Take This Unforgettable Road Trip To Experience Some Of Georgia's Most Impressive Caves And Waterfalls
By Marisa Roman|Updated on February 07, 2023(Originally published February 05, 2023)
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Marisa Roman
Author
A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. Marisa is well-versed in exploration as she travels a good majority of the year in her self-converted Sprinter van. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt.
If you’re itching to get out of the house and spend some time in the great outdoors, then we have a weekend of fun planned for you. Some of the best caves and waterfalls in Georgia can be tackled together, all in one single road trip. Are you ready to see some of the best the Peach State has to offer in terms of Mother Nature? If so, then grab your keys, get your playlist ready, and prepare to hit the road!
Please note, there are more than 500 waterfalls and caves in Georgia. However, exploration is permitted in only a small handful. It’s always best to take all precautions when exploring caves and waterfalls in Georgia. Make sure you always bring the proper equipment, paying particular attention to footwear, and use proper safety measures. Never explore caves alone.
The total driving time for this road trip in Georgia is just under seven hours. Because of that length of time, it might be worth it to stretch the trip into a few days so you'll have time to stop and enjoy each place. You can view the customizable
Google map to get the feel for every stop.
Helton Creek Falls is the first stop along this road trip if you're following it as is with no customization of stops, and boy, is it a doozy. This stunning waterfall is a real gem. The hike to get to the falls is well worth the trek. Bring your camera for this one, and quite possibly also your swimsuit! If you'd like to cool off, the swimming hole is a great spot to take a dip.
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2. Amicalola Falls - Dawsonville, Georgia
418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534, USA
As the tallest waterfall in Georgia, Amicalola Falls belongs on every traveler's bucket list. It’s hard to have a waterfall road trip in Georgia and not include this beauty. Spend the afternoon hiking through the magnificent terrain and enjoy one of the biggest waterfalls on this side of the Mississippi.
Check out some great footage of the falls and nearby campground:
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3. High Shoals Falls - Dallas, Georgia
High Shoals Falls, 2184 High Shoals Rd, Dallas, GA 30132, USA
There is more than one High Shoals Falls in Georgia. The one on this road trip is located further south in Dallas. Visit here after a rainfall if you’d really like to see something special. Plus, there is a small alcove next to this waterfall, and while it might not be an actual cave, it is the perfect segue to our next stop.
Cave Spring, Georgia is home to a cave in Rolater Park that visitors can tour freely. Enjoy the 57-degree cave on a special cave tour, then enjoy walking around the nearby spring-fed lake, which pumps out two million gallons of water a day. The cave hosts tours often, so make sure you call ahead to reserve your spot. Note that it is closed seasonally, so make sure to check the hours on the Rolater Park Facebook page.
5. Crockford-Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Area - LaFayette, Georgia
Crockford-Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management Area, 3440 Chamberlain Rd, LaFayette, GA 30728, USA
The Crockford-Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Area features a ton of beautiful scenery and serene slices of nature. While there are quite a few caves in the area that require a permit to visit (Ulla Cave, Pettyjohn’s Cave), you can still wander through the different hiking trails and see some of the smaller outcroppings and alcoves without a permit. There are even a few waterfalls, too! Did you know this area is home to one of the only volcanoes in Georgia? We recommend hiking the Pocket Trail, which is less than one mile and perfect for all skill levels.
Check out this great footage from the Pocket Trail:
6. Cloudland Canyon - Rising Fawn, Georgia
122 Cloudland Canyon Park Rd, Rising Fawn, GA 30738, USA
As this great road trip in Georgia starts to wind down, the magnificent Cloudland Canyon State Park is the perfect place to visit. You'll find some of the most epic waterfalls and caves in Georgia here, making it a perfect two-for-one stop. Visitors were once able to explore the park's many caves through a professionally-guided tour, but unfortunately, the practice has stopped. We can only hope that in the near future, both Sitton's Gulch and Case Cave will have tours again. For now, enjoy this great video footage from the Sitton's Gulch area:
Keown Falls is one of the lesser-known waterfalls in the area, but it’s still a gem to visit. If you're able to check it out shortly after a rainfall, you'll be in for a real treat. The hike to Keown Falls highlights some of the most stunning pockets of beauty in the state. It's one of the easier waterfall hikes in Georgia.
Have you ever been to any of these caves and waterfalls in Georgia? If so, please share with us your experiences in the comments. Do you know of any other waterfalls and caves we should check out in the Peach State? We’d love to hear your suggestions!
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