If you live in Pickens County or surrounding areas and aren’t sure what to do for fun, look no further than your own community! Here are some great places you can visit near home.

Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge

The tallest cascading waterfall in the southeast, Amicalola Falls is a gorgeous 729-foot waterfall with steps leading to the top and plenty of vistas along the way, especially at the top! Or if you prefer a more rugged way to the top, you can head out the back of the visitor’s center to a hiking trail that winds around the beautiful north Georgia mountain laurel and hardwoods, finishing just above the waterfall, where you can enjoy a picnic at one of several tables or in well-kept grassy areas. From the top of the falls, you can walk over a bridge to look directly out over the creek and it begins its long fall to the pool at the bottom. Or, if you’re looking for a nearby getaway, there’s a rustic lodge where you can enjoy a weekend like no other!

Historic Buildings in Georgia

It’s always interesting to learn about the history of the area you live in, and Pickens County has some great options for this! The old Pickens County Jail was built with a brick and marble exterior, with the marble coming from Southern Mill in nearby Marble Hill, GA. Built in 1906 to replace the 2nd jail in the county since its charter in 1853, the Marble Valley Historical Society, Inc. now owns the historic building, and maintains it and offers tours. The Kirby–Quinton Cabin is another historic building in Pickens. It’s log structure is used to “teach students about their mountain heritage and life on the north Georgia frontier,” according to VisitPickensGA.com.

Gibbs Gardens

One of America’s largest gardens, you can explore a diverse set of gardens over this 220 acre property. With 24 ponds, 32 bridges, 19 waterfalls, and gardens ranging from a field of daffodils, Japanese gardens, and a fern dell, to a sculpture garden, rose garden, and native azaleas, one trip here is never enough time to see everything! In addition to the stunning flora, Gibb’s Gardens also hosts art events. Check their website for more information!