Amicalola Falls State Park, Georgia

 

Amicolola Falls State Park is located in the state of Georgia in the USA. Northern Georgia has an ample amount of outdoor wildlife, particularly in the area of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Rivers, streams, and even waterfalls are common in this part of Georgia. Tucked along the hillside overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Chattahoochee National Forest is Amicalola Falls State Park.   

When entering the park, before driving up to the parking lot for Amicalola Falls Trail, visitors will see public toilets. One wheelchair accessible flush toilet stall is located on each side and includes a roll-up sink. The parking lot for Amicalola Falls has four designated, handicapped parking spots. One of these spots isn’t so wheelchair accessible as it is handicapped accessible. The other three parking spots are along a wall, which works great for vans with a ramp.

The accessible portion of this Amicalola Falls Trail is a short 0.3 miles long. The one-way, paved trail has a thick handrail along the cliff. Though short, this trail has a downward slope towards the falls, and in one particular spot, the trail gets quite steep. For someone with a manual wheelchair, going back from the falls to the parking lot is no light push.

The video above is designed to give you a visual experience of what to expect in terms of hiking and wheelchair access. 

The Amicolola Falls State Park Lodge Loop Trail is a 1/4 mile paved trail, so if you have time hike this trail as well. The trailhead is at the lodge with limited parking nearby. The trail gently climbs up and around a hill with views of the surrounding hills, mountains, and forest. A viewing platform allows visitors to stop and take in the scenery. Be sure to listen and watch for birds as there are many; be aware of bears too as it’s bear country.