BEST WATERFALLS IN GEORGIA YOU'VE JUST GOT TO SEE

My favorite kind of day? Jumping in the car with my kids and seeking out one of Georgia’s new (to us) waterfalls!

We love the easy ones, the hidden ones — the roadside spills, and the falls flowing deep within the forest. We love wading in them, swimming in them, splashing in them, or just admiring them.

“Magical” is an overused word — but it perfectly describes this list of our favorite waterfalls in Georgia. Here are 33+ of the absolute best waterfalls in Georgia you’ve just got to see!

NORTHEAST GEORGIA WATERFALLS

33+ BEST WATERFALLS IN GEORGIA YOU'VE JUST GOT TO SEE — ^{Anna Ruby Falls}

ANNA RUBY FALLS

Anna Ruby Falls near Helen is truly one of the best waterfalls in Georgia. The easy paved path will take along the creek and to an amazing viewing platform that gets you close to the magnificent double falls formed by Curtis and York creeks. Round-trip, the hike is 0.9 miles. This hike is stroller- and dog-friendly.

The wildflowers in the spring here are captivating, but truly any time of year is a great one to visit. There are picnic tables along the creek at the other end of the parking area, and kids love playing in the creek here.

This is part of the Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area, and a visit to the falls is $5/person ages 16+. You’ll find Anna Ruby Falls right next to Unicoi State Park.

DENTON BRANCH FALLS

Located 8 miles west of the town of Clayton, Denton Branch Falls, also called Denton Creek Falls, is located in the Southern Nantahala Wilderness. There is no cell or data service out there, so come prepared!

This 0.6-mile out-and-back moderate trail actually takes you to three waterfalls. You can hear the falls as you approach. The falls drop about 30 feet into a boulder-filled pool. No one was there when we visited. (I imagine this is usually the case.) It’s fun to swim when the weather is warm; bring water shoes to keep your feet from slipping on rocks.

Directions: Head west on US76 until you get to Persimmon Road. Turn left on Persimmon and go 4 miles. Here, turn left again onto FS70 (also, Tallulah Falls Rd.). After a few miles, the road continues but it turns into a single-lane dirt road with awesome houses/properties. After 6 miles, you’ll see Chapple Lane on the right. Almost immediately after that driveway, named Chapple Lane, is a “road” on the right. There is no road sign.

In spring, when growth is high, it might not look like a road, but just a break in the trees. I went down this road on a wet day in my mini van. You might not think you can make it…but you can. You’ll go down about 1/10th of a mile and see a clearing on the right where you can park your car. From there you head off on foot deeper into the forest until you get to the creek.

DESOTO FALLS

DeSoto Falls near Helen consists of an upper falls and lower falls. This easy hike to the falls is relatively flat and crosses Frogtown Creek a few times, making it great for little ones to explore. Once you reach the falls, there will be two viewing platforms for you to enjoy. These are not falls that you’ll play or swim in.

The almost 2-mile trail is an out-and-back trail. You’ll find campsites here too. The falls are just a short drive from Vogel State Park. Parking is $5.

HEMLOCK FALLS TRAIL

The 2-mile Hemlock Falls Trail near Moccasin Creek State Park near Lake Burton is truly beautiful and well-worth a visit.

The trailhead is easy to find and is at the end of a gravel road. There is ample parking, but getting there early is still a good idea — it fills up fast. The hike to the falls will take you along a creek, and you’ll cross several bridges along the way. It’s a picturesque hike with an amazing waterfall at the end!

This moderate trail is kid-friendly and dog-friendly (leashed)!

MINNEHAHA FALLS

Minnehaha Falls is one of the best kiddo falls in North Georgia! You’ll take a gravel road around the backside of Lake Rabun to get here, giving you a fun adventure along the way. The trailhead may sneak up on you — you’ll see a stairway up the side of the mountain on your left, along with a wooden banister.

The walk to the falls is very short — less than a quarter mile — but you will have to traverse a steep stairway (only a handful of steps) and some rooted pathways. At only a half mile round-trip, my 2-year-old handled it with ease.

The falls are beautiful and there’s plenty of space for kids to splash. You’ll find a concrete area and bench in front of the falls, so bring a picnic and spread out for the day enjoying the water in Rabun County.

