This tour will begin with a one night stay in Amicalola Falls, proceed to Tallulah Gorge for one evening, and conclude at Stone Mountain for two glorious days.
PRICES FOR FALLS FRENZY
Tour Bus:
10-20 person capacity.
(Figures based on 10 people. If more people go, the cost will be less, so bring your friends!)
Example:
10 people: $20 per person.
20 people: $10 per person.
Amicalola Falls
Cottages for 4: $85 per night.($21.25 per person)
Tallulah Gorge
Campground for 4: $40 per night. ($10.00 per person)
Parking: $5.00.
Stone Mountain
Parking: $10.00.
Admission: Adults: $27.00 Children under 12: $21.00
Hotel for 4: $75 per night ($18.75 per person)
Final Costs (Figures based on the minimum; 10 people) Bus: $200 + $10.00 + $5.00 (for parking) = $215/10 = $21.50 per person.
Children under 12: $21.50 + ($21.25) + ($10.00) + $21.00 + 2($18.75) = $111.25 + 15% (or $16.69) = $127.94.
MAP
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Amicalola Falls (Dawson County)
Amicalola means "tumbling waters" in Cherokee, and Amicalola Falls is appropriately named, as it is the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi. Little Amicalola Creek pours down 729 feet and continues into the Etowah River over a series of seven cascades. Nestled in the 1023 acre Amicalola Falls State Park are 5 minor falls, the Oceana which is 50 feet, the Tempesta at 76 feet, the L'Eau'd'Or around 46 feet and the Hurricane, which stands the largest at 96 feet, while the smallest is the Bridal Veil Falls at a mere 17 feet. The falls are best viewed at two trails, the Base of the Falls Trail, begins at the reflecting pool and is 0.3 miles long. The East Ridge Spring Trail, at 1.3 miles, will take you to the falls overlook, providing you with a breathtaking view of the falls and surrounding countryside. Just be sure the watch your step, as it can be very dangerous. By throwing caution to the wind and leaving the trail and observation decks, 11 people have lost their lives. Also, don't forget to bring your camera, because this tour is taken during the fall, when the trees will be wearing their vast array of crimsons and golds.
Tallulah Gorge is located on the 3000 acre Tallulah Gorge State Park. The impressive gorge is over two miles long, and 1000 feet deep at its deepest point. In the gorge the waters of the Tallulah River drop nearly 600 feet in approximately one mile. This is another Cherokee favorite as they thought it concealed the entrance to the Happy Hunting Grounds - an afterlife paradise. They also thought that little people lived along the cliffs of the Gorge. You have your choice of hiking trails, and at select times of the year, you have whitewater boating. On Saturdays, there are usually guided hiking tours available to explain the native plant and animal life, and local traditions.
Just down the road from Atlanta, stands the monolith of granite that is 825 feet tall, and spreads out over 538 acres. Scientists have estimated that it weighs more that 126 billion pounds. Native Americans first named it Lone Mountain and held special gatherings at its apex. The Spanish captain Juan Pardo was among the first Europeans to see the mountain, and called it Crystal Mountain because of it sparkled like diamonds. It's believed that the current name originated from a farmer because he complained about his land being so rocky and nicknamed it Stone Mountain.
While visiting, enjoy one of the most outstanding features of the mountain as it is home to the world's largest carving. It is some 400 feet above the ground on the north side of the mountain. The depiction of Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, and "Stonewall" Jackson covers 3 acres. To envisualize the magnitude of the art, Lee's head is 15.5 feet high.
When visiting you have a choice of methods to enjoy the scenery. There is a skylift that will carry you 825 feet up the mountain, or you may take a leisurely 5 mile trip around the base of the mountain. If you prefer to hike, you can take the 1.25 mile hiking trail up the mountain and enjoy a variety of plant and animal life along the way. The surrounding 3200 acre park provides choices of museums, hiking, bicycling, boating, golfing and much more.
