JUNO, GEORGIA

Joseph Caylor… When most Atlantans need a break from the city life to visit nature, one of the most popular choices is Amicalola Falls near Dawsonville, Georgia. When I was about 6 years old, my family visited the park, but only for a very brief time. It took me about 20 years to revisit, but I've more than made up for it through photography and the great hiking there. Although this is a small state park by most standards, Amicalola Falls State Park makes up for it. Mostly due to its beautiful cascading 729 foot waterfall, it also is well-known for being the southern access point for the famous Appalachian Trail. Not to be missed is the lodge above the falls on a mountaintop, its views from the rocking chairs are amazing. No matter if you are doing a roughing-it thru hike or just visiting for the day, Amicalola Falls is a great place to find and lose yourself in nature.