ANGEL FALLS & PANTHER FALLS

Located at the Lake Rabun Beach campground, the trail to Angel Falls and Panther Falls is a must-do if you’re in the area.

A 1.75-mile round-trip trail takes you to both waterfalls — you’ll follow Joe Branch Creek, cross wooden bridges, and walk through forests. Both cascading falls fall about 50 feet.

This is a family-friendly hike, and is a great way to continue your Lake Rabun adventures.

TOCCOA FALLS

Toccoa Falls drops 186 feet in a free fall to the earth — that’s taller than Niagra Falls!

This beautiful waterfall is tucked away on the property of Toccoa Falls College. I’d call it more of a “roadside attraction” than a hike. You’ll drive to the back of the college, to the Visitor Center. Pay a small fee — kids 6 and under are free, my entry was $2. After you pay, head through the back door. The walk to the falls is about a quarter mile. It is a wide, flat, gravel path following the creek.

One thing to note is that you’re not allowed to play or get in the water below the falls. This is merely for enjoying the scenery — so coming in the fall or winter may make staying out of it easier for kids to handle!

HIGH SHOALS FALLS AND BLUE HOLE FALLS

Take one hike to these two amazing waterfalls near Helen. The 2.4-mile relatively moderate trail will take you to Blue Hole Falls first, featuring a 20-foot waterfall into a deep blue pool. You’ll continue your hike until you reach the equally amazing High Shoals Falls, which has a 50-foot drop over a series of cascades.

Note that a bridge along the trail has suffered damage, and you will have to cross a creek. (The falls are worth it!)

DUKES CREEK FALLS

The trail to Dukes Creek Falls near Helen is beautiful and will take you through the forest and along a stream until you reach the magnificent falls. The falls themselves are exceptionally dramatic — it flows over 150 feet down!

You can’t play in the water here, but you get pretty close to the falls while on the observation deck. The forest in this area beautiful, even in the dead of winter, and the falls are LOUD, which my boys loved. The trail is 2 miles round-trip.

HELTON CREEK FALLS

If you’re looking for an easy, kid-friendly hike with a waterfall near Helen — Helton Creek Falls is it!

The trail to Helton Creek Falls is easy and short — 0.2 miles — and the two waterfalls make for a great reward.

As you begin on the Helton Creek Trail, you can hear the sounds of the lower falls. The lower falls are about 40 feet long, and the water flows over a rock outcrop. Keep traveling down the trail and shortly, you will come to the observation deck and the upper falls. These falls cascade about 50 feet into the pool below.

You’ll find Helton Creek Falls down the street from Vogel State Park.

FALLS AT TALLULAH GORGE STATE PARK

There are a few different ways to see the magnificent falls at Tallulah Gorge State Park. Hike one of the rim trails to the overlooks that give you awesome views of the gorge and the falls below, or hike down to the awesome suspension bridge that really gets you those views.

You can also hike down to the gorge floor, but you have to get there early. Only 100 people are allowed down there a day, and you have to get a (free) pass from the visitor center. But once you’re down there, you have the best views of the falls, can play in the water, or even slide down the rocks.

PANTHER CREEK FALLS

Panther Creek Falls takes a long hike to get to it, but it’s worth it. I recommend an overnight to make it super special (picture here).

3.5 miles in gets you to a sandy beach, waterfall, and plenty of room to swim. The falls are within the Panther Creek Recreation Area.

Note: After a long closure, the picnic area is open and the trail has been open to intermediate and advanced hikers only. Bridges and trail repairs are still needed to make the trail safer for others. The project is expected to be complete in 2024.

DICKS CREEK FALLS AND BECKY BRANCH FALLS

Near the town of Clayton, you’ll find a tumbling waterfall on the Chattooga River — Dicks Creek Falls.

To get to Dicks Creek Falls, you’ll need to hike the fairly easy 1.2-mile round-trip hike to the falls. Once you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the 60-foot falls tumbling into the river below.

Afterwards, consider continuing the waterfall fun by hiking to the nearby Becky Branch Falls at Warwoman Dell. The hike to Becky Branch Falls is 1.4 miles round-trip, and features a trio of waterfalls.

