Remote Beauty
There are numerous waterfalls in the North Georgia Mountains. Amicalola Falls are the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. Talluah Gorge is a canyon in north Georgia that is almost 1,000 feet deep and 2 miles long. The river at the bottom of gorge drops to form the falls. Sheer cliffs and small waterfalls are some of the features of Black Rock Mountain State Park.
Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge
Amicaloa Falls, named for a Cherokee word meaning "tumbling waters," measures 729 feet. The park is one of the most popular in Georgia. The facility has a number of hiking trails including one leading 8.5 miles to the beginning of the Appalachian Trail. There is a hiker's inn with room for 20 guests on the hiking trail. Twenty-four trailer, tent and RV campsites are available at a rate of $25 per night. The 14 cottages rent for $80 to $160 per night. Several cottages are located at the top of the falls as well a lodge with 56 rooms renting for $75 to $200 per night. Activities include hiking, picnicking, seasonal trout fishing, interpretive programs, gift shops, visitors center and photography. Hours for the park are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is a $5 parking fee. All rates are as of Feb. 14, 2010.
Amicaloa Falls State Park and Lodge
485 Amicaloa Falls Road
Dawsonville, Ga. 30535
(706) 265-4703
gastateparks.org/
Tallulah Gorge State Park
Tallulah Gorge State Park is operated by a partnership with Georgia Power Company. A suspension bridge 80 feet from the bottom gives spectacular views of the river and falls. The climb to the bridge is strenuous. Trails along the rim allow viewing for those not wanting to make the climb. One hundred free permits are issued per day for those wishing to reach the floor of the gorge. Facilities include a 63-acre lake with seasonal beach and 50 tent, trailer and RV campsites. Please call for rates. There is a picnic shelter available for $60 per day. The pioneer campground rents for $35 per day. Activities include more than 20 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. A 1.7-mile paved trail is available for bicycling. The park also hosts swimming, picnicking, ranger programs, fishing and a photo contest. A $5 parking permit is required. Park hours are 8 a.m. to dark. All rates are as of Feb. 14, 2010.
Tallulah Gorge State Park
338 Jane Hurt Yarn Drive
Tallulah Falls, Ga. 30573
(706) 754-7970
gastateparks.org
Black Rock Mountain State Park
Black Rock Mountain State Park is known for being the highest state park in Georgia at an elevation of 3,640 feet. Scenic overlooks provide spectacular views of lush forests, wildflowers, streams and small waterfalls. There are 44 tent, RV and trailer campsites with cable TV hookups that rent for $23 to $25 per night. Twelve walk-in campsites are available at a rate of $12 per night. The four backcountry campsites cost $6 per person per night. Ten cottages are available at rates $110 to $130 per night. Two picnic shelters are offered at a rate of $35 each. A group pioneer campground costs $100. There are eleven miles of hiking trails. An 11-acre lake offers opportunities to fish for bass, trout, bream, catfish and perch. Park hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. All rates are as of Feb. 14, 2010.
Black Rock Mountain State Park
3085 Black Rock Mountain Pkwy.
Mountain City, GA 30562
(706) 746-2141
gastateparks.org
Tags: State Park, Black Rock, Black Rock Mountain, Rock Mountain, Mountain State