Amicalola Falls Marathon

The Amicalola Falls Marathon is a trail race within Amicalola Falls State Park in Dawsonville, Georgia, offering marathon and half marathon distances. The race highlights Amicalola Falls, a 729-foot waterfall, the tallest in Georgia. The marathon course consists of two 13.1-mile loops, each ascending the 605 steps of the Appalachian Approach Trail. The full marathon covers approximately 3,200 feet of elevation gain, presenting a mountain trail challenge rather than a flat road race. The route primarily features singletrack trails, interspersed with gravel or paved sections, winding through forests, alongside creeks, and offering waterfall vistas. The course is marked with flags and signs, and aid stations provide food, drinks, and medical assistance. Participants have a 7-hour time limit and receive complimentary race photos and videos, a shirt, and finisher medals. Awards are presented to overall, masters, and age-group finishers; prize money is not offered, aligning with the event's character as a demanding park trail race instead of a professional competition.