RAVEN CLIFF FALLS

Raven Cliff Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls to visit near Helen. The 5-mile round-trip hike takes you through the forest along a trout stream until you reach the awesome falls. The falls drop through a 40-foot-tall cliff, slicing the rock outcrop in half.

You’ll pass several small waterfalls during your hike as well. Kids love to stay and enjoy the swimming hole here. You’ll also find a couple of campsites here, which are first-come, first-served.

Parking is $5 cash.

FALLS ON WATERS CREEK

While the name of these falls is debatable, there is no denying their beauty! These falls are located in the Chattahoochee National Forest near Dahlonega, and are sometimes called Dicks Creek Falls — not to be confused with the Dicks Creek Falls we already mentioned near Clayton.

You can get to the bottom of the falls, with a wonderful swimming area, and the top of the falls, with another swimming area. Make sure you’re careful though — the rocks get slippery!

Regardless of what it’s called, it’s amazing.

AMICALOLA FALLS

You can’t think about visiting an amazing Georgia waterfall without immediately thinking about Amicalola Falls at Amicalola Falls State Park.

Amicalola Falls is a 729-foot waterfall located in the Chattahoochee National Forest near Dahlonega. It’s the third-highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. These falls are magnificent and beautiful anytime of the year, but especially in the fall with the changing leaves all around.

The approach trail to the southernmost point of the Appalachian Trail starts at the crest of this waterfall — giving hikers either a magnificent beginning or ending to their epic hike.

There are a couple ways to see these falls. You can park at the bottom, and take a short hike up a paved trail to see it from below. You can park at the top, and take a look out over the falls from the bridge. But to really see all the beauty these falls have to offer, you need to get your stair stepping shoes on!

From either the top or the bottom, you can choose to hike the 604 steps — and see the falls up close in a whole new way. (There’s a landing at 175 steps from the bottom, so you can take a breather and pics!) It’s beautiful, tiring, and gives you immediate bragging rights. It’s truly one of the best waterfalls in Georgia.

FALL BRANCH FALLS

Located near Blue Ridge, GA, Fall Branch Falls in Cherry Log is an easy 0.5-mile round-trip hike that will take you to the falls. The woods here are thick and damp, which makes an excellent backdrop for ferns and moss.

This is a double falls, so keep an eye out for the diamond-marked lower trail that leads to the lower falls and observation area. The climb to the upper falls is a little more steep, but worth it.

LONG CREEK FALLS

Take a fun 2-mile out-and-back hike to Long Creek Falls near Blue Ridge!

The Three Forks area is named for the three creeks that converge here into Noontoola Creek. You’ll be on both the Appalachian Trail and Benton-MacKaye Trail as you approach the waterfall. The climb is moderate, but the forest in this part of Blue Ridge is lush and serene. You’ll also pass several other smaller waterfalls along the way.

Bring a picnic!

CANE CREEK FALLS

Cane Creek Falls is located on the grounds of Camp Glisson in Dahlonega, but it’s open to the public when camp isn’t in session.

After you reach Camp Glisson, go 1 mile to the parking area near the bottom of the falls. Swimming is not permitted, but fishing is permitted on a catch and release basis.

LAKE TRAHLYTA AT VOGEL STATE PARK

So this “waterfall” at Vogel State Park is really the dam’s spillway — but it looks and acts like a waterfall, and it’s really cool to see!

Take the easy 1-mile Trahlyta Lake Loop Trail for amazing views and fun exploring. The trail takes you around the lake and to the earthen dam that was built by the CCC. (While you’re on the dam, make sure to take a picture of Blood and Slaughter Mountains across the lake. It’s spectacular!)

An offshoot trail off the dam leads you down to an observation deck, so you can see the powerful waterfall.

NORTHWEST GEORGIA WATERFALLS

CLOUDLAND CANYON STATE PARK WATERFALLS

The two waterfalls are Cloudland Canyon State Park in Northwest Georgia can be hard to get to — but worth it!

The Waterfalls Trail is 2 miles round-trip and can be strenuous — but it can be done! (My kids have done it a couple times.)

