25 Best Georgia Waterfalls

By VI Staff on June 14, 2018

The beauty of Georgia's waterfalls lures visitors from far and wide who come to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery, spectacular cascades of water in all shapes and forms, and a relaxing day in the great outdoors. Many of Georgia’s waterfalls are very accessible via easy hiking trails or walking paths that can be enjoyed by families with children and dogs and hardcore backpackers and hikers alike. Most of the waterfalls are set within well-maintained state parks, which provide comfortable campsites, restroom facilities, marked hiking trails, and shady picnic spots, making visiting Georgia's waterfalls easy even for the not-so-outdoorsy types. Pack a picnic basket, put on your hiking boots, and head into the picturesque wilds to check out some of these splendid waterfalls.

1.Ada-Hi Falls

Located in Black Rock Mountain State Park in Rabun County, Ada-Hi Falls are the highest elevation falls in the state. Meaning “forest” in the Cherokee language, Ada-Hi Falls are surrounded by dense thickets of rhododendron and patches of wildflowers and can be viewed from an observation deck at the end of a short yet steep hike. Boasting rarely more than a trickle of water in the dry summer months, Ada-Hi Falls are at their best in the winter after heavy rains, when the water tumbles over layers of rock down a steep descent. The falls are reached by a delightful walk through a moist, north-slope Appalachian cove, which features lichen-covered stones, mature hardwoods, thickets of ferns and wildflowers, and a dense forest of rhododendrons.

Black Rock Mountain State Park: 3085 Black Rock Mountain Pkwy, Mountain City, GA 30562, Phone: 706-746-2141

2.Amicalola Falls

Amicalola Falls is Georgia's tallest waterfall and cascades more than 720 feet through a shady forest. Meaning “tumbling waters” in the Cherokee language, Amicalola Falls is set within Amicalola Falls State Park in the Dawsonville-Dahlonega area of Georgia and boasts seven cascades, which can be viewed on from several hiking trails around the park, including the relatively easy 2.1-mile Amicalola Falls Trail. Surrounded by the magnificent Northeast Georgia Mountains, Amicalola Falls State Park also offers a variety of accommodations, from camping to hotel-style mountain-top lodges, such as Georgia's only backcountry lodge, the Len Foote Hike Inn, which is reachable by a 5-mile hike.

Amicalola Falls State Park: 280 Amicalola Falls State Park Road, Dawsonville, GA 30534, Phone: 706-265-8888

3.Ammons Creek

Located in the Tallulah Ranger District, Ammons Creek Falls is a 100-foot waterfall that cascades through the Chattahoochee National Forest in Rabun County. The waterfall can be viewed from a wooden observation deck at the end of a 1.75-mile loop hiking trail that also provides access to the nearby 120-foot Holcomb Creek Falls. The hiking trail is easily accessed from two points, the first of which can be found at the intersection of Hale Ridge and Overflow Roads, while the second is further up Overflow Road just past a bridge. The trailhead located near the bridge offers a gentler slope and easier access to the falls for those wanting a relaxing stroll.

Tallulah Ranger District, Chattahoochee National Forest, Georgia

4.Anna Ruby Falls

Situated near Unicoi State Park in the Anna Ruby Falls Scenic Area, Anna Ruby Falls are twin waterfalls that are formed by the Curtis and York creeks, which join at the base of the falls to become Smith Creek, which flows into Unicoi Lake. Curtis and York creeks begin high up on Georgia's sixth-highest peak, Tray Mountain, and flow down to drop 153 feet and 50 feet, respectively. Named after Anna Ruby Nichols, Anna Ruby Falls is accessible via a half-mile paved trail known as the Anna Ruby Falls Trail, which is a National Recreation Trail and charges a small admittance fee. Anna Ruby Falls is one of four famous waterfalls in the Chattahoochee National Forest, the other three of which are Dukes Creek Falls, DeSoto Falls, and Raven Cliff Falls.

Unicoi State Park: 1788 Highway 356, Helen, GA 30545, Phone: 706-878-2201

5.Bad Branch Falls

Located in Rabun County near Lake Rabun and Lake Seed, Bad Branch Falls is a beautiful waterfall that cascades down a slanted rock formation in a unique fashion. Bad Branch Falls can be reached by driving 6 miles down Lake Rabun Road and then another 3 miles down a curvy, winding, unpaved road. The Lower and Upper Crow Creek Falls are situated along this winding road, and these are the indicators that you are getting close to the viewpoint for Bad Branch Falls. A small creek will indicate the location of Bad Branch Falls, which can be accessed by a trail leading slightly uphill from the road. Next read: Best Romantic Weekend Getaways from Atlanta

Rabun County, Georgia

6.Becky Branch

Becky Branch Falls is a 20-foot waterfall situated on the Bartram Trail, which is a designated National Scenic Trail in the Warwoman Dell Valley in Clayton. Located within the boundaries of the Chattooga River Ranger District in the Chattahoochee National Forest, Becky Branch Falls can be reached by two distinct trails, namely the 0.6-mile loop trail Becky Branch Trail and the Bartram Trail, which run under a bridge just past the first parking lot and through Warwoman Dell. The Becky Branch Trail is a dead climb to the falls, but the Bartram Trail features several switchbacks that make for a more comfortable climb. The Bartram Trail continues to Martin Creek Falls, which is also worth a visit.

