Georgia is home to an abundance of waterfalls that cascade down our mountains’ slopes into  rivers, creeks, and streams. Waterfalls is Georgia differ in size from the smaller cascades at Sweetwater Creek to the imposing, falls of Panther Creek and Amicalola. But they’re all very beautiful, no matter how big or small, and always worth the trip.
11. Panther Creek Falls
Without a doubt, one of the most famous waterfalls in Georgia, so be prepared for a little companionship on the trail, especially on the weekends with nice weather. Along the picturesque banks of the creek that bears its name, follow the Panther Creek Trail. Numerous campsites located along the trail provide an amazing experience of backpacking beneath the stars.
10. High Shoals Falls
On this somewhat difficult but short adventure, you’ll drop into a verdant creek valley with blossoming rhododendron and a clear flowing trout stream close to Hiawassee, our personal favorite little town in the Georgia Mountains. After exploring the tumbling cascades of High Shoals Falls and Blue Hole Falls, the hike reverses course and climbs constantly to the trailhead.
9. Minnehaha Falls
No doubt, the hike is quite short, less than half a mile total, however Minnehaha Falls is a must visit location and one of our top picks in Rabun County when seeking adventures. Situated in a valley near Lake Rabun, Minnehaha drops from a high cliff, spilling over a stepped rock formation in a stunning display of white tendrils.
8. Trahlyta Falls
Walk along a mountain lake in Vogel State Park for a mile, and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Blood Mountain, Georgia’s highest peak on the Appalachian Trail. Trahlyta Falls is a brief hike away from the main trail. A wooden observation deck provides a close up look at the falls as well as plenty of refreshing waterfall mist.
7.Hurricane Falls at Tallulah Gorge
Although the hike is difficult, it is well worth doing it. A swinging bridge spans the tumbling Tallulah River as you head down from the 1,000 foot walls of Tallulah Gorge State Park in the ancient Tallulah Falls. The trail keeps going downhill to Hurricane Falls’ base, where hikers can get a close-up look at the thunderous cascades and cascading waters of this massive waterfall close to Clayton.
6. Anna Ruby Falls
Walk a short, paved trail to Anna Ruby Falls’ twin cascades, which are close to Helen. About a half mile of mainly upward walking separates the outbound half-mile trek to Anna Ruby’s tumbling waters. The trail is filled with mosses and plant species in bloom during the summer months, and smaller cascading falls are an incredible part of this journey.
A wooden observing platform at the very end of the path presents a breathtaking view below York Creek and Curtis Creek’s twin tumbling falls, as well as an opportunity to enjoy the cool, misty spray of the falls on a warm day. If you’re searching for for a more extended, less crowded path to the falls, I got you.Â
From the neighboring Unicoi State Park, take the adventurous 8.7 mile Smith Creek Trail. Thank me later.
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5.Helton Creek Falls
A little over a quarter mile of hiking on one path, brings families to the multi tier falls on Helton Creek near Blairsville. This is a great adventure for younger children to join in. Helton’s upper and lower falls cascade over steep rock cliffs in a verdant valley surrounded by ferns, rhododendron, and mountain laurel and shaded by towering hemlock trees. Though brief, this hike is incredibly enjoyable and of course makes our list as one of the best waterfalls in Georgia!
4. Fall Branch Falls
To reach the stunning falls on Fall Branch near Blue Ridge, take a short half mile route on the Benton Mackaye Trail, which bears the name of the visionary who created the legendary Appalachian Trail. A detour from the Benton Mackaye Trail leads to close up views of Fall Branch Falls, which are surrounded by mossy rock rock formations and leathery leafed flowers.
3. Toccoa Falls
Toccoa Falls is a 186 foot free falling waterfall on the site of Toccoa Falls College in Toccoa. It is reached easily via a 100 yard path into the woods. Higher than Niagara Falls, it’s one of the highest free falling waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. Access to Toccoa Falls is via the gift shop, which happens to be open every day.
In the gift shop, a small admission fee is required.
2. DeSoto Falls
The Spanish traveler Hernando Desoto, who passed through the area in the sixteenth century, gets honored by the name of the DeSoto Falls Recreation Area, which is located close to Cleveland. Enjoy a picturesque location in the Chattahoochee National Forest, easily accessible for a camping weekend or a relaxing two mile hike to the falls.
The Lower Falls are less than half a mile downstream and the Upper Falls are a little less than a mile upstream from the suspension bridge in the lower loop of the DeSoto Falls Recreation Area. Hikers can view both waterfalls from the hiking path.
1. Amicalola Falls
Amicalola Falls State Park features a total of seven cascades, earning the name Amicalola, a Cherokee phrase meaning “tumbling waters.” It’s the state’s highest waterfall, rising to a height of 729 feet.
The campground and falls, which are situated north of Dawsonville in the Northeast Georgia Mountains, are an ideal family excursion for adventure seekers. Make time to hike the waterfall area trails, which can take you from short hikes to an eight mile path that leads to the southernmost point of the Appalachian Trail at Springer Mountain.
When to hike these places?
Personally my favorite time of year to go hiking is in the autumn, when the forest is highlighted by brilliant shades of red, green, yellow, and orange from the falling leaves. When it rains in the spring, small trickles become gushing cascades surrounded by springtime greenery and wildflowers. Our state’s summer heat is relieved by the cool refreshment of a cascade’s mist caught by summer mountain breezes. In addition, because of our state’s mild climate, winter’s low temperatures provide an opportunity to see icicles dangling from the falls’ crest. But anytime you like to see them, waterfalls in Georgia will mesmerise you.
