Hiking Amicalola Falls State Park with Kids: Trails, Stairs & Waterfall Views
If you're looking for a beautiful waterfall hike in Georgia, Amicalola Falls State Park is definitely one to add to your list!
Home to Georgia's tallest waterfall, Amicalola Falls features a stunning 729-foot cascading waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, scenic mountain views, and hiking trails that let you experience the falls from several different viewpoints.
During our visit, we hiked from the visitor center all the way to the top of the falls with our three kids, stopping along the way to enjoy the views, take photos, and explore.
From figuring out where to park to climbing the staircases beside the waterfall, here's what our family's experience was like and what we'd recommend knowing before your visit.
Amicalola Falls State Park at a Glance
Location: Dawsonville, Georgia
Day-use ParkPass: $10 per vehicle
Main attraction: 729-foot cascading waterfall, the tallest in Georgia
What we did: Hiked from the visitor center to the top of the waterfall and back
Waterfall stairs: 175 steps to the bridge, followed by another 425 steps to the top
Trail difficulty: Stair sections are marked strenuous
Great for: Families who enjoy hiking, waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and outdoor adventures
For current park hours, ParkPass information, trail updates, and more, visit the official Amicalola Falls State Park website.
Starting Our Visit at the Amicalola Falls Visitor Center
We started our visit at the first parking lot near the Amicalola Falls State Park visitor center.
Since we were paying for our ParkPass by card, we were directed to the visitor center to take care of that before beginning our hike.
The visitor center was actually a fun little stop on its own!
Inside, we found snacks, ice cream, and plenty of souvenirs, including walking sticks, shirts, hats, and stuffed animals.
There were also a few live animals, including snakes and a turtle, along with some fun wildlife displays. The kids especially enjoyed the animal cutouts with buttons they could press to hear the different animal sounds.
It was a cute visitor center and a nice introduction to the park before heading out on our hike.
Finding the Right Trail to the Waterfall
Before our visit, we'd done some reading online and were under the impression that the stairway trail just outside the visitor center was the route we needed to take.
Unfortunately, that trail was under repair during our visit.
We headed back inside to ask about an alternative route, and the staff let us know that heading the other direction, to the left, would also take us to the falls.
So that's exactly what we did!
The beginning of this route was a fairly simple walk alongside the park road, although we did pass a cute playground along the way. The scenery became even more beautiful as we made our way toward the waterfall.
Where Should You Park at Amicalola Falls State Park?
One thing worth knowing before visiting is that there are multiple parking areas throughout Amicalola Falls State Park.
We started at the visitor center to purchase our ParkPass, which worked out nicely since we wanted to explore it during our first visit to the park anyway!
As we made our way toward the waterfall, I also noticed that some of the parking areas closer to the falls had QR codes posted for purchasing a ParkPass.
We didn't personally use those QR codes since we'd already purchased our pass at the visitor center, but it's something I'd consider if we visited again.
Our family tip: If your main goal is to hike beside the waterfall and enjoy the scenic viewpoints, consider checking the parking areas closer to the base of the falls rather than automatically starting at the visitor center.
Of course, if you'd like to explore the visitor center and enjoy a longer walk, starting there is a great option too!
Hiking to the Top of Amicalola Falls
Once we reached the waterfall trail, the scenery really started to shine!
The trail followed alongside the cascading waterfall, with plenty of greenery and beautiful views as we made our way uphill.
There was a noticeable incline as we climbed, but we enjoyed the hike and were excited to see the waterfall from different perspectives.
Eventually, we reached the first major staircase.
Climbing the First 175 Stairs to the Scenic Bridge
The first staircase had 175 steps leading up to a bridge overlooking the waterfall.
And honestly, this was our favorite viewpoint of the entire hike!
From the bridge, you can look up at the waterfall cascading down the rocks and also look down to see the water continuing below.
You can even peek through the bridge flooring to see the waterfall passing beneath you.
Surrounded by lush greenery, the whole area was absolutely gorgeous.
If you're hoping to capture some beautiful waterfall photos during your visit, this would be my top recommendation for a photo stop.
We spent some time taking in the scenery here, and I would say this viewpoint alone made the hike worth it!
Climbing Another 425 Stairs to the Top
If you want to continue all the way to the top of Amicalola Falls, the adventure isn't over at the bridge!
After crossing to the other side of the waterfall, there's another staircase with 425 steps leading toward the top.
We decided to keep going.
At the top, we were rewarded with beautiful mountain scenery and another perspective of the waterfall.
While the views from the top were lovely, I personally thought the bridge below offered the most impressive view of the falls themselves.
Still, reaching the top was a fun accomplishment for our family, and we were glad we continued the hike.
Can You Reach the Waterfall Without Climbing All the Stairs?
One thing we noticed during our visit was that there's also a parking area near the top of the falls.
If you want to visit the scenic bridge but would prefer to avoid the initial uphill hike and first staircase, parking near the top and walking down the 425 steps could be another option to consider.
