By: MacKenzie Stewart
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Amicalola Falls State Park in Dawsonville, Georgia is a popular attraction for tourists from near and far during the summer. Although the view of the falls is picturesque, the hiking trail to reach the view is treacherous. |
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Rafe Dow (L) and Meredith Hurst (R) are visiting the park with family during summer vacation. Although Dow has been to the falls before, this is Hurst’s first time doing a strenuous hike. |
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Meredith Hurst, 19, has a look of discouragement of her face. “I knew this was going be difficult, but I really didn’t think I would be so tired this soon in,” said Hurst. |
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Rafe Dow, 18, looks at the path ahead with anticipation. “I’ve hiked this path before, but I don’t remember it being this steep last time,” said Dow. |
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Rafe Dow, 18, follows his family up the steep staircase as they climb to the top. “I’m sticking in the back in case anyone falls,” said Dow jokingly. |
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The West Ridge staircase is classified as a strenuous hiking course. The 425-step staircase leads hikers to a lookout point of Amicalola Falls. |
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Richard Dow, 43, takes a short break from hiking with his family. “I love doing these hikes with my family, it’s a good way to get them all out of the house,” said Dow. |
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The West Ridge staircase hiking trails are clearly marked with signs directing hikers to stay on the path. The areas surrounding the trail are considered rough terrain for amateur hikers. |
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Rafe Dow, 18, looks at the camera while taking a break on the trail. Dow and his family are still about half of a mile from the top at this point. |
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As hikers get closer to the top of the staircase, there is a view through the trees of the Blue Ridge mountain range. The hike is intense, but the views along the way are an encouragement for hikers. |
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Meredith Hurst, 19, takes a final break before finishing the trek to the top of the staircase. “I’m exhausted but I’m really excited to see the top,” said Hurst. |
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Meredith Hurst (L) and Rafe Dow (R) sit on a bench at the top of the West Ridge staircase. “We made it but going down is going to be just as bad,” said Dow. |
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Meredith Hurst (L) and Rafe Dow (R) pose for a photo at the lookout point of West Ridge staircase. Dow and Hurst will be attending Georgia Southern as freshmen in the fall. |
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Richard Dow looks out at the falls. “The views up here are really beautiful, it makes all the steps up worth it,” said Dow. |
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Meredith Hurst (L) and Rafe Dow (R) take a photo of the view from the top of the staircase. The weather is overcast but the mountain view is still visible in the background. |
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Meredith Hurst shows off her pit stains after completing the hike up. “I’m sweaty but I made it,” said Hurst. |
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Meredith Hurst (L) and Rafe Dow (R) pose at the sign signaling the end of the West Ridge staircase. This section of the hiking trail is considered difficult for most amateur hikers. |
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Rafe Dow, 18, shows off his muscles as he starts the trek down the staircase. “Let’s do this,” said Dow. |
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The waterfalls at Amicalola Falls can be seen at several points along the staircase leading up. Sometimes it’s best to see it along the way as the lookout point is consistently crowded with observers. |
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Rafe Dow (L) and Meredith Hurst (R) return to their vehicle after the long hike. “I will definitely be taking a nap when we get home,” said Hurst. |
