The 10 Best Waterfalls In Georgia
Few things capture our incredible natural surroundings like waterfalls. Maybe it’s the sound of rushing water, or maybe it’s the light mist that tickles your face as you take it all in. Regardless of what is so captivating about waterfalls, one thing is for sure: The South is dotted with some of the most beautiful natural water features. Thanks to Georgia’s location at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the state is home to beautiful state parks and more waterfalls than we can count. From small wonders to cascading hills, these are some of the best waterfalls in Georgia.
Minnehaha Falls
Explore Georgia
If it’s at the end of an unpaved road, you know it’s bound ot be good. Approach Minnehaha Falls near Lake Rabun from a short just under 0.2 mile hike. As you walk, take in several smaller instances of tumbling water along the way. You’ll see the main event once you enter a clearing below the magnificent drop off of several rock terraces.
Tallulah Falls
courtesy of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites
Located within magnificent Tallulah Gorge State Park, Tallulah Falls is not just one waterfall; it’s a series of six. On a usual day, the water at the falls travels over the dam into the Gorge is around 75 cubic feet per second. However, each spring and fall, the Georgia Power Company releases extra water from the dam to showcase what the falls might have looked like historically. When that happens, water gushes at 200 cubic feet per second.
ADA-Hi Falls
Peter McIntosh
While not the largest or tallest waterfall, ADA-Hi Falls is its own oasis. Located within Georgia’s highest-elevation state park, Black Rock Mountain, this waterfall is at the end of a strenuous yet rewarding hike. After passing rhododendron and climbing the elevation, the trail ends at the ADA-Hi observation deck where finishers can take in a small cascade.
Anna Ruby Falls
courtesy of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites
Located in the charming Bavarian town of Helen, Anna Ruby Falls is another popular destination. The falls are at the end of an easy, 0.8 mile paved trail. Bonus: It is stroller, pet, and even wheelchair friendly.
Amicalola Falls
courtesy of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites
This natural wonder is the third-highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. Rightly named for the Cherokee word for “tumbling waters,” the waterfall collapses 729 feet into the pool below. Thanks to its towering size, this is one of the most popular waterfalls in the state.
DeSoto Falls
Explore Georgia
This park has not one but two waterfalls to take in. Both are easy to moderate hikes from the DeSoto Falls Recreation Area campground. The lower falls can be found a quarter mile downstream from this point while the Upper Falls are three-quarters-of-a mile upstream. Since these cascading waters are so close together, DeSoto is a lovely family outing.
Hemlock Falls
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Found within Moccasin Creek State Park, Hemlock Falls is found near beautiful Lake Burton. The one-mile trail follows a defunct railroad bed, crosses a small bridge, and opens to a small, natural pool. Hikers warn this is a damp trail, so appropriate shoes are a must.
High Falls
courtesy of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites
Situated just a short drive from Atlanta near Macon, High Falls is an easy day trip from the city. Here, the Towaliga River provides a beautiful cascade, the largest waterfall south of Atlanta. It falls 135 feet and is found along a double-looped trail.
Panther Creek Falls
Explore Georgia
For those seeking a longer, more intense hike, Panther Creek Falls might be the stop for you. Follow Panther Creek 3.5 miles to reach the base of the spectacular view. According to Explore Georgia, you’ll encounter some basic rock climbing as well as a few steep elevations. They also suggest allowing about an hour and a half to reach the falls and two hours for your return. The trail is 5.5 miles total.
Toccoa Falls
Explore Georgia
Standing taller than Niagra Falls, Toccoa Falls is one of the highest freefalling waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. It is actually situated on the Toccoa Falls College campus. It’s only 100-yards to the base of the falls to the observation area. This short walk is fully ADA-accessible.
