Amicalola Falls is a very popular destination for both day hikers and backpackers.
For day hikers, Amicalola offers an easy approach to the base of the falls, and it definitely doesn't take a day to get there! You can see the falls from the parking area, and it takes less than a mile to get to the base. However, if you want to hike to the top of the falls, it is a long, long staircase up to the top! Also, there are other scenic singletrack trails in the park.
For backpackers, Amicalola falls functions as about an 8 mile approach trail to the top of Springer Mountain and the official beginning of the <a href="http://www.tripleblaze.com/3/2291/Hiking-Trails/Appalachian-Trail-001--Springer-Mountain-to-Hightower-Gap.html">Appalachian Trail</a>. Early every spring there is a festival held at Amicalola, and a large group of AT through-hikers begin their journey en masse. There is also a large hike-to lodge up the side of the mountain that's still in the park.
"From Dahlonega, take GA 9 to GA 52. Go about 10 miles. Park entrance is on the right. Continue through park following signs for "cabins" up the moutain. Note - this road is very steep. Go past the cabins and get on High Shoals Rd (gravel). Follow this rough road to the fork - take the right fork towards High Shoals Baptist Church. Park at the church and begin by riding down the road.
http://www.tripleblaze.com/trail.php?c=3&i=364