The Best Waterfalls In Georgia: Local Favorites and Hidden Gems For Your Bucket List
Sarah McCosham
Author
Georgia might be known across the country for peaches and beaches, but there’s more to this Southern state than stone fruit and sand. For starters, Georgia has an estimated 24.5 million acres of forest land, which comprises over 40% of the state. But do you know how many waterfalls are there in Georgia? The answer may surprise you! Within this wondrous wilderness, there are an estimated 700 waterfalls in Georgia.
Yes — 700 waterfalls.
Georgia’s waterfalls are abundant and plentiful, spilling from the North Georgia mountains via meandering streams, creeks, and rivers. These waterfalls range in size, from the thunderous, awe-inspiring wonders of Amicalola Falls and Panther Creek Falls, to the smaller babbling cascades at Sweetwater Creek.
There are double waterfalls and waterfall swimming holes in Georgia; walk-behind waterfalls; and, if you can believe it, even frozen waterfalls. There are no-hike waterfalls and epic, day-long waterfall-chasing adventures. There are superlative, stop-you-in-your tracks waterfalls, and seasonal surprises seen only after a winter thaw or heavy spring rain.
There are waterfalls all across the Peach State, you see; and today, we’re indulging our waterfall-chasing wanderlust and exploring the best waterfalls in Georgia.
Best Waterfalls in Georgia
With 700+ falls in the state, you don’t have to go far to find a waterfall in Georgia. Waterfall-chasing adventures abound in the Peach State; some falls, such as Amicalola Falls and Anna Ruby Falls, are proudly displayed — out in the open — for all to see, and others, such as Raven Cliff, require a bit more effort to reach.
From beautiful waterfall hikes and superlative cascades to cerulean-blue waterfall swimming holes and walk-behind falls, waterfall chasing is a celebrated pastime in Georgia, with these falls offering the most enchanting experience of the Peach State.
So the real question is: where does a waterfall chaser begin? What are the best waterfalls in Georgia? That’s where we come in.
Here at OnlyInYourState, our insatiable appetite for wanderlust keeps us going, and waterfall chasing is perhaps our favorite way to satisfy our adventure-seeking souls.
And in Georgia, unlimited adventures – and waterfalls – await. Here are the best Georgia waterfalls that belong on every adventurer’s bucket list.
1. Minnehaha Falls
- Location: Lakemont, GA, 30552 | Video Tour
- Stats: This show-stopping cascade totals 100 feet in height!
- Good to Know: The Minnehaha Falls Trail is a short, easy, kid-friendly 0.4-mile hike on Lake Rabun in North Georgia that's accessible for most via a short hike from the parking area on Bear Gap Road. The day fee to enter the park is $5.
This won't be the first time you'll see Minnehaha Falls on this list of best waterfalls in Georgia, as it might just be *the* superlative waterfall of the Peach State. Minnehaha Falls is a series of enchanting cascades located on Falls Creek in Rabun County, Georgia. The waterfalls descend about 100 feet over a stepped rock formation, for a synchronized, total sensory experience worth seeking out.
Are there any walk-behind waterfalls in Georgia?
High in the mountains of North Georgia, and deep into the woods of the Chattahoochee National Forest, you’ll find DeSoto Falls. It’s been rumored these waterfalls were originally discovered by Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto nearly 500 years ago. The falls remain a beloved attraction today, as one of the most beautiful and best walk-behind waterfalls in Arkansas!2. Anna Ruby Falls
- Location: 3455 Anna Ruby Falls Road, Helen, GA, 30545 | Video Tour
- Stats: Less than a mile long, this trail is generally considered easy, and is also wheelchair accessible and stroller friendly.
- Good to Know: Managed by the USDA Forest Services, Anna Ruby Falls Recreational Area charges $5/person admission for visitors 16 years and older. Visitors 15 years and under are admitted free of charge.
Anna Ruby Falls lies in the heart of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest and has become one of North Georgia's most sought after outdoor destinations. These falls, which are formed where York Creek and Curtis Creek intersect, are as lovely as their name suggests: a duo of divine falls plunging 150 feet in harmonious synchrony.
3. Toccoa Falls
- Location: Toccoa Falls, GA, 30577 | Video Tour
- Stats: The 186-foot wonder known as Toccoa Falls is one of the tallest free-falling waterfalls east of the Mississippi.
- Good to Know: The falls are located on the campus of Toccoa Falls College, and is open year-round with an on-site parking lot very close to the falls.
