North Georgia Waterfalls: A Complete List

There are hundreds of waterfalls hidden within the North Georgia mountains. With so many choices available, you are guaranteed to find adventure when you go chasing waterfalls.

Even if you are not the outdoorsy type, you will find there is much to discover in this region and remarkable sights to behold along the way. From suspension bridges to cascading waterfalls with deep pools below, there are endless options for beautiful waterfalls in North Georgia.

Come stay with us at Blue Sky cabin rentals and explore the backcountry trails and recreation areas that lead to our favorite North Georgia waterfalls. We hope you bask in the beauty of Mother Nature!
 

Amicalola Falls

Photo credit: Gina Carmichael

Location: 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, Dawsonville, GA

In Cherokee, Amicalola means “tumbling waters, ” and it is the perfect description for this waterfall. Amicalola is conveniently located on the north side of Dawsonville in the Northeast Georgia Mountains. This waterfall features seven cascades at Amicalola Falls State Park and has a height of 729 feet, making it the tallest waterfall in the state. These falls are in the Dawsonville-Dahlonega area of Georgia.

With the combination of the falls and the park, it has become a favorite destination for families as well as those seeking an adventurous hike. Some hiking trails near the falls are just comprised of short walks, but there are also options for those who want a more challenging route. In fact, there is an eight-mile trail that leads hikers to Springer Mountain. You can't miss the highest waterfall in Georgia.
 

Fall Branch Falls

Photo Credit: fallbranchfalls via Instagram

Location: Park at Rock Creek Road in the Chattahoochee National Forest

A venture to Fall Branch Falls is well worth the short trek! The hike to the falls is only a half-mile round trip along the Benton MacKaye Trail. Do note that the walk is mostly uphill through a lush forest area, but is fairly easy to navigate otherwise.

Fall Branch Falls are often considered one of Georgia’s most beautiful waterfalls—and it’s not hard to figure out why! The rugged, cascading waterfall features more dimension than a traditional vertical waterfall. Rather than a straight drop, the water flows at an angle down the rocky hillside, framed by gnarly branches and mossy rocks. It’s truly a sight to be seen!
 

Noontootla Falls

Photo Credit: stovermtnphoto

Location: Forest Service Road in Cherry Log, GA

If you’re short on time but still want to squeeze in a quick waterfall sighting, Noontoola Falls is just what the geologist ordered. Situated very close to the road on a small tributary of Noontootla Creek, this hidden waterfall is a surprise to many! The falls are easy to miss—so go slow and take caution along the winding road, or you might just drive past.

Located within the scenic Chattahoochee National Forest, this tall, steep waterfall provides an impressive perspective. The waterfall is viewable from the roadside, but to get a good view, you’ll need to ascend a somewhat steep and slippery slope.
 

DeSoto Falls

Photo Credit: Jeff Gunn via Flickr CC2.0

Location: 18365 US-129, Cleveland, GA (The DeSoto Falls Recreation Area)

This waterfall is located in the Chattahoochee National Forest and is near Cleveland, Georgia, in Lumpkin County. It is actually named after Hernando de Soto, a Spanish explorer who explored the region in the 16th century. DeSoto Falls have upper and lower sections that you won't want to miss.

There is a two-mile hike that will allow you to experience why those two sections are worth your time. The 1.5-mile trail to follow runs along the Frogtown Creek leading to the Upper Falls. You can even take a break and take a dip in the creek to cool off. The trail consists of a forest path lined with trees and ferns.

Meanwhile, the 0.5-mile trail that leads to the Lower Falls is a short hike, but it's also a bit challenging due to its elevation. You will climb a short sequence of switchbacks to get to the smaller falls. Although a little difficult, the result is a breathtaking view of the 45-foot falls.
 

Sea Creek Falls

Photo Credit: exploregeorgia

Location: Forest Service Road 4, Suches, GA

Situated within the scenic Cooper Creek Recreation Area, Sea Creek Falls is a great mountain destination for visitors seeking an easy and fun adventure. The falls are about a tenth of a mile from the parking lot, making them easily accessible. Note that the drive to the parking area can be a bit tricky, as it's off the beaten path, so an off-road vehicle is recommended.

The falls are small but mighty, standing at just around 30 feet tall. The water elegantly cascades over a series of boulders before emptying into a large water pool at the bottom. The water flow varies seasonally, with a heavier flow in the spring as snow melts or in the summer after a heavy rain shower.
 

Nottely Falls

Photo Credit: Alan Cressler via Flickr CC2.0

Location: Byron Herbert Reece Trail parking area in the Chattahoochee National Forest

Nottely Falls is perhaps one of the most unique waterfalls in the south. Tall and shallow, this stately waterfall definitely makes a strong impression. Unlike many other mountain waterfalls that cascade over thick, jutting rocks, Nottely Falls has a shallow flow that comes down at a near-perfect 90-degree angle.

