Georgia may be most well-known for its beautiful barrier islands, pristine beaches, and lush forests. But did you know that Georgia is also dotted by dozens of beautiful waterfalls? You just need to know where to look to find them. That’s why our team of Georgia lovers at Freedom National put together this list of the 16 most beautiful waterfalls in Georgia, spanning all across the state. Visit one, a few, or all of them in one massive road trip— whatever you do, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful surroundings, lovely hikes, and waterfalls that will take your breath away.
Without further ado, here are the 16 must-see waterfalls in Georgia for visitors and locals alike.
Jacks River Falls
One of the most famous waterfalls in Georgia is located in the beautiful Cohutta Wilderness, which stretches across 35,000 acres of the state. While it’s not the most easily accessible waterfall on the list, those who are willing to take the trek along the 9 miles of Beech Bottom Trail will be rewarded with not one but multiple waterfalls as well as beautiful hemlock groves and rock formations. In summertime, taking a dip in the pools below some of the falls is highly recommended to get the most out of the experience.
Amicalola Falls
Towering at 730 feet above a series of wooden paths and an observation bridge, the massive Amicalola Falls is the tallest waterfall in Georgia. Located in Amicalola Falls State Park in the Georgia Mountains near Dawsonville, these falls make for the perfect day trip without too much strenuous hiking and the ability to tailor your day to all skill levels. Hikes can range from a short walk to the observation points to an eight-mile adventure that will have you feeling like you’re a hiker on the Appalachian Trail.
Minnehaha Falls
Like a natural staircase nestled into the trees, Minnehaha Falls drops a total of 100 feet step-by-step through the Tallulah Gorge State Park. Autumn is a great time to visit, but we also recommend hitting up this spot in spring to enjoy the beautiful blossoms that appear in the surrounding forest. It’s a photo op anylike any other.
Raven Cliff Falls
While you’ll need to be willing to hike approximately five miles round-trip to see them, you don’t want to miss out on Raven Cliff Falls. Rather than tumbling over a wide cliffside like many waterfalls, Raven Cliff Falls tumbles down a narrow canyon that you’ll have to peek inside to glimpse as it makes its way 90 feet down to Dodd Creek. For a unique waterfall unlike any other, you don’t want to miss Raven Cliff Falls.
Long Creek Falls
If you want to have the experience of hiking part of the Appalachian Trail, then Long Creek Falls is the perfect spot for you. The trail winds just under two miles along the famous trail, following a forest road that follows a beautiful valley until you reach a series of cascades that make up the Long Creek Falls. You’ll also find views of the gorgeous Springer Mountain along the way, making this a can’t-miss hike to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Georgia.
Helton Creek Falls
Nestled into the lovely Vogel State Park is one of our favorite waterfalls in Georgia, Helton Creek Falls. Easy to reach with young ones in tow, this is a great hike for families and solo adventurers alike. In autumn, the surrounding trees make for a stunningly picturesque setting you have to see to believe. In summer, the cooling pools at the base of the falls are perfect for swimming, splashing, and playing after a hot day of adventure.
High Shoals Falls
Located near Hiawassee, Georgia you’ll find the trail leading to a pair of waterfalls— High Shoals Falls and Blue Hole Falls. Both are beautiful, but we love the cascading waters of High Shoals falls the most. The lush and mossy valley follows the creek to one of North Georgia’s most stunning waterfalls, so make sure you don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind adventure.
Tallulah Falls
No list would be complete without one of the most famous waterfalls in Georgia, Tallulah Falls. Located in Tallulah Gorge State Park, Tallulah Falls actually consists of six separate waterfalls, viewed from 1,000 feet up while looking down into the massive gorge. If you’re brave enough, the best view comes on the suspension bridge that swings 80 feet over the water. Just remember it’s not for the faint of heart.
Panther Falls
You’ll find Panther Falls along the Angel Falls Trail in Rabun County. While the trail is named after Angel Falls, another waterfall at the trails end, we like Panther Falls as a family-friendly option that’s just a half-mile from the trailhead. For young children with small legs and even smaller attention spans, you can get in a quick hike ad enjoy the beautiful falls in less than an hour’s time.
DeSoto Falls
DeSoto Falls is a gently beautiful waterfall that’s located near Cleveland, named for the Spanish explorer who discovered it and explored the region 500 years ago. You’ll find DeSoto falls in Chattahoochee National Forest, which is filled with all kinds of other natural landmarks to make your day or weekend trip one filled with adventure— and plenty of photo opportunities.
Dukes Creek Falls
North of Helen in the area surrounding Yonah Mountain, you’ll find the trailhead to Dukes Creek Falls. This stunning series of cascades is found after the trail winds down into a beautiful valley in the Raven Cliffs Wilderness. One of the best and most popular waterfalls in Georgia, you don’t want to miss out on Dukes Creek Falls whether you’re a local or visiting tourist in the area for a day or two.
Toccoa Falls
One of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Georgia is Toccoa Falls, found on-campus at Toccoa Falls College. Almost 200 feet of dropping water await you at the end of a very accessible, easy-to-follow path. If you like your adventures to be on the more relaxed side without sacrificing natural beauty, then this is the waterfall for you to visit.
Hurricane Falls
While some of the hikes on this list are laidback and relatively easy, the hike to Hurricane Falls is not for the faint of heart. You’ll need to climb down into Tallulah Gorge itself, and the trail includes a swinging bridge over the river— not to mention that when you’re done, you’ll have to hike back up and out. That said, you’ll be rewarded with a view of the beautiful Hurricane Falls, one of the most memorable and dramatic waterfalls in Georgia.
Hemlock Falls
Located at Lake Burton, Hemlock Falls is a 2-mile round trip hike that won’t knock you out. Well, at least not physically. It will metaphorically knock you out with its beauty, offering stunning views of the surrounding lake and other landscapes in Moccasin Creek State Park. Follow the stream to enjoy multiple waterfalls in surroundings you’ll never forget. The best part? The hike is relatively easy and can be completed in an hour or two.
Anna Ruby Falls
Where Curtis Creek and York Creek meet, you’ll find the lovely Anna Ruby Falls. Locals in the nearby town of Helen love this hike for its accessibility (it’s found just a half-mile from the parking lot on mostly level ground) and its beauty. Like most natural landmarks in Georgia, you’ll be rewarded with different views depending on the time of year you visit— from stunning autumn colors to lush green landscapes in summer. There’s no wrong time to visit Anna Ruby Falls, one of the best waterfalls in Georgia.
Trahlyta Falls
Just one mile up the path that winds around a lake in Vogel State Park, you’ll discover the breathtaking Trahlyta Falls. But it’s not just this beautiful, cascading waterfall that makes the trip worthwhile. You’ll also be treated to views of Blood Mountain, one of the Appalachian Trail’s tallest peaks. The falls feature an observation deck that’s perfect for cooling off from the mist and snapping a perfect picture of the falls.
Conclusion
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