In northern Georgia is an amazing water fall. A small creek tumbles over a very tall rocky cliff. An unbelievable drop and this small creek makes the most spectacular display on it's way down. A beautiful enchanting scene to behold.
The falls is 720 feet total height. So compare that to maybe a 70 story building. Not a small height for such a tiny creek.
The Appalachian mountain range starts here. And so does the Applachian trail. If you are ambitious you can hike from here to Maine. It would be a 2,200 mile walk and you would see some of the best beauty of 14 states on the way. If you start in early spring you could reach Maine in time to see the beautiful fall colors. You may reach Mount Katahdin before the snow flies. Could you imagine the journey? What you would see along the way? What would you eat? How would you be transformed both physically and mentally? Could you envision such a journey?
If you are less ambitious .... you can park at the bottom of this falls and hike the 600 stair steps up the entire height of this water falls. Here is the beginning of the journey.
The stairs are hefty metal grates but transparent. So you can see the ground below as you climb the stairs.
This next photo is from the bridge halfway up the falls. A wonderful place to stop and take in the view of the falls. A mist drifts over you as the water says Hello as it plumets past.
When you have shared the moment with the water, and the rocks, and the trees, and perhaps a new friend you met there, then you can continue your climb. It's a longer stairs the rest of the way to the top of the falls. There you can see just how small and gentle this meandering small creek is before it dives off the cliff.
When you have enjoyed the beauty there a short walk and another 98 stairs along the way, if you count logs, and you arrive at the Lodge overlooking the valley. A wonderful view of the surrounding hills. A wonderful place to rest as you take in that you made it the whole 698 stairs plus inclines to the top. You can rest, enjoy the view, and get food or a tshirt.
Now you realize your car is at the bottom of the falls. Is it easier going down then up? Well yes and no. A little scarier and perhaps harder on the knees but easier on the lungs and heart. Soon you stop at the bridge again after passing people huffing and puffing. You can once again enjoy the amazing beauty of the place. You can meditate and pray with the water and the rocks. Appreciate the awe and wonder of the place.
Then the journey continues down the remaining stair steps and sloping downhill trail after that.
If you would like to skip all of the stairs and steps there is an easier way to see the bridge at the middle of the falls and the lodge at the top. But I'll let you know it's easier on you, but a wee bit hard on someone like me's truck. The road up is a rather short but extremely steep 25% grade. Yes that is a very steep road! First gear the whole way with a hot clutch by the top. And then a hot clutch and hot brakes all the way back down. But all worth it when you found a really super tshirt at the lodge that you love .... and you realize you left your wallet all the way at the bottom of the falls in your truck ... Hmmmm ... Interesting ...
I have no photos of the entire falls. There is simply no perspective from afar that captures it with the trees loving the beauty and the hills and falls.