Warwoman Dell Valley, Clayton County, Georgia

7.Caledonia Cascade - Cascade Falls

The second tallest waterfall in Georgia, Caledonia Cascade, also known as Cascade Falls, is a 600-foot waterfall near the town of Tallulah Falls in Rabun County. The tiered waterfall is set on a small stream that features three drops, the longest of which is 262 feet and drops majestically into Tallulah Gorge near its start. The best views of the Caledonia Cascade are from the hiking trail, which makes its way around the rim of Tallulah Gorge, which also offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscapes. Formed by the Tallulah River and set within Tallulah Gorge State Park, the Tallulah Gorge is a breathtaking area of natural beauty with dense forest and woodlands teeming with fauna and flora.

Tallulah Falls, Rabun County, Georgia

8.Cherokee Falls

Cherokee Falls is a 60-foot waterfall located in northwest Georgia’s Cloudland Canyon State Park, which was named following a contest. Home to part of Lookout Mountain, Cloudland Canyon State Park straddles a pair of deep gorges and boasts breathtaking canyonland scenery. Set within Daniel Creek Gorge, Cherokee Falls are at their best after heavy rainfall in the area, which usually sees almost 80 inches a year. Cherokee Falls are reached via the famous Waterfalls Trail in Cloudland Canyon State Park, which descends the steep walls of Daniel Creek Gorge via stairs to the falls, which cascade in the beautiful, steep-walled canyon.

Cloudland Canyon State Park: 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Rd, Rising Fawn, GA 30738, Phone: 706-657-4050

9.Cochrans Falls

Vying with the Caledonia Cascade for being the second-tallest waterfall in Georgia, 600-foot Cochrans Falls is a spectacular cascading waterfall in Dawson County, northwest of Dawsonville. One of the most secluded waterfalls in the state, the little-known waterfall can be reached by following a jeep track from Blackhawk Road along Cochrans Creek into the Cochrans Creek Valley, and then a rugged and steep goat path to Cochran’s Falls. The most significant drop of the falls is near the top and can be reached by ascending a treacherous trail that climbs the right side of the falls, whereby extreme caution needs to be taken.

Dawsonville, Cochran Creek Valley, Dawson County, Georgia

10.DeSoto Falls

Located along Frogtown Creek in the famous Chattahoochee National Forest, DeSoto Falls is another one of Georgia’s beautiful waterfalls and is named after Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, who traveled through the region in the 16th century. Set within the Blairsville-Cleveland area of Georgia, DeSoto Falls can be reached by a relatively comfortable 2.2-mile DeSoto Falls Trail, which leads past a shady creek to the lower and upper cascades of the falls. Located at an elevation of 3,560 feet in the Rocky Mountains, the DeSoto Falls are made up of three sections, namely the Upper, Middle, and Lower DeSoto Falls, with the upper dropping 200 feet, the middle dropping 90 feet, and the lower dropping 35 feet into the stream bed below. DeSoto Falls is one of four famous waterfalls in the Chattahoochee National Forest, the others being Anna Ruby Falls, Dukes Creek Falls, and Raven Cliff Falls.

Chattahoochee National Forest, Blairsville-Cleveland, Georgia

11.Dick's Creek Falls

Located in the world-renowned Chattahoochee National Forest, Dick's Creek Falls is a 60-foot waterfall that drops into a popular swimming hole along Dick’s Creek into the Chattooga River. The waterfall and swimming hole are reached via the Dick's Creek Trail, which is short 1.4-mile loop trail that connects to the Bartram Trail in Rabun County. Dick's Creek Trail can be accessed by following Sandy Ford Road onto a dirt road, which crosses a small creek and ends in a small parking area where the trail begins.

