We've been RVing to
Amicalola Falls State Park since 2006. Kevin was growing
weary of listening to me gripe, whine, and moan about how Florida doesn't get
any Fall weather. The leaves don't change colors, the air is still humid and
swampy, blah, blah, blah . . . so, in his true wonderful nature, he started
researching places close enough to get away for a long weekend, but far enough
north to have colors, cool weather, and Fall. "It has this weird name," he
said, "some place in the mountains of Georgia. Let's pack the hounds, and hop
in the Winnebago and go!" So we did . . . little did we know that first trip,
but
Amicalola would become "our" place, our special getaway in the
mountains that we would visit year after year. The trails are wonderful, the
park is pristine, and the campground is at the top of the mountain! We
couldn't wait to come back with the film crew this time and share why we love
it so much.
The drive in to Amicalola Falls State Park takes you a long winding country
roads, covered in canopy, sharp turns and a few steep hills. When you arrive,
the Ranger at the gate greets you and tells you where to go. (This last trip,
they were working on their new Welcome Center, so we can't wait to go back and
see it all when it's finished.) We follow the road all the way up to the Lodge
to check in and find out what site to park for the week. We then hurry up to
set up camp. My favorite part of the travel day is putting the jacks down,
slides out, and rugs on the floor, it's home! Another part of the day I most
look forward to is getting some steps in. We always try to go for a small hike
after a long drive, and the hike back to the Lodge to watch sunset from the
veranda was just what we had planned. Spectacular views of the Chattahoochee
National Forest, all the ridges with the sun rays hitting them, shadows and
colors . . . AH!! Just what the soul needed.
Next day, big hike to the waterfall!! There are several ways you can do the
waterfall hike and depending on the amount of "challenge" you want or have
time for, make sure you plan accordingly. My favorite part of this hike no
matter the challenge, is the sound. You can't escape the sound of the water
rushing nonstop, it's hypnotizing and invigorating. The East Trail back to the
campground on the other hand is the opposite of invigorating, it's just plain
tough at the end of the day. The view at the top is your reward, and for me,
it's all I need to keep me coming back in my RV!
This is the premiere episode of Season 2 of RV There Yet? titled
"Amicalola". If you haven't seen it yet, it's worth the 20 minutes of pure Georgia mountain fun!