The trail drops quickly down into the canyon depths to two sizable waterfalls, Cherokee and Hemlock Falls. It is approximately ½ mile to Cherokee Falls, and a much steeper ½ mile further down to Hemlock Falls. The trail includes 600 stairs that can be difficult for dogs. Keep this in mind if you are hiking with your pup.

If you only have time for one, I thought Hemlock was the more scenic, although both are beautiful. There are 600 steps down to the falls, which isn’t too bad, but remember, that means there are 600 steps back UP to the top, so pace yourself and little ones.

LULA LAKE LAND TRUST

You have to plan ahead to see this amazing waterfall, but it’s more than worth it!

The Lula Lake hiking trails are only open to the public on the first and last weekends of the month on their Open Gate Days. Reservations are required to visit.

The easiest way to hike to the falls and back is about 4.2 miles. You’ll enjoy spectacular views of the falls, and a fun hike to Lula Lake.

There is a $16 Conservation Use Fee per reservation, but 100% of all proceeds go back into the preservation of Lula Lake. One reservation equals one parking space. Reservations are rain or shine. (You can also get on a waitlist if your date is already full.)

PANTHER CREEK FALLS IN THE COHUTTA WILDERNESS

Not to be confused with Panther Creek Falls we mentioned earlier near Tallulah Gorge, this Panther Creek Falls requires a difficult, 8.4-mile round-trip hike to see.

Located in the Cohutta Wilderness in Northwest Georgia, the trail to these tumbling waters is less frequently traveled and more serene than others. You’ll hike through the forest and reach the crest of the falls at 4 miles (don’t get too close to the edge here). You can also hike down to the base of the falls for amazing views.

JACKS RIVER FALLS

If you’re ready to explore more of the Cohutta Wilderness, consider a 9-mile hike on the Beech Bottom Trail to Jacks River Falls.

Jacks River Falls is one of Georgia’s most remote waterfalls, but seeing the roaring, crystal clear water tumbling into the pool below is a sight to behold.

The trail will take you to the top of the falls, and then you can take a steep trail to the bottom as well. Group sizes and camping is limited, and be careful hiking this one after a heavy rain.

MARBLE MINE TRAIL

The Marble Mine Trail at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park in Summerville is a fun and easy hike that takes you to a really cool looking waterfall.

The 1-mile trail starts at the day-use area, following an old road to the Marble Mine — one of the highlights of this quiet park. You’re most likely to see the waterfall in the spring and winter, when the rainfall generates a small 35-foot waterfall over the marble outcropping.

It’s really neat to see — the color of the water here is such a beautiful blue.

KEOWN FALLS

Keown Falls in Northwest Georgia is fun to explore and offers amazing views too.

Located near LaFayette, GA, you’ll hike the 1.8-mile loop, seeing trickling falls along the way. Located in the Keown Falls Recreation Area, you’ll find it’s popular for birding, hiking, and running. You’ll also find a picnic area with restrooms here. Parking is free, and dogs are allowed on a leash.

BIG ROCK NATURE TRAIL

Big Rock Nature Trail at Fort Mountain State Park in Chatsworth is a 0.75-mile loop that takes you past several small cascades and waterfalls. The trail travels from the ridgeline down into a mountain hollow, crossed a ridge, and returns up Gold Mine Creek.

You’ll have a chance to play in a beautiful creek, and catch great mountain views. The wildflowers along this trail in the spring are fantastic.

METRO ATLANTA WATERFALLS

SWEETWATER CREEK STATE PARK

Sweetwater Creek State Park in Lithia Springs is full of tumbling waters, of course, but the Sweetwater Falls shouldn’t be missed.

The popular 1-mile-long Red Trail takes you to the ruins of the New Manchester Mill, which was destroyed during the Civil War. You’ll reach the ruins after half a mile, but the second half mile will take you to the Sweetwater Falls area — so don’t miss it!

Kids love playing in the water along the trail, but be careful — the rocks get slippery.

VICKERY CREEK TRAIL AT ROSWELL MILL

If you are not up for a long hike, take note that the dam which creates the Vickery Creek Falls is only about a ½-mile hike from the trailhead. You’ll see mill ruins and a covered bridge, as well.

If you want to hike the whole thing, it’s 4.7 miles round-trip, and full of fantastic views.

