Amicalola Falls, Amicalola Falls State Park, Georgia. March 9, 2011.
Betsy arranged a surprise birthday trip to northern Georgia for us. We went to Amicalola Falls State Park and stayed at the lodge on top of the mountain. Amicalola Falls is the highest waterfall in Georgia at 729 feet. The waterfall consists of a long drop followed by a series of cascades.
We arrived at the park late Tuesday afternoon after visiting some other waterfalls on the way. It started raining Tuesday evening and rained throughout the night. It was still raining Wednesday morning (my birthday).
There were some advantages to all that rain. One was that there was a lot of water going over the falls when we visited it Wednesday morning. The other advantage was that we had this glorious waterfall all to ourselves.
We drove down the mountain to the pool at the base of the falls, and then started hiking up a trail along the cascades to an observation deck near the base of the drop. The picture above was taken from the observation deck, and you can see the amount of water coming down the mountain.
When we got to the observation deck I noticed a bridge across the falls higher up the mountain (you can see it in the picture above). I wondered if I could get better pictures from the bridge.
A sign gave a good reason for not going up there, but I thought I would give it a try. What better way to celebrate my birthday?
Well, I made it to the bridge. Betsy, who has more sense than I do, stayed at the observation deck and got this picture of me (you have to look closely — I’m waving to her) up there.
I made it back down to the observation deck. You have to look closely, but I was even smiling as I got back to Betsy.
All in all I had a great birthday!
Tags: Betsy, Georgia, Travels, Waterfalls
Senior Moments 
March 14, 2011 at 4:57 am |
Sounds like you had a great birthday trip! But that bridge looks scary. I would have definitely stayed on the observation deck with Betsy. Actually, I probably would have stayed back at the lodge, out of the rain!
March 14, 2011 at 5:42 am |
The number of years doesn’t change the fact that you still have energy and strength to do this.Enjoy it.Beautiful scenes.
March 14, 2011 at 6:18 am |
Well done old man. That was a super effort. I can think of more relaxing things to do on a birthday.You must feel proud of yourself.
March 14, 2011 at 6:46 am |
Happy birthday! That is a difficult climb even for a younger man! Where you also smiling going up? You must be in real good shape.
March 14, 2011 at 7:22 am |
What a perfect trip for your birthday! Nice pictures of the falls!
March 14, 2011 at 7:59 am |
Love waterfalls.
Use it or lose it they say. Keep hiking!
March 14, 2011 at 9:03 am |
You are such a daredevil George. I knew Betsy would plan something wonderful for your big day…so glad you had a nice bday!!!
xoxoxo
Suz
March 14, 2011 at 9:35 am |
What a delightful birthday trip and such a gorgeous place! Hey, I’m really proud of you! That was a great hike to celebrate the day! Hope your week is off to a good start! Enjoy!
Sylvia
March 14, 2011 at 9:48 am |
Not bad for a young man, either!! Good for you!!
March 14, 2011 at 9:48 am |
Ah, what’s a few steps for such a waterfall enthusiast as you! You certainly took some excellent shots – that’s quite the cascade and so much water! So glad you had a fabulous surprise birthday celebration in such a great place! Wonderful memories I’m sure! You can now stay 69 and holding for the next ten years!! You both still look so young!
March 14, 2011 at 10:25 am |
I agree – what’s a few steps to a waterfall enthusiast! Happy belated birthday!!
I have to admit that my favourite photos from this page is the purple crocus on March 3 – I love that shot!!
March 14, 2011 at 10:32 am |
I had to enlarge it, but I saw you waving!! I was telling Betsy that you are two of the healthiest people I know, probably from all this hiking. I’m so glad you had such a great birthday!!
March 14, 2011 at 3:04 pm |
I’m glad you had a good birthday and a fun trip!
March 14, 2011 at 3:09 pm |
You have more stamina and physical strength (and, might I say, stubbornness) than I, George. Congratulations on your 350 step solo excursion. I’m glad you had a wonderful birthday trip!
March 14, 2011 at 4:39 pm |
now that is a birthday celebration.
March 14, 2011 at 6:18 pm |
Good for you George! 🙂 A very Happy Birthday to you. May you have many more.
March 14, 2011 at 7:17 pm |
I’m really happy you enjoyed the falls/lodge. My mother used to share the story that when she was pregnant with me, she sat with her feet in the cool water at the pool at the base of the falls while the rest of the family hiked to the top. Sounds like you and Betsy had a perfect visit for your birthday.
March 14, 2011 at 9:53 pm |
I just left Betsy’s but I didn’t realize it was A SURPRISE!!! WOW OH WOW Did she ever do good!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the pictures! You could literally see the JOY in your faces!! Soo glad you had such a wonderful time and MY the pics are just amazing!! I felt like I was there and could literally hear the roar of the water!!!
Now that is some good photography huh!!??
March 15, 2011 at 8:45 am |
What fun and a wonderful time was had by all. LOL
I am glad you went up to the bridge—YES! you can do it!
Loveky fall and belated Happy Birthday. MB
March 15, 2011 at 3:40 pm |
You rock! What a great way to celebrate.
March 15, 2011 at 4:09 pm |
Is this where the Appalachian Trail starts/ends?
March 15, 2011 at 8:17 pm |
At least you had fun on your birthday!!! Hope those steps weren’t wet and slippery.
March 18, 2011 at 7:50 am |
Happy birthday!
Awesome place. I guess that You had great time when tracking there in these stunning sceneries.
March 18, 2011 at 6:25 pm |
Just bumped into your blog – the waterfall is such a beauty!