Off Dick's Creek/Sandy Ford Road, Clayton, GA 30525, Phone: 706-782-3320

12.Emery Creek Falls

Nestled in northwest Georgia, Emery Creek Falls are remote and secluded waterfalls surrounded by lush forests and fording creeks that offer a refreshing, water-filled adventure in the hot summer months. Emery Creek Falls can be reached on a 6-mile out-and-back trail, which splashes through 20 creek crossings and passes five of Georgia's most secluded and beautiful waterfalls to the tumbling cascades of Emery Creek Falls. The hike to the falls is pegged as being one of the most spectacular walks in Georgia; however, it is not recommended for novice hikers due to the poorly marked trail and the creek’s slippery beds.

Emery Creek Trail, Chatsworth, GA 30705

13.Helton Creek Falls

Located in Vogel State Park, Helton Creek Falls is a series of two waterfalls that slide down in watery tendrils through a beautiful, hemlock-filled creek valley and drop over 100 feet into a swimming hole that is popular with both locals and visitors. Surrounded by the magnificent Chattahoochee National Forest in a lush, mossy creek valley in Union County, Helton Creek Falls is reached by an easy 0.3-mile hike called the Helton Creek Falls Trail, which accesses both falls. While the walk is relatively comfortable, the rocks around the falls can be deceptively slippery, so caution needs to be taken. The ease of the hike, the beauty of the waterfalls, and the family-friendly swimming hole make a trip to these falls a fantastic day out.

405 Vogel State Park Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512, Phone: 706-745-2628

14.Hemlock Falls

Surrounded by the majestic Chattahoochee National Forest, Hemlock Falls is set within Moccasin Creek State Park in the Tallulah Ranger District. Fed y the beautiful Moccasin Creek, which boasts a constant run of whitewater for its entire length, Hemlock Falls drops 15 feet into a pretty pool below. The area above the falls is lush and untouched and can be explored along an unmaintained footpath that crosses the creek and continues upwards through a picturesque gorge to the Upper Moccasin Creek Falls. Hemlock Falls can be reached by an easy 2-mile round-trip hike that hugs Moccasin Creek all the way and offers terrific views of the Chattahoochee National Forest.

3655 Georgia Hwy197, Clarkesville, GA 30523, Phone: 706-947-3194

15.High Shoals Falls

One of two of Georgia’s most beautiful waterfalls, High Shoals Falls is set in a lush, green forest near Helen. High Shoals Falls and Blue Hole Falls can both be explored on a single 2.5-mile round-trip hiking trail that travels through a verdant, mossy creek valley. The trail also passes some prime backpacking campsites before reaching Blue Hole Falls, which drops into a deep, turquoise swimming hole below, followed by High Shoals Falls, which also cascades into a beautiful pool. Surrounded by the Chattahoochee National Forest, High Shoals Falls is slightly further along the trail than Blue Hole Falls but is worth the walk as it is a much more significant waterfall cascading down large rocks and offers excellent swimming in cold mountain waters on hot summer days.

1333 Indian Grave Gap Rd, Hiawassee, GA 30546, Phone: 706-745-6928

16.Holcomb Creek Falls

Located in the Chattooga River Ranger District of the Chattahoochee National Forest, Holcomb Creek Falls is a magnificent 120-foot waterfall with a wooden observation deck that offers spectacular views. One of several beautiful walls in Rabun County, Holcomb Creek Falls can be reached by an easy 1.75-mile loop hiking trail, which leads to the observation deck overlooking Holcomb Creek Falls and continues to nearby Ammons Creek Falls. The hiking trail is easily accessed from two points, the first of which can be found at the intersection of Hale Ridge and Overflow Roads, and the second further up Overflow Road just past a bridge. The trailhead located near the bridge offers a gentler slope and easier access to the falls for those wanting a relaxing stroll.

Hale Ridge Rd, Clayton, GA 30525

17.Jacks River Falls

Thunderous and rugged, Jacks River Falls is easily one of the South’s most beautiful waterfalls. Set on the Jacks River in the heart of the Cohutta Wilderness, Jacks River Falls is an exceptionally beautiful roaring and rocky waterfall that is formed where the Jacks River tumbles crystal-clear over a rocky, grassy riverbed and out over a rocky outcropping. Surrounded by towering hardwoods and lined with lush, green foliage, the spectacular falls can be reached by hiking a relatively easy 9-mile route that includes the Beech Bottom Trail and the Jacks River Trail. The Beech Bottom Trail is the easier of the two trails and tends to be more crowded.

Cohutta Wilderness near Blue Ridge, Georgia

18.Long Creek Falls

Sited in the lush Chattahoochee National Forest in Fannin County, Long Creek Falls is a 50-foot cascade near Three Forks that is accessible from the Benton MacKaye Trail, the Duncan Ridge Trail, and the Appalachian Trail. A serene destination that attracts visitors from Atlanta, who come to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Long Creek Falls is set within the lush, waterfall-filled Three Forks Valley and is a stunning, rushing cascade that flows under a dense forest canopy of hemlock, rhododendron, and tulip poplar. Long Creek Falls can be reached by an easy 2-mile out-and-back hike on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Appalachian Trail.