LULLWATER PARK TRAIL

Located on the Emory University campus in Atlanta, the Lullwater Park Trail is a fun 2-mile trail that takes you to a 210-foot suspension bridge, a small cascading waterfall, and mill ruins. This is one trail that’s popular with kiddos, because there are so many fun things to see.

The only problem is…access to Lullwater Preserve is limited to Emory University students, faculty, and employees. But, if you fall into any of those categories, this is a good one.

CASCADE SPRINGS NATURE PRESERVE TRAIL

You won’t find towering falls on the Cascade Springs Nature Preserve Trail, but it’s a lovely cascade worthy of the list.

A 0.25-mile hike will take you to these falls in Atlanta. My kids loved the natural spring house, as well as the creek. Be sure to head left on the loop for quick access to the falls.

HIGH SHOALS FALLS

Not to be confused with the High Shoals Falls we mentioned earlier that’s located in Helen, this High Shoals Falls is located in Dallas, GA.

When you get to this trailhead, you may think you’re in the wrong place. Your GPS will take you to an old graveyard with a parking lot in front large enough for about four cars. You’ll see a trail that runs in front of the headstones. Follow that down, about 1/4 of a mile. You’ll hear the waterfall before you see it. The waterfall has an estimated vertical drop of 300 feet!

There is a picnic table and plenty of creeks in which to wade. The water in front of the falls is perfect for swimming, and you can climb to the top of the falls. There is more stream up there, but not much trail before you hit private property.

This waterfall is amazing, and truly a great place to spend the day.

CENTRAL GEORGIA WATERFALLS

HIGH FALLS STATE PARK

High Falls State Park is just a few miles off Interstate 75, so it’s easy to get to and makes a great side trip for travelers on their way to Florida. High Falls State Park is named for the tumbling cascades on the Towaliga River. In addition to the beautiful falls, you’ll also find a lake and plenty of park amenities.

There are 4.5 miles of trails, but if you can’t do them all, I recommend taking the one along the falls, aptly called Falls View Trail. It’s just a little over a mile and includes an 8-shaped loop along the water and into the woods with several ‘off trail’ detours to view the river.

You can’t swim in these falls, as the water is extremely powerful coming from the Towaliga River. Be sure to cross the main road and look at the dam, too. It’s beautiful in the morning light.

CASCADE FALLS ON THE PINE MOUNTAIN TRAIL

If you’re visiting Franklin D Roosevelt State Park in west Georgia and want to see a waterfall — Cascade Falls is a great choice.

This 3.75-mile round trip hike takes you along the popular Pine Mountain Trail. You’ll pass several other smaller waterfalls along the way, but you’ll reach the beautiful Cascade Falls and want to stay awhile. The waterfall is set in a cove and falls into the pool below. Make sure to bring a picnic!

NORTH GEORGIA WATERFALLS APP

Do you love heading into the North Georgia Mountains looking for beautiful waterfalls? Now there’s help at your fingertips!

The Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber & Visitors Bureau in collaboration with 365 Total Marketing introduced a FREE Georgia Waterfalls iPhone app, called North Georgia Waterfalls, and it’s available through the Apple Store.

You’ll find a photo and description, a live map and directions via integration with Google Maps.

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO GEORGIA

YOUR GEORGIA VACATION
BLUE RIDGE: 50+ BEST ADVENTUROUS THINGS TO DO IN BLUE RIDGE GA
HELEN: THE 39+ BEST THINGS TO DO IN HELEN GA FOR ALPINE FUN
BLAIRSVILLE: A STUNNING MOUNTAIN TOWN FILLED WITH FAMILY ADVENTURE
GA STATE PARKS: 9+ GEORGIA STATE PARKS WITH WATERFALLS BEGGING YOU TO VISIT

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About
Latest Posts

Kate Gelsthorpe

Kate Gelsthorpe is a former TV news writer, and a born and raised Georgia girl who grew up camping with her family at state parks around central and south Georgia.After 18 years in Atlanta, her family recently moved to Athens, and in their spare time you can find them exploring their new hometown.She and her husband, Kevin, are the proud parents of an 8-year-old dinosaur expert, and a 6-year-old outdoor-loving fashionista.

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