Getting to this waterfall is a bit tricky. Park in the Byron Herbert Reece Trail parking area and walk along US Highway 19/129 for a short distance. From there, turn right and carefully descend a steep slope to Shanty Branch and follow the small creek upstream to the falls.

Pro Tip: Given the nature of the trail, a trip to Nottely Falls is best suited for the most experienced hikers.
 

Helton Creek Falls

Photo Credit: Jim Liestman via Flickr CC2.0

Location: US Hwy. 129 S., Blairsville, GA

The short, kid-friendly, and pet-friendly trek to Helton Creek Falls makes a perfect morning or afternoon excursion. Visitors will enjoy a short, 0.6-mile stroll through the forest before the stunning falls come into view. The short jaunt also makes Helton Creek a great spot for a scenic picnic!

Helton Creek Falls is actually a set of two cascading waterfalls that spill effortlessly over the rocky mountainside. The falls are framed by vibrant moss and thick hemlock trees, hence the name. Weathered boulders and fallen trees rest at the base of the falls, where water gathers briefly before continuing downstream.

The scenery is quite peaceful and serene, making for a great memory for your stay in the Blue Ridge Mountains!
 

Long Creek Falls

Photo Credit: Matt Malone via Flickr CC2.0

Location: Forest Service Rd, Blue Ridge, GA

Ellijay adventurers looking for a short but challenging waterfall hunt will appreciate the trek to Long Creek Falls in the Three Forks Valley. Short but mighty, the two-mile hike to the falls is known for its moderate incline and somewhat tricky navigation.

The trip is well worth the effort, however, as Long Creek Falls is one of the more popular Blue Ridge waterfalls. The falls flow beautifully in the spring and summer, and the surrounding scenery is somewhat of a dream. The nearby valley is lush with rhododendron and other native wildflowers, which almost steal the show from the cascading falls.

Pro Tip: It’s not the most challenging trail in the mountains, but it's better suited for visitors with some hiking experience.
 

Trahlyta Falls

Photo Credit: c_live_lee via Flickr CC2.0

Location: GA-180 Spur, Blairsville, GA

To reach the brilliant cascades of Trahlyta Falls, follow a short pathway (less than one mile) around Blood Mountain at Vogel State Park. As you make your way to the summit of the tallest peak on Georgia's Appalachian Trail, detour off a short side spur to reach the wooden observation deck at the falls, complete with a refreshing misty spray. The loop trail is accessible to visitors of all skill levels — and dogs! The "stair step" waterfall is 110 feet high.

Vogel State Park is located just south of Blairsville, Georgia. While there, you can also check out swimming, boating, fishing, paddle boats, mini golf, and other fun activities. The 22-acre lake is stocked with thousands of trout each season, and the shady forests host miles of hiking trails.
 

Other Notable North Georgia Waterfalls

These beautiful falls are more than an hour's drive away from the central Blue Ridge area, but they are worth noting in case your journeys take you in their path! If you’re on the hunt for Georgia’s best waterfalls, pencil a few of these onto your itinerary.

• High Shoals Falls - Hiawassee, Georgia
• Blue Hole Falls - Hiawassee, Georgia
• Hemlock Falls - Chattahoochee National Forest
• Hurricane Falls - Tallulah Gorge State Park in Rabun County, Georgia
• Angel Falls - Lake Rabun in Rabun County, Georgia
• Horse Trough Falls - Union County, Georgia
• Becky Branch Falls - Rabun County, Georgia
• Anna Ruby Falls - near Unicoi State Park in White County, Georgia
• Jack's River Falls - Cohutta Wilderness Area
• Panther Falls - Rabun County, Georgia
• Toccoa Falls - on the campus of Toccoa Falls College in Stephens County, Georgia
• High Falls - High Falls State Park in Monroe County, Georgia
• Minnehaha Falls - Rabun County, Georgia
• Panther Creek Falls - Habersham County, Georgia
• Holcomb Creek Falls - Chattahoochee National Forest in Rabun County, Georgia
• Tallulah Falls - Tallulah Gorge State Park in Rabun County, Georgia
• Cherokee Falls - Cloudland Canyon State Park in Dade County, Georgia
   

Enjoy Waterfall Chasing in North Georgia

As you can see, the North Georgia mountains are home to an endless variety of beautiful waterfalls. From the tallest cascading waterfalls to waterfalls with deep pools below, there are so many options to choose from. With plenty of kid-friendly and pet-friendly waterfall hikes nearby, no one has to miss out on the incredible views.

Come stay with us at Blue Sky Cabins and spend your time waterfall chasing throughout North Georgia. We promise you will not be disappointed!