If you're on the hunt for an easy waterfall hike that borders on no hiking at all, Toccoa Falls is sure to please. The entire hike is around 0.3 miles (out-and-back) starting from the visitor center and is very beginner friendly. These privately owned falls are open to the public and reach a height of 186 feet, which is a pretty amazing sight to take in for such a short hike!
4. Best Georgia Waterfalls - Honorable Mentions
- Mud Creek Falls: Mud Creek Falls is a glorious hidden gem in Georgia and perhaps one of the most underrated falls in the state. As one of 17 public waterfalls in Rabun County, hikers barely even need lace up their shoes for the 0.15-mile jaunt to the falls (pictured here).
- DeSoto Falls: This waterfall's moniker is a bit misleading, as there are actually three waterfalls on Frogtown Creek, known as Upper Falls, Middle Falls and Lower Falls. The upper waterfall drops 200 feet; the middle waterfall drops 67 feet; and the lower waterfall drops 35 feet, for an overall height of the falls of 480 feet!
- Raven Cliff Falls: The five miles required to reach these falls is well-worth each and every step. A captivating vision, this waterfall consists of three drops: a 60-foot drop, followed by a 20-foot drop into a deep pool, followed by a cascade of 20 feet to Dodd Creek.
Top Waterfall Hikes in Georgia
There’s nothing as amazing as happening upon a wondrous waterfall out in the wild; and luckily for those living in the South, there are some truly extraordinary waterfall hikes, seemingly around each and every forest trail and river bend!
Georgia’s waterfalls are plentiful, resplendent, and incredibly varied, ranging from the commanding Amicalola Falls to the smaller cascades of the aptly named Sweetwater Creek.
With literally hundreds of waterfalls all over the state (33 in Rabun County alone!), narrowing down the top waterfall hikes in Georgia was no easy feat, but we believe the following certainly qualify.
4. Amicalola Falls
- Location: 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Road, Dawsonville, GA, 30534 | Video Tour
- Stats: This waterfall hike is 2.1 miles round-trip
- Good to Know: This hike is understandably popular, and, as a result, the trail can get quite crowded. As such, visit in the early morning and/or mid-week to beat the crowds.
Amicalola Falls State Park sits on 829 pristine acres between Ellijay and Dahlonega in Dawsonville, Georgia. Its centerpiece is the eponymous Amicalola Falls, which means "tumbling waters" in Cherokee, and is not only the largest waterfall in Georgia but the tallest in the Southeast. At an astonishing 729 feet, this commanding cascade is reached via a short-and-sweet trail that offers stunning vistas -- especially during peak fall foliage.
5. Tallulah Falls
- Location: 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Rd, Tallulah Falls, GA 30573 | Video Tour
- Stats: This 2.4-mile out-and-back trail in Tallulah Gorge State Park is short but challenging with steep descents down the 1,000 ft gorge
- Good to Know: There are 310 stairs from the trailhead to the suspension bridge that crosses the gorge about halfway down. The suspension bridge offers a spectacular view and photo opportunity so get your camera ready!
If you love waterfall hikes and gorgeous nature scenery then a visit to Tallulah Gorge State Park is a must! Tallulah Falls is actually a collection of six different waterfalls that cascade down Georgia's famous 1,000 ft gorge. The most challenging and rewarding of the hikes is Hurricane Falls; a 2-mile round trip hike which crosses the iconic suspension bridge you've probably seen in pictures. You'll need a permit from the state park office but Tallulah Falls is a definite bucket list location for waterfall and hiking lovers.
What's a waterfall hike in Georgia no one knows about?
Pocket Falls is one of the least-known waterfalls in the state of Georgia, but totally worth trekking to experience. Bonus: the hike is less than a mile long and kid-friendly!7. Panther Creek Falls, Georgia
- Location: Panther Creek Recreation Area, Old Historic U.S.441, Clarkesville, GA, 30523 | Video Tour
- Stats: It's a 3.5-mile hike to the falls, followed by a 3.5-mile return trip, making this waterfall hike one of the lengthier and more advanced treks in Georgia.
- Good to Know: Make it a waterfall-chasing escapade; Rabun County is positively teeming with waterfalls!
We're going to go on the record and say that the hike to Panther Creek Falls is not for the faint of heart. There are a few different routes to take to the falls; the most popular is a seven-mile round-trip trek that's considered advanced for most. However, at 80 feet tall, this free-falling waterfall is a sensational display of nature at its absolute best. Keep an eye out for beautiful plants like rhododendrons and mountain laurels on your way up!
