This is a standard winter view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, made from the top of Amicalola Falls a few years ago. I’m out on a limb on the county, so to speak, since Lumpkin County is nearby and my depth perception isn’t the best. Either way, I hope you enjoy.
I’m calling this a general store instead of a grocery store, because in rural parts of the state, most stores sold a little bit of everything. They still do, really. These old family-run places are hard to come by these days. The more I look, though, I wonder if it could have been a restaurant. Stay tuned…
A concrete arch behind the visitor center at Amicalola Falls State Park marks the beginning of the approach (8.5 miles) to the Appalachian Trail.
Even if you don’t plan on hiking the AT, you might enjoy this trail.
Great views abound in this area, especially in winter.
This cool Georgia-shaped rock marks the beginning of the trail. I almost forgot it, but how could I?
Amicalola is the highest waterfall in Georgia and the views from the top of the falls are some of the nicest in the southern Appalachians. My apologies for not sharing a full shot of the falls.
When I was visiting Amicalola Falls I met several Appalachian Trail (AT) thru-hikers just setting out on their journeys. This gentleman had just made the drive up from southern Louisiana and was surprised by the warm weather. I think everyone was. The approach to the AT begins at Amicalola and winds its way up 8.5 miles to Springer Mountain, the trail’s southern terminus. Thousands of hikers pass through here every year with high hopes of making it all the way to Mount Katahdin, Maine. Most don’t quite make the grade, but all are drawn by the solitude and natural beauty of the trail. Whether seasoned hikers or first-timers, all come away from the experience with stories to tell.
This guy documented his journey on YouTube and it was fascinating and inspiring. It’s worth checking out.
*–Some of you may know this photograph and remember it was originally published in black and white. I still have the file for that but decided I like the color version for now.