12 Apr - Amicalola Falls State Park, Wineries, and Farewell to Brad and Beth

This morning Brad and Beth drove over and picked us up in their vehicle and we headed for Amicalola Falls State Park near Dawsonville GA. Amicalola Falls is a 729 ft cascading waterfalls that is not only amazing, but it is accessible from the bottom, the middle and the top, or you can climb the trails and the hundreds of  steps if you have the stamina!

We started out in the visitor center to learn more about the falls and the area around it. They had some great displays including critters common to the area, such as the black bear.

A short distance from here is the start of the Appalachian Trail.  The end of the Appalachian trail is is Katahdin State Park in Maine, not far from where Brad and I were stationed on active duty.  

After the visitor center we drove to the base of the waterfalls where there is a pond stocked with trout and some fishermen trying their luck.  

The falls above us in the background

We walked from there up the trail quite a ways and really enjoyed the view of the falls as we climbed.  Along the way, more warning of bears in the area.  Just sayin'!!

No-fear Brad!

Barricade tape to help keep the tourists on the marked trails

The pictures don't give a perspective on the rise in elevation

The lower end of the falls - beautiful!

We continued to climb but we did not go all the way to the bottom of the stairs.  A certain portion of it was closed and in need of repairs, so we headed back down and drove to the mid-point for a different view.

Another bear warning sign!

The trail from here forward is made from shredded tires and make for a cushioned walk - very nice.  We headed down the walkway, admiring the scenery and soon we noticed a gathering of folks looking over the railing.  Sure enough, there were some bears.  An adult and two cubs!  They were below us, approximately 25 meters.  We took quite a few pictures, but these were the clearest.

Here also is a short video if it loads OK:

We continued on the trail until we reached the bridge that crosses the falls, but it was also closed.  The view from there was spectacular!

A view from the side of the middle bridge that was closed

A view down from here

We walked back to the parking lot and then drove to the top of the falls to the Lodge where we had lunch before heading back down.  The view from the top was clear.

The Lodge

A view west from the Lodge.  Somewhere over there is Brad and Bath's house!

After lunch we went outside and after a short drive, walked to the top of Amicalola Falls.

The bridge to view the top of the falls

Looking down the falls

We really enjoyed Amicalola Falls State Park, but it was time for some liquid refreshment, so we headed to the Fainting Goat Winery and taste-tested several wines. 

The vineyards surrounding the winery

The goats relaxing in their lair.

The taste-testers

Doreen picked three different wines to add to her wine selection and we were off to the next winery, the Chateau Meichtry.  This is one of Brad and Beth's favorites.  Some of the groups that performed at our concert on Sunday perform at these wineries. 

The owner's house.  Wow!

The tasting area

So we had a great day with Brad and Beth visiting the falls and the wineries.  Their hospitality has been over the top, but after the last winery we headed back to the campground and said our goodbyes.  We hope to see them later this fall when they are traveling on their RV trip.

Tomorrow, our last day at Ellijay, we will do a little shopping to restock the pantry and fridge, pick up a few other supplies, fuel the truck, flush the tanks and make preparations to head south to our next stop, the Atlanta-Marrieta RV Resort just north of Atlanta.