Getaway: Amicalola Falls State Park

The lure of tumbling waters will entice folks to feats they are otherwise incapable of.

For whatever reason, people whose idea of exercise is a weekend ride on a three-wheeler through the back 40 decide they are veritable pioneer mountain men and women when they visit the highlands in the fall.

They decide that the walk out to the end of the driveway each morning to retrieve the newspaper has prepared them for a hike up a rocky trail to take in a waterfall.

This was evident on a recent trip to Amicalola Falls State Park in the north Georgia mountains.

Fortunately, the Amicalola trail, though steep, is short and forgiving, with plenty of rest stops on the way, and it's a pretty walk beside the cascading stream that's well worth the effort.

There's a great view from the platform at the base of the falls, and there's a second deck that gets you up close and personal.

A sign warns that the climb will be strenuous up the 175 steps to the second deck, and the park rangers aren't lying.

Just take it slow and steady, and enjoy the climb.

Amicalola also offers a lodge, parking, a picnic area and other amenities you expect of a Georgia state park. There's a $5 parking fee at state parks, but no charge Wednesdays. See gastateparks.org.

GETTING THERE: Take Interstate 20 west to Thomson, then U.S. Highway 78 west to Athens. Take U.S. Highway 129 north to Gainesville, then Georgia Highway 53 west to Dawsonville. Take Georgia Highway Spur 136 north to Highway 136 and turn left. Turn right on Bailey Waters Road, then left on Georgia Highway 52 to the park, which will be on your right.

Contact Tharon Giddens at (706) 823-3347 or Tharon.giddens@augustachronicle.com.

See more one-tank trips at The Getaway Blog at blogs.augusta.com.