8. Best Waterfall Hikes - Honorable Mentions
- Minnehaha Falls Trail: The Minnehaha Falls Trail in Lakemont, Georgia, is an out-and-back hike clocking in at less than half a mile. Noted as being one of the best waterfalls in the state, you will be impressed winding through the gigantic hemlocks in order to access the picture-perfect falls (pictured here).
- Desoto Falls: The DeSoto Falls Trail is less than two miles out and back, located near the charming town of Dahlonega, Georgia. This waterfall hike is great for all skill levels, with only a small elevation gain of about 160 feet.
- Raven Cliff Falls Trails: The Raven Cliff Falls Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in Georgia. It is a bit more of an intense hike, clocking in almost five miles total. However, you’ll have fantastic views of the river plus opportunities to cool down in the shallow parts of the water by the waterfalls.
Easy Waterfall Hikes in Georgia
While we’re all for lacing up our boots on an epic, all-day waterfall-chasing escapade, there are times that call for a short and sweet waterfall hike, too.
Perhaps you’re a newbie waterfall chaser in the Peach State, just finding your footing on the trails.
Maybe you have kids or folks of different abilities in your group and are looking for an inclusive or accessible waterfall-chasing adventure.
Or you’re short on time, and can’t carve out endless hours on the trails (you know, because of jobs and such…).
Whatever your reason — or if you have no reason at all — take heart: the following easy waterfall hikes in Georgia are sure to satisfy your waterfall-chasing wanderlust, leaving plenty of fuel left in the tank for more adventures in the Peach State!
9. Ammons Falls
- Location: Holcomb Creek Falls Trail Head, Hale Ridge Rd, Clayton, GA, 30525 | Video Tour
- Stats: This trail features two falls in under two miles, and is considered accessible for most.
- Good to Know: Holcomb Creek Falls has a dramatic 120-foot drop featuring a free-falling upper cascade and a steep, sliding lower drop; while Ammons Falls is a beguiling 40-foot fall that's just as stunning.
If you're on the hunt for an easy waterfall hike that will have you seeing double the, Holcomb Creek Falls Trail is sure to please. This relatively short loop trail clocks in at under two miles and winds through a hidden oasis of not one, but two different waterfalls: Holcomb Creek Falls and Ammons Falls, an enchanting duo tucked away in a secluded oasis.
10. Long Creek Falls
- Location: Forest Srv Road, Blue Ridge, GA, 30513 | Video Tour
- Stats: This 1.9-mile, out-and-back trail is rated easy-to-moderate with minimal elevation change, making it accessible for most, including kids and newbie hikers.
- Good to Know: Truly one of the top accessible waterfall hikes in Georgia, dogs are allowed on this trail, provided they remain on leash.
If you're looking for the Platonic ideal of Georgia waterfalls, look no further than Long Creek Falls, a waterfall along the Appalachian Trail in Georgia that many visitors and locals trek to on sunny spring and summer afternoons. Located in the enchanting Chattahoochee National Forest, it’s accessible from various trails throughout the area.
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11. Best Easy Hikes: Honorable Mentions
- Helton Falls: Located near Vogel State Park in Blairsville, GA, Helton Creek Falls (pictured here) is a popular attraction for families, primarily because of the pool at the bottom of the falls... which you can swim in, should the urge strike.
- Sea Creek Falls: Good for all hiking skill levels, this trail clocks in at 0.5 miles out-and-back leading to gorgeous, steep cascades from the upper falls, it also boasts a beautiful swimming hole which guests can enjoy after the hike.
- Dukes Creek Falls: Dukes Creek Trail is a 2.3-mile, out-and-back trail tucked within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest near Helen, Georgia. What's wonderful about this short round-trip hike is that it's appropriate for all skill levels, so be sure to bring the whole family. There's even an ADA-approved paved trail that leads to the first observation deck!
No-Hike Waterfalls in Georgia
It’s an irrefutable fact that Georgia has some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the entire country — for proof of this, simply check out any of the above cascades.
The best part is that Georgia’s waterfalls really are for everyone to enjoy: often hidden right in plain sight and requiring little more than taking a few steps from your car — or, in some cases, viewable right from the road!
Come with us on a waterfall-chasing adventure — minus the chase! — at one of these wondrous no-hike waterfalls in Georgia.
12. Becky Branch Falls
- Location: GA, 30525 | Video Tour
- Stats: At less than a third of a mile from the valley stream of Warwoman Dell, you’ll discover the multi-tiered waterfall known as Becky Branch Falls.
