Best Waterfalls in Georgia

What comes to mind when you think of the State of Georgia? Is it the vibrant city of Atlanta and its entertainment and recreational opportunities? The “Gate City” (a.k.a. Atlanta), may be fun for travelers, but when you visit, consider enjoying attractions throughout the region. The “Peach State” continually impresses tourists with its mountain vistas, beautiful beaches, lush forests, and wonderful waterfalls. Read on and discover the top waterfalls to explore in Georgia.

Around Chattahoochee–Oconee National Forest

There are many spectacular falls in the National Forest. Anna Ruby Falls (pictured above), is arguably the most well-known. A paved, slightly sloped .4-mile trail leads to a 150-foot waterfall, which is more like a twin waterfall. In fact, Curtis Creek drops 153 feet and York Creek 50 feet to form the magnificent, twin falls. Explorers enter the trail via the Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area in the heart of the National Forest. The privately run-site also houses a visitor center, gift shop, picnic area, and fishing access. The short trail to the falls is perfect for young families and leashed pets. More experienced hikers may opt for the 4.6-mile Smith Creek Trail.

Barely inside the National Forest boundary, DeSoto Falls is comprised of a series of three falls. The upper falls are just a .75-mile walk from a parking lot near Highway 129-N. Visitors cross a wooden bridge which spans the Frogtown Creek before turning right to walk to the impressive, cascading falls. Carry on to the other two falls or check out Dukes Creek Falls, 19 miles south. 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.

Raven Cliff Falls, Trahlyta Falls, and Angel/Panther Creek Falls are also favorites with waterfall explorers.

Raven Cliff Falls is formed by Dodd Creek, known as one of the most beautiful streams in Northern Georgia. One of four waterfalls near Helena already mentioned in this article (Anna Ruby, DeSoto, and Dukes Creek being the others), Raven Cliff Falls may be the most unusual waterfall in Northern Georgia. A 2.5-mile, sloped trail travels through woodlands, featuring mountain laurels, rhododendrons, and mixed hardwoods. As you hike, you’ll pass smaller waterfalls, translucent pools, and frothy whitewater before reaching an impressive 80-foot +/- tumbling waterfall. The water flows through a split-face rock cliff which measures 40-feet tall.

Trahlyta Falls and Angel/Panther Creek Falls are almost as impressive. Located in Vogel State Park, there are at least two ways to trek to Trahlyta Falls. If small children are not accompanying you, I recommend traveling the 1-mile Trahlyta Lake Loop Trail. This path brings you to the Trahlyta Falls Spur Trail for a peek of the beautiful falls. An overlook allows for a close-up view, but may not be optimum for snapping that perfect photo. The trail is partially paved, but does have some exposed roots and rocks in the unpaved sections. While Trahlyta Falls offers a shorter route for small children along the spur, Angel Falls is perfect for families. A fairly short trail, Angel Falls Trail unveils two, tumbling waterfalls; Panther Falls and Angel Falls. The trail along the base of the lower falls is fairly easy; however, the upper portion is much steeper and narrower, and therefore, considered a moderate hike.

Just outside the National Forest limits, but inside the Chilhowee Recreation Area, lies Benton Gap Falls. This spectacular, cascading waterfall is a must see if you are visiting the Northern Georgia/Tennessee border. You’ll hike three miles roundtrip on an uneven trail before experiencing a rewarding look at the falls. Along the way, stop at several overlooks to catch splendid views of the valley. Note that the last 100 yards of the trail includes stairs, rocks, and roots.

Little/No Hiking

If you’re looking to do little hiking, consider the following three falls: Toccoa Falls, Minnehaha Falls, and Helton Creek Falls.

Toccoa Falls, located on the campus of Toccoa Falls College in Stephens County, features an amazing 186 feet drop! Indeed, students and visitors alike, enjoy viewing the splendid water feature. It’s little wonder, since the attraction is understood to be the highest single drop waterfall east of the Mississippi. Pay a small fee at the gift shop before walking a very short distance to the waterfall. Parking is ample, but check with the campus before planning to visit. The attraction may be closed during the pandemic in 2020-21.

If Toccoa Falls is closed, try viewing Minnehaha Falls; a roughly 100-feet high natural site. The trail involves a slightly longer walk at .4 miles. When you visit, follow the trail through Fall Branch until it ends at Minnehaha Falls; a beautiful, stair-step waterfall. Use caution: there are many large roots to avoid on the trail. Finding the falls can also be a little tricky. Be sure to travel .7 miles on Bear Gap Road in Tallulah Falls to the Trail head on the right. There is parking for four-or five cars on the left.

Lastly, consider adding Helton Creek Falls to your list. Suitable for all ages, the .3-mile Helton Creek Falls Trail leads to two waterfalls; the Upper Falls and Lower falls. The total vertical drop of this natural feature is over 100 feet. Like Anna Ruby Falls, your family can enjoy two spectacular sights in one trip! The Falls Trail is just past Vogel State Park. Bring a picnic and stay for a while.

Around Atlanta

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 out of those close to the city.

The Henry Mills Falls are reached via the trail of the same name, to Bear Creek. 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.

Considerations

COVID-19 travel advisories are in effect for the State of Georgia during the 20-21 pandemic. Check for travel alerts before planning your visit. The CDC urges all peoples to exercise safety precautions in public, so travel at your own risk.

In addition, 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.

Lastly, plan your route. Check for closing times, since some locations close by 4pm. Bring cash for parking. Note that many visitors have received faulty directions when relying on their GPS.

Please mention your favorite waterfall in the comments section below. What makes it so unique or special?