Chattahoochee National Forest, Fannin County, GA 30573

19.Martin’s Creek Falls

Martin’s Creek Falls, sometimes referred to as Martin Creek Falls, is a beautiful waterfall located on the National Scenic Bartram Trail in Rabun County. Located east of Clayton and surrounded by the Chattahoochee National Forest, Martin’s Creek Falls is 20 feet high and offers a peaceful and tranquil spot for relaxation with spectacular views, particularly after heavy rains. Martin’s Creek Falls is accessed via the Bartram Trail, which crosses Warwoman Road, passes Becky Branch Falls, and continues for a challenging 1.8 miles to Martin’s Creek Falls.

Chattahoochee National Forest, Rabun County, GA 30573

20.Minnehaha Falls

Named after the fictional character in the epic poem, The Song of Hiawatha, Minnehaha Falls is a 100-foot stair-stepping waterfall in the Tallulah Gorge area that boasts breathtaking natural scenery and excellent photographic opportunities. Set on Falls Creek in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest, the waterfalls cascade majestically for 100 feet over a unique rock formation that resembles steps near Lake Rabun and can be reached by the short 0.4-mile Minnehaha Trail from Bear Gap Road. The hike to the falls is relatively easy and a great walk for families with children and dogs. Minnehaha Falls are at their best in the springtime, when the water flow is optimal and it is surrounded by spectacular foliage and flowers.

Tallulah Gorge, Chattahoochee National Forest, Tallulah Falls, Rabun County, GA 30573

21.Panther Falls

The first of two waterfalls on the Angel Falls Trail in Rabun County, Panther Creek Falls is one of North Georgia’s most beautiful and famous waterfalls. The 50-foot waterfall is set within a lush stretch of the Chattahoochee National Forest and is popular due to its easy access, which is only about a half mile away from the starting point of the trail. The Angel Falls Trail passes some beautiful mountain laurel and patches of rhododendron along the way. For more of a challenge, the falls can also be reached by the Panther Creek Trail, which is about 7 miles long and slightly more difficult.

Chattahoochee National Forest, Rabun County, Georgia

22.Raven Cliff Falls

Located outside the Bavarian-themed town of Helen in White County, Raven Cliff Falls is a three-drop 60-foot waterfall set along a creek that joins Dodd Creek. Located within the Raven Cliffs Wilderness in the Chattahoochee National Forest, the falls are made up of three separate drops, the first being 60 feet, the second being 20 feet and cascading into a deep pool, while the third is 20 feet and flows into Dodd Creek. Raven Cliff Falls is reached by the Raven Cliffs Trail, which lies just off the Richard Russell Scenic Highway and meanders for about 2.5 miles along the banks of Dodd Creek to the falls. The trail is relatively easy to hike until near the end by Bear Den Creek, where the path slopes gently upward from 2,040 feet to 2,600 feet at the base of the falls.

3000 Richard B Russell Scenic Hwy, Helen, GA 30545, Phone: 706-754-6221

23.Tallulah Falls

Made up of six spectacular waterfalls that cascade through the 1,000-foot-deep Tallulah Gorge in Tallulah Gorge State Park, Tallulah Falls offers a dramatic and unforgettable experience. The falls can be viewed from a swinging suspension bridge over the gorge, which attracts aspiring nature photographers who come to snap inspiring shots. Tallulah Falls can be reached by a challenging and rewarding hike on the Hurricane Falls Trail, which crosses the gorge on the suspension bridge, or on the Sliding Rock Trail, which is tougher and rockier but leads to the only natural swimming area by the canyon. Tallulah Gorge State Park has several other hiking and nature trails, including the paved 3-mile Shortline Trail, which follows an old railroad bed.

338 Jane Hurt Yarn Rd, Tallulah Falls, GA 30573, Phone: 706-754-7981

24.Toccoa Falls

Situated on the campus of Toccoa Falls College just outside of Toccoa, Toccoa Falls is a 186-foot, free-falling waterfall that offers visitors a quiet, relaxing spot to absorb the natural beauty of the North Georgia Mountains. Meaning “beautiful” in the Cherokee language, Toccoa Falls is believed to be the highest single drop waterfall east of the Mississippi and can be reached by a short walk along the stream to the base of the falls on the campus. Surrounded by the Toccoa Falls College campus, Toccoa Falls has a modern visitors center, which offers information about the falls and their rich history, including mysteries and tragedies.

Toccoa Falls College Visitor Information Center: 107 Kincaid Drive, Toccoa Falls, GA 30598, Phone: 706-886-6831