However, keep in mind that you would still need to climb those 425 steps back up to return to your vehicle.
For anyone who has difficulty with stairs or steep inclines, that's definitely something to consider before choosing this route.
The park has multiple viewing areas and access points, so I'd recommend checking the current trail conditions and available options before visiting if accessibility is a concern.
Is the Amicalola Falls Hike Difficult for Kids?
The stair sections of the waterfall trail were marked as strenuous, and with hundreds of steps and uphill sections, it's definitely a hike that requires some effort.
However, we found the overall experience very doable for our family.
Our three kids handled the hike well, and we enjoyed stopping along the way to admire the scenery.
Of course, every family's hiking experience will be different, especially depending on your children's ages, hiking experience, and comfort with stairs.
If you're visiting with younger kids or anyone who isn't used to hiking, I'd recommend taking your time and planning for breaks along the way.
The good news is that there are beautiful views throughout the hike, so there's plenty to enjoy even if you don't decide to continue all the way to the top.
Hiking Back Down the Waterfall Trail
After reaching the top, we decided to return the same way we'd come.
We could have explored more of the park, but we really wanted another opportunity to enjoy the waterfall views as we headed back down.
And I'm glad we did!
Walking back down gave us another chance to appreciate the scenery, especially around the bridge.
The return trip also felt noticeably quicker since we were heading mostly downhill instead of climbing.
After all those stairs on the way up, that was a welcome change of pace!
Other Things to Do at Amicalola Falls State Park
While the waterfall hike was the highlight of our visit, Amicalola Falls State Park has more to offer than just the falls.
During our time there, we noticed several other areas and amenities, including:
A playground near the route we took from the visitor center
The visitor center with snacks, souvenirs, and wildlife displays
Additional hiking trails throughout the park
A lodge near the top of the mountain
We didn't get the chance to explore the lodge or additional trails during this visit, but they're definitely things we'd consider checking out on a return trip.
Our Family Tips for Visiting Amicalola Falls
After hiking to the top and back with our kids, here are a few things I'd recommend keeping in mind:
Consider where you want to park. If your main goal is the waterfall, starting closer to the base may save you some walking compared to beginning at the visitor center.
Don't skip the scenic bridge. This was our favorite waterfall viewpoint and the spot I'd most recommend for photos.
Be prepared for stairs. The two main stair sections include 175 steps and another 425 steps to reach the top.
Take your time. The hike has some inclines and strenuous stair sections, but there's no need to rush through such beautiful scenery.
Check trail conditions before visiting. One of the routes we originally planned to take was closed for repairs, so it's worth checking for updates.
Make time for the visitor center. Our kids enjoyed the wildlife displays, and it was a convenient place to grab snacks and use the nearby restrooms before leaving.
Is Amicalola Falls State Park Worth Visiting?
Absolutely!
Amicalola Falls State Park was one of the most beautiful waterfall hikes we've experienced as a family.
Between the cascading water, lush greenery, and mountain views from the top, there was so much to enjoy along the trail.
While the hike included plenty of stairs and uphill walking, we found it manageable for our family and well worth the effort.
My favorite part was definitely the bridge with stunning waterfall views after the first 175 steps. Being able to look both up and down the waterfall from that spot was incredible!
After finishing our hike, we stopped back at the visitor center for some snacks and a bathroom break before heading out.
We were really impressed with how nice the park and its facilities were throughout our visit.
Amicalola Falls State Park is absolutely somewhere we'd happily visit again!
Frequently Asked Questions About Amicalola Falls State Park
How tall is Amicalola Falls?
Amicalola Falls is 729 feet tall, making it the tallest waterfall in Georgia.
How many stairs are at Amicalola Falls?
The waterfall trail has two major stair sections. The first has 175 steps leading to the bridge, followed by another 425 steps toward the top of the waterfall.
That's 600 steps on the main stair sections when climbing from the lower viewing area toward the top.
Can kids hike to the top of Amicalola Falls?
Yes! We completed the hike to the top and back with our three kids.
The stair sections are marked strenuous, so families should consider their children's abilities and allow plenty of time for breaks.
What is the best viewpoint at Amicalola Falls?
Our personal favorite was the bridge after climbing the first 175 steps.
From there, we enjoyed incredible views looking both up and down the waterfall, with water cascading beneath the bridge.
Do you have to hike all the way to the top to see Amicalola Falls?
No. There are multiple viewing areas throughout the park where you can catch glimpses of the waterfall without completing the entire climb to the top.
However, we definitely think the climb to the top is worth it for some of the best waterfall views!
Is the Amicalola Falls visitor center worth stopping at?
We thought so!
Our kids enjoyed the wildlife displays, including the live animals and interactive animal sounds.
There were also snacks, ice cream, souvenirs, and nearby restrooms, making it a convenient stop before or after hiking.
Watch Our Amicalola Falls Family Hiking Adventure
Want to see what the hike actually looks like?
Come along as we hike to the top of Georgia's tallest waterfall and take in the beautiful views at Amicalola Falls State Park!
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