Georgia
Dawson County
Amicalola Falls West Ridge Falls Access
Nice hike up the west ridge to base of Amicalola Falls
This is a series of trails starting with Creek Trail, then Mt. Laural Loop, then Spring Trail to West Ridge Falls access trail.
Cross the creek across from the visitors center, then follow Creek trail. Once you hit Mt. Laural Loop, turn left to loop back around to Spring Trail. Spring Trail turns into the West Ridge Falls access trail.
You can also get on the trail from the paved road leading up to the top of the falls and the Inn. The West Ridge Falls access trail has one of the best views of the falls and one of the easier trails. The trail surface is flat and coated with recycled tires, so it’s very accessible.
Once you are at the base of the falls you can descend down 175 steps to the lower observation platform or ascend up the massive 450+ West Ridge staircase to the top of the falls. This route is very strenuous and is not recommended for people in less than good physical shape.
Length: 1.3 miles
Difficulty: 5
Nearby Trails
Amicalola Falls East Ridge Trail
Climb to the top of Amicalola Falls
Appalachian Trail
Trail leading along Appalachians from Georgia to Maine
Benton MacKaye Trail
Long trail stretching from northern Georgia to Tennessee and North Carolina
Amicalola River Trail
Beautiful trail that follows Amicalola River towards Dawson Wildlife Management Area also known as Edge of the World trail
Long Branch Loop
A loop crossing Long Branch
Day Hike
This is a great hike for a family, it's not very long and you don't really leave civilization since you are in the park. The West ridge trail is the more wooded route and can even be done by small children. If you go in the fall be sure to make the visit to Burt's Pumpkin Farm down the road.