Amicalola Falls State Park - Dawsonville, Georgia

Amicalola Falls

Located in the heart of the North Georgia mountains, Amicalola Falls State Park is home to the tallest cascading waterfall in the South.

Four times taller than Niagra Falls, Amicalola Falls is formed by Little Amicalola Creek as it roars its way down the mountain on its way to the Etowah River. The total height of the waterfall is 729 feet and the name is thought to be a Native American word that means "tumbling waters."

The falls were, of course, well known to the early Cherokee and their prehistoric ancestors, both of whom called this part of Georgia home. The Cherokee continued to live in the area until 1838 when they were forced from their homes and driven west on the Trail of Tears. Six years before that, though, a Georgia surveyor saw and described Amicalola Falls. He even tried to climb to the top but like many visitors today, he found the effort was a bit too strenuous for him.

Little Amicalola Creek

With the departure of the Cherokee, the falls area was opened for white settlement. A water mill was built just below the landmark in 1852 and a Methodist campground was established there in 1860.

Today the area around the falls is part of a magnificent Georgia state park. Established in 1940, Amicalola Falls State Park features the waterfalls, seasonal trout fishing, hiking trails, picnic areas, camping areas, cabins, a lodge, visitor center and, of course, great views of the falls.

To learn more about Amicalola Falls, please visit www.exploresouthernhistory.com/amicalolafalls.

Falling Waters State Park - Chipley, Florida

Our new page for Falling Waters State Park in Chipley, Florida is now online at www.exploresouthernhistory.com.

If you aren't familiar with this park, it is one of the most unique in the Sunshine State. Falling Waters protects the Florida's tallest waterfall. Seen here, the falls are created when a small stream flows over the edge of a deep cylindrical sink. The water plunges down 73 feet before disappearing into a cave.

Just a few minutes off Interstate 10 in Northwest Florida, the park is well worth a visit this time of year, when the waterfall is usually flowing well. (One note: like many Florida streams, the one feeding the waterfall flows better at some times of the year than others.)

To visit our new Falling Waters page and to see other points of interest around Chipley, Florida, please go to: www.exploresouthernhistory.com/washingtoncounty and look for the heading.