Georgia is home to some of the most stunning and remote waterfalls in the southeastern United States. These hidden gems offer a chance to explore the state’s natural beauty away from the usual tourist paths, making them perfect for Georgia waterfalls day trips or road trips. Whether you’re looking for Georgia’s best waterfalls or just some peace and quiet these secluded spots provide serene and picturesque escapes into nature. Many of these waterfalls require a bit of effort to reach, rewarding those who venture off the beaten path with breathtaking scenery and tranquil surroundings. Here’s a guide to ten of Georgia’s most remote waterfalls, complete with locations, addresses linked to Google Maps, and the nearest cities to help you plan your visit.
1. Jacks River Falls
- Location: Beech Bottom Trail, Cohutta Wilderness, GA 30705
- Closest City: Chatsworth, GA
Jacks River Falls is a hidden gem located deep within the Cohutta Wilderness. Known for its powerful cascades and clear pool, this waterfall is one of the most remote Georgia waterfalls. Accessible only via a challenging 9-mile hike on the Beech Bottom Trail, it offers a serene and scenic reward for adventurous hikers. This spot is ideal for those looking to experience the untouched beauty of Georgia waterfalls.
2. Emery Creek Falls
- Location: Emery Creek Trailhead, Old CCC Camp Rd, Ellijay, GA 30540
- Closest City: Ellijay, GA
Emery Creek Falls is located near Ellijay and features two beautiful waterfalls surrounded by a lush, forested landscape. The hike to the falls involves crossing the creek multiple times, adding a sense of adventure to your journey. This remote waterfall is particularly stunning in the spring and summer when water levels are high, offering a cool, refreshing retreat into the wilderness.
3. Panther Creek Falls (Cohutta Wilderness)
- Location: Panther Creek Trailhead, Cohutta Wilderness, GA 30705
- Closest City: Chatsworth, GA
Panther Creek Falls in the Cohutta Wilderness is another of the most remote Georgia waterfalls that promises tranquility and natural beauty. This version of Panther Creek Falls should not be confused with the more popular falls near Tallulah Gorge. Accessible via an 8.4-mile round-trip hike, the falls are set within a serene forest, providing a peaceful retreat for those seeking to escape into nature.
4. Dicks Creek Falls
- Location: Dicks Creek Trailhead, Clayton, GA 30525
- Closest City: Clayton, GA
Dicks Creek Falls, near Clayton, offers a picturesque scene as the falls cascade into the Chattooga River. The hike to this waterfall follows the Bartram Trail and is relatively easy, making it accessible for most hikers. The combination of towering hardwoods, the sound of rushing water, and the remote location make Dicks Creek Falls a must-see for those exploring Georgia waterfalls.
5. High Shoals Falls
- Location: High Shoals Trailhead, Hiawassee, GA 30546
- Closest City: Hiawassee, GA
High Shoals Falls, located near Helen, is one of the most beautiful remote Georgia waterfalls. The falls feature a stunning 50-foot drop surrounded by dense forest, and the trail includes switchbacks and stone stairs, making it moderately challenging. The journey to High Shoals Falls is well worth the effort, as the secluded setting provides a tranquil escape into nature.
6. Lula Lake Falls
- Location: Lula Lake Land Trust, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750
- Closest City: Lookout Mountain, GA
Lula Lake Falls is part of the Lula Lake Land Trust on Lookout Mountain and is accessible only on specific Open Gate Days. This waterfall is one of Georgia’s hidden treasures, featuring a spectacular cascade in a protected natural setting. The hike to Lula Lake Falls offers breathtaking views, and the falls themselves are a magnificent reward for those who make the effort to visit.
7. Dukes Creek Falls
- Location: Dukes Creek Falls Trailhead, Helen, GA 30545
- Closest City: Helen, GA
Dukes Creek Falls, near Helen in the Blue Ridge region, features a series of waterfalls that cascade from cliffs 150 feet high. The trail to the falls is moderately steep and offers multiple viewing platforms, providing hikers with stunning vistas of the cascading waters. Dukes Creek Falls is a perfect destination for those looking to explore Georgia waterfalls that are both beautiful and remote.
8. Cherokee and Hemlock Falls
- Location: Cloudland Canyon State Park, Trenton, GA 30752
- Closest City: Trenton, GA
Cherokee and Hemlock Falls are located within Cloudland Canyon State Park and are reached by descending 600 steps into the canyon. These remote waterfalls are set in a dramatic landscape of towering cliffs and lush vegetation, making them popular among serious hikers. The strenuous hike is rewarded with stunning views of the falls, set against the backdrop of one of Georgia’s most beautiful state parks.
9. Keown Falls
- Location: Keown Falls Trailhead, LaFayette, GA 30728
- Closest City: LaFayette, GA
Keown Falls, near LaFayette, is accessible via a 1.8-mile loop trail in the Keown Falls Recreation Area. This waterfall is most impressive after rainfall, trickling down a rocky cliff and surrounded by verdant foliage. The trail offers beautiful views and is popular among hikers and bird watchers, providing a quiet and scenic retreat.
10. Marble Mine Falls
- Location: James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park, Summerville, GA 30747
- Closest City: Summerville, GA
Marble Mine Falls is located within James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park near Summerville. This easy 1-mile trail leads to a unique 35-foot waterfall over a marble outcropping, with waters that are especially beautiful in the spring and winter. The color of the water and the surrounding marble create a picturesque setting that is both tranquil and captivating.
These remote waterfalls in Georgia offer a perfect escape into the state’s natural beauty, away from the crowds and noise of more popular destinations. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer road trip, these secluded waterfalls are a must-see for anyone looking to explore the best waterfalls in Georgia.