- Good to Know: There are a few scattered pavilions at the beginning of the trail, so pack a picnic and make a pleasant day out of this accessible adventure!
With an easy 0.3-mile stroll to the headlining cascade, Becky Branch Falls is one of the best (practically) no-hike waterfalls in Georgia. An area rich in historic significance and scenic beauty, the beguiling, 20-foot Becky Branch Falls makes for an amazing, family-friendly day trip in Georgia.
Are there any frozen waterfalls in Georgia?
The Peach State doesn't often get cold enough for frozen falls, but that doesn't mean this phenomenon never happens. Cloudland Canyon State Park, Vickery Creek, and even Tallulah Gorge are among the best places to spot frozen waterfalls in Georgia -- just be sure to strike while the iron's hot (or, in this case, freezing cold.).13. Amicalola Falls
- Location: 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Road, Dawsonville, GA, 30534 | Video Tour
- Stats: Amicalola Falls is the tallest waterfall in Georgia, clocking in at around 729 feet and featuring seven different cascades.
- Good to Know: While you can take a longer, two-mile hike to these falls, there is an easy way to get in a valuable vantage point: the West Ridge Falls Access Trail!
The biggest and best waterfall in Georgia also happens to be one of the most accessible! While Amicalola Falls may be reached via a short-and-sweet trail (see above), the West Ridge Falls Access Trail is a short, shaded path comprised of a rubberized surface that makes it wheelchair- and stroller-friendly, opening up Amicalola Falls to all.
14. No-Hike Waterfalls - Honorable Mentions
- Vickery Creek Falls: This waterfall is right near the old Roswell Mill, on Vickery Creek. The water tumbles below, shortly before it joins the Chattahoochee River. It’s a favorite for locals as a beautifully scenic hiking area.
- High Falls: High Falls State Park is an epically cool, 1,000-acre state park in Georgia near the city of Jackson. While outdoor recreation abounds at this Peach State park, guests who cross the Towaliga River right near the entrance of the park will be able to get stunning views of the enormous, bordering waterfall known as High Falls. As the highest waterfall in central Georgia and the highest south of Atlanta, High Falls is nearly 100 feet tall and truly a sight to behold!
- Lullwater Park Falls: Located on the Emory University campus near Atlanta, Lullwater Park offers a variety of scenic walking options through the rich, green forest. You can also explore the mill, which is located adjacent the falls.
Best Waterfall Swimming Holes in Georgia
When the heat and humidity of summer descend upon the Peach State, the best course of action is to take to the water. And while Georgia’s beaches and isles are truly sublime in the summer, there’s something undeniably alluring about a waterfall swimming hole.
With their cool, cerulean-blue waters, continually fed by roaring, resplendent waters, these little oases are Mother Nature’s very own infinity pools.
And Georgia is teeming with them.
Here are our picks for the best waterfall swimming holes in Georgia that will surely inspire you to make a splash!
15. Blue Hole Falls
- Location: 1333 Indian Grave Gap Rd., Hiawassee, GA, 30546 | Video Tour
- Stats: Simple and serene, the High Shoals Trail boasts two beautiful falls; and, at 2.5 miles long, this hike is considered easy for most.
- Good to Know: There is another "Shoals Falls" in Georgia; you'll find it located in Dallas and yes, it is *another* waterfall swimming pool!
Blue Hole Falls is a refreshing reward for a 2.5-mile hike through the wilds of Northern Georgia. You'll find this waterfall along the High Shoals Trail, which also features Georgia's *other* High Shoals Falls. Of the two on this trek, the swimming hole that most deserves your attention is Blue Hole Falls, a pool that, true to its name, is a striking cobalt blue.
16. Dukes Creek Falls
- Location: Dukes Creek Falls, GA, 30528 | Video Tour
- Stats: This easy, in-and-out trail clocks in at around two miles, making it accessible for most hikers.
- Good to Know: Leashed dogs are allowed on this trail -- bring Fido along for a romp in the shallow end of this waterfall-fed pool!
If you embark on the two-mile trek at Dukes Creek, you'll be rewarded with a refreshing treat: the waterfall-fed pool at the base of Dukes Creek Falls. What's more, with spectacular scenery and water views at every turn, Dukes Creek Trail might be one of the most beautiful short-and-sweet hikes in Georgia.
17. Best Waterfall Swimming Holes - Honorable Mentions
- Edge of the World Falls: Bring a tube to this famed swimming hole and enjoy floating in the refreshing water at Edge of the World Falls (pictured) in Dawsonville, Georgia. Disclaimer: What is traditionally called the Amicalola River Trail is known by the locals as the Edge of the World Trail; and indeed, this trek feels like something out of a fantasy.
