Atlanta is a vibrant city with many entertainment and recreational opportunities. Indeed, there are plenty of beautiful locations to experience nature in and around the City. The next time you visit the area consider searching out nearby waterfalls. Read on and discover our top waterfalls closest to Atlanta.
Close to the City
If you’re unable to stray far from the city, the next few waterfalls may fit the bill. These falls may not be quite so breathtaking as others around the state but are still quite lovely to behold. Henry Mill Falls, Vickery Creek Mills Falls, and the Spillwater Falls at Lullwater Preserve are the top three I would consider visiting.
The Henry Mills Falls are reached via the trail of the same name. It’s a 5.6-mile multi-use trail located near Palmetto, Georgia. The trail offers scenic views through pretty woodlands before reaching the falls. The waterfall cascades over a colorful rock outcrop, as it tumbles into a shallow pool below. Note that it’s just one of several beautiful waterfalls at Cochran Mill Park! Beware: you’ll have to wade through several streams or washouts to get to the falls.
Vickery Creek Mills Falls at Roswell Mill Dam, may not be as spectacular but could be preferable if you have small children. The lovely waterfall is surrounded by hiking trails and years of history involving the Roswell Mill Dam. The historic feature pours from the 30-foot spillway dam, which was built on Vickery Creek in the mid-to-late 1830s to supply power for the Roswell mills.
Lastly, the Spillwater Falls at Lullwater Preserve should make your list of waterfalls to visit near Atlanta. Located in the middle of Emory University’s campus, you may encounter leopard frogs, spotted newts, beaver, river otter, white-tailed deer, and more in the nature preserve. Take the Lake Loop, which circles Candler Lake, to reach the dam and spillway. The falls may not be as impressive, but the path through the preserve is a wooded haven with the spillway-falls as a bonus.
Within 90 Miles
You’ll hike 3.75 miles round trip on a difficult trail to see Holley Falls. It’s a stunning, multi-level waterfall located deep in the woods. Unfortunately, a valid Georgia hunting, fishing license or Georgia Lands Pass is required to park. Location: Highway 53W, Dawsonville, GA (63 miles)
Instead, would you like to photograph the tallest falls in the state? Are you up for viewing the 3rd tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River.? Check out Amicalola Falls and you’ll be treated to 729 feet of thundering, falling water.
Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge offers multiple and varied trails, including the trail winding up to the top of the waterfall. Guided hikes are also available. Either way, look forward to gazing at one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia.
Location: 418 Amicalola Falls Rd.Dawsonville GA 30534 (72 miles)
Holley Falls/Mike mcmx404 
Helton Creek Upper Falls, Georgia-US Forest Service
Barely inside the Chattahoochee–Oconee National Forest boundary lies Dukes Creek Falls. The Dukes Creek Trail, leading to a series of falls, is a moderate 2-mile hike. You’ll trek through a stream-filled forest, meandering at first, down a paved path. Along the trail, you’ll catch a glimpse of the falls from an upper viewing deck. Further along, the path is unpaved but well maintained with several stairs. As you hike, you’ll move alongside a stream, passing several large waterfalls with accompanying viewing platforms. It’s here that you can gaze at the 150-foot-tall drop of Dukes Creek Falls.
Location: 1699 Richard Russell Highway, Helen, GA (87 miles)
If you’re looking to do a little less hiking, consider visiting Helton Creek Falls. The trail is perfect for all ages.
The .3-mile Helton Creek Falls Trail leads to two lovely waterfalls; the Upper Falls and Lower Falls. Enjoy gazing at the beautiful flora in the area before you reach the natural feature at just over 100 feet!
The Falls Trail is just past Vogel State Park. Bring a picnic and stay for a while.
Location: Helton Creek Road (just past the entrance to Vogel State Park), Blairsville, GA 30512 (90 miles)
Considerations
- Dress appropriately, bring bug spray, water, and wear sturdy shoes. Many trails are unpaved and very uneven, and therefore, may not be suitable for young children or strollers.
- Use caution when stepping on rocks since they can appear dry but may still be slippery. Many locations charge an admission fee and parking can be limited.
- Check for travel alerts before planning your visit. The CDC urges all people to exercise safety precautions in public, so travel at your own risk.
- Plan your route. Check for closing times, since some locations close by 4pm.
- Note that many visitors have received faulty directions when relying on their GPS.
References
Amicalola Falls Lodge: Home
Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Covid 19-How to Protect Yourself & Others
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests: Dukes Creek Falls
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests: Helton Creek Falls
Emory University: Lullwater Preserve
Explore Georgia: Three Waterfalls Within an Hour of Atlanta
Visit Roswell Georgia: Vickery Creek Falls
Wag: Lullwater Preserves Trails
Photo Credits
Athea Eberhardt King
Liz fradellahikes (Cover, Amicalola Falls)
Mike mcmx404 -Holley Falls
Resources
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests: Recreation Conditions
One Reply to “Top 7 Waterfalls Closest to Atlanta”
Comments are closed.