DO IT: Hiking

Loop trail at the Augusta Canal headgates.

The West Rim Loop Trail is a five-mile lollipop style hike providing several overlooks that showcase the park’s rugged geology, deep canyons, dense woodland, and epic views. Marked by unmistakable yellow blazes, the occasionally rocky and root-ridden trail is best accessed from the Main Trailhead. Within the first 0.4 miles, the trail descends to its […]

The trail plunges elevation from the canyon’s scenic east rim to two popular waterfalls, descending into the boulder- and waterfall-filled canyon floor.

Visitors should note that this trail is strenuous and is not suitable for everyone. Hikers who choose the challenge of the Waterfalls Trail are rewarded with the site of Cherokee Falls after ½-mile and then Hemlock Falls about ½-mile further down the canyon. The flow level of the water over the falls varies throughout the […]

Offering picturesque views into the canyon, the Overlook Trail is a flat, 1-mile out and back route. It leads along the rim of the canyon and behind the Interpretive Center to the Main Overlook, and then continues to a second overlook. This blue-blazed trail is mostly flat and includes benches along the way for relaxing […]

This short trail at the top of the falls is part of the park trail system and allows views of the wetlands that feed the falls.

Named for longtime conservationist Leonard E. Foote, the Hike Inn Trail takes amblers to the famed Hike Inn. Accessible to hikers on foot only, the Hike Inn provides guests standard hotel amenities and big doses of peace and quiet. Guests of the Hike Inn must check in at the park Visitor Center by 2 p.m. […]

Connecting the West Ridge Falls Access Trail to the Mountain Laurel Loop Trail, this short trail sits on the west side of Amicalola Falls State Park. It can be used in conjunction with several other trails to create an easy to moderate loop that will include the falls and Reflection Pool.

This mile-long loop has over 20 exercise stations available that are all surrounded by the beautiful forests of Amicalola Falls State Park.

With access points on the Spring Trail and Creek Trail, Mountain Laurel Loop Trail runs through the western slopes of Amicalola Falls State Park on the ridge above Amicalola Creek. About the Park Few parks provide a wider variety of hiking options than Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge. With 10 trails and one amazing […]

Lodge Loop Trail is well-lit for use before sunrise or after sunset and has a number of educational displays for visitors to learn about Amicalola Falls State Park, as well as a scenic overlook and an observation area. About the Park Few parks provide a wider variety of hiking options than Amicalola Falls State Park […]

This unblazed trail was once the approach to the Appalachian Trail, but it now takes hikers from the Visitor Center to the top of the waterfall in Amicalola Falls State Park. The East Ridge Trail, much of which is a park service road, is commonly used in conjunction with Creek Trail and the Approach Trail […]

This yellow-blazed scenic walk leads from the Visitor Center to the Reflection Pool at the base of the falls. Seasonal fishing is allowed in the small pool and the creek downstream (fishing license required). Hikers continue along the Appalachian Approach Trail to take in the gorgeous Amicalola Falls.

The West Ridge Falls Access Trail starts from an accessible parking lot off Amicalola Falls State Park Road and provides visitors with a breathtaking view of the cascading waterfalls at Amicalola. The gently sloping, recycled-tire surface is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.