- Sea Creek Falls: Sea Creek Falls may just be the most hidden of all the waterfall swimming holes in Georgia, but it definitely deserves some recognition. Good for all hiking skill levels, this trail clocks in at 0.5 miles total, and features a beautiful swimming hole with gentle waters perfect for families.
- Jacks River Falls: Hidden in the beautiful, lush landscape of the Cohutta Wilderness, it's easy to see why this remote waterfall isn't visited as often. The hike alone is about nine miles round-trip, which definitely makes it less accessible than others. However, for those willing to embark on an all-day adventure on Beech Bottom Trail, the crystal-clear waters a the base of Jacks River Falls beckon!
- Dicks Creek Falls: Located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, the Dicks Creek Falls Trail is the perfect waterfall hike that also doubles as a refreshing swimming hole with the surrounding shoals that are perfect for wading and sunning during the summer months. This stunning multi-tiered waterfall is worth the trek it takes to get there!
Best Hidden Gem Waterfalls in Georgia
In a state that’s home to some 700 wondrous waterfalls, there are some truly spectacular falls that remain stubbornly under the radar… much to our delight.
Because the fact is, Georgia’s best and most legendary waterfalls are so popular and beloved, that they are visited by throngs of waterfall chasers and admirers, making for a crowded experience.
These hidden gem “waterfalls near me” in Georgia are true natural beauties; well worth seeking out the next time you’re up for a bit of an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
18. Ada-Hi Falls
- Location: Ada-Hi Falls Trail, Clayton, GA, 30525 | Video Tour
- Stats: Less than a half-mile long, the hike to Ada-Hi Falls is a scenic out-and-back trail in Black Rock Mountain State Park.
- Good to Know: Although short in length, due to some challenging terrain, the Adi-Hi Falls Trail is rated as moderate, and is best tacked between March and November for the safest weather conditions.
The hike to Ada-Hi Falls is s comprised of a series of wooden staircases and a rocky path, which makes for a steep return trip from the falls. However, if you prepare with proper footwear and take your time, the reward for this hike -- less than a half-mile total -- is a beguiling hidden waterfall sure to capture your heart.
19. Cherokee Falls
- Location: 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Rd., Rising Fawn, GA, 30738 | Video Tour
- Stats: Hiking to Cherokee Falls is only about 0.3 miles from the trailhead, so it isn’t much of an extensive trail, but surely is a rewarding one.
- Good to Know: Guests to Cloudland Canyon can immerse themselves in nature by booking one of the rustic yurts available for overnight camping.
Cloudland Canyon is undeniably beautiful; and with so many natural wonders, it's no surprise that some remain under the radar. Cherokee Falls is one such treasure. Cherokee Falls in Cloudland Canyon State Park is one of two stunning waterfalls in the area, but the lesser-known, and arguably more beguiling, of the two (Hemlock Falls is its neighbor).
Are there any double waterfalls in Georgia?
There are! Those who've taken the Anna Ruby Falls Trail have had the pleasure of bearing witness to the double waterfalls flowing down Tray Mountain. The larger falls of the two, the Curtis Creek Waterfall, plummets 150 feet to reach Smith Creek below.20. Hidden Gem Waterfalls - Honorable Mentions
- Vickery Creek Falls: With a covered bridge, beautiful ruins, and lots of natural scenery, Vickery Creek Falls is an all-around amazing adventure on an easy, five-mile path around Roswell Mill.
- Panther Creek Falls: Imagine having a secluded beach right by one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Georgia, with nothing but time to enjoy. This is the magic of Panther Creek Falls.
- Horse Trough Falls: Horse Trough Falls is a short in-and-out hike through the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia that is as beautiful as it gets during the fall months.
Map of Georgia Waterfalls
Summary
The Peach State is positively teeming with natural wonders, from the summit of its very own Grand Canyon to the depths of its subterranean caves. In between, lush forests, valleys, rivers, and streams are home to hundreds (and hundreds) of waterfalls in Georgia: enchanting, beguiling, breathtaking waterfalls.
Whether you’re an advanced hiker, a new outdoorsman, or somewhere in between, the waterfall-chasing adventures in Georgia are plentiful, with these natural wonders just waiting (often in plain sight!) to be explored, experienced, and admired.
Ready to chase waterfalls in Georgia? Make certain you have the proper footwear by checking out the selection of hiking boots and shoes available on REI.
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