Amicalola, a Cherokee Indian word meaning "tumbling waters," is an appropriate name for these 729-foot falls, which are the highest east of the Mississippi. Surrounding the waterfall are 2,050 acres of hardwood forest that blaze brilliantly with color every autumn. Dogwood, mountain laurel and rhododendron bloom profusely in the spring and summer. 3 miles of hiking trails offer a great way to see one of Georgia's most picturesque wonders of nature. An 8-mile approach trail leads from Amicalola Falls to Springer Mountain, the southern end of the 2,150-mile Appalachian Trail.

• Hike the 8 miles from Amicalola Falls to Springer Mountain, the southern end of the 2,150-mile Appalachian Trail.