Georgia is a treasure trove of natural beauty, and its waterfalls are a testament to this. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just someone looking to enjoy a peaceful day in nature, Georgia’s waterfalls offer something for everyone. From the majestic Amicalola Falls to the serene Raven Cliff Falls, here are the 12 best waterfalls in Georgia, organized by their distance from Atlanta. Each entry includes information on the park, city, county, hiking difficulty, and distance from Atlanta, along with a brief description, and picture.
Do you plan on visiting any of these waterfalls?
Embarking on a road trip to explore the waterfalls in Georgia is an excellent way to enjoy the state’s natural beauty. Whether you’re planning an Atlanta road trip or a broader Georgia road trip, these waterfalls offer breathtaking scenery and exciting hikes. Here are the 12 best waterfalls in Georgia, organized by their distance from Atlanta. Each entry includes essential details like the park, city, county, hiking difficulty, and distance from Atlanta, making it easy to plan your next adventure.
1. “Edge of the World” Trail (Amicalola River Trail)
- Park: Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area
- City: Dawsonville
- County: Dawson County
- Hiking Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance from Atlanta: 60 miles
The “Edge of the World” Trail, part of the Amicalola River Trail, is perfect for an Atlanta road trip. This moderate 2.5-mile hike follows the Amicalola River, featuring small waterfalls and rapids. The peaceful surroundings and scenic beauty make this trail a must-visit for nature lovers.
2. Amicalola Falls
- Park: Amicalola Falls State Park
- City: Dawsonville
- County: Dawson County
- Hiking Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance from Atlanta: 75 miles
Amicalola Falls is the tallest waterfall in Georgia, making it a prime destination for any Georgia road trip. The waterfall cascades 729 feet and can be accessed via a moderate 2.1-mile hike. The park offers various trails, camping, and beautiful views, perfect for a day trip from Atlanta.
3. Raven Cliff Falls
- Park: Raven Cliff Falls Wilderness
- City: Helen
- County: White County
- Hiking Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance from Atlanta: 90 miles
Raven Cliff Falls is a stunning destination in the Raven Cliff Falls Wilderness, ideal for a Georgia road trip. This double waterfall cascades through a split in the cliff, creating a unique and breathtaking view. The 5-mile round trip hike is moderate and winds through lush forests.
4. Anna Ruby Falls
- Park: Chattahoochee National Forest
- City: Helen
- County: White County
- Hiking Difficulty: Easy
- Distance from Atlanta: 95 miles
Anna Ruby Falls, nestled in the Chattahoochee National Forest, features twin waterfalls formed by Curtis and York Creeks. This easy 0.8-mile paved trail is perfect for families and offers stunning views, making it a great addition to your Atlanta road trip.
5. Dukes Creek Falls
- Park: Chattahoochee National Forest
- City: Helen
- County: White County
- Hiking Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance from Atlanta: 100 miles
Dukes Creek Falls is a beautiful series of cascades totaling 150 feet. The moderate 2-mile round trip hike offers scenic views of the falls and surrounding landscape, making it a perfect stop on your Georgia road trip.
6. Tallulah Falls
- Park: Tallulah Gorge State Park
- City: Tallulah Falls
- County: Rabun County
- Hiking Difficulty: Strenuous
- Distance from Atlanta: 110 miles
Tallulah Falls, located within Tallulah Gorge State Park, is a series of six waterfalls cascading through a 1,000-foot-deep gorge. The park offers strenuous trails to the gorge floor, providing close-up views of the powerful waterfalls, making it a highlight of any Georgia road trip.
7. Toccoa Falls
- Park: Toccoa Falls College
- City: Toccoa
- County: Stephens County
- Hiking Difficulty: Easy
- Distance from Atlanta: 120 miles
Toccoa Falls, situated on the Toccoa Falls College campus, is an easy-to-access 186-foot waterfall. A short, paved path leads to the falls, making it a perfect stop for a quick visit or a leisurely picnic during your Georgia road trip.
8. Hemlock Falls
- Park: Moccasin Creek State Park
- City: Clarkesville
- County: Habersham County
- Hiking Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance from Atlanta: 125 miles
Hemlock Falls, located in Moccasin Creek State Park, features a picturesque 15-foot waterfall. The moderate 2-mile round trip trail through dense forest is peaceful and scenic, making it a great addition to any Atlanta road trip itinerary.
9. DeSoto Falls
- Park: DeSoto Falls Recreation Area
- City: Blairsville
- County: Union County
- Hiking Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Distance from Atlanta: 130 miles
DeSoto Falls features two waterfalls, Upper and Lower DeSoto Falls, accessible via an easy to moderate 2-mile round trip hike. The trail offers a delightful walk through the forest, making it a perfect stop on your Georgia road trip.
10. Helton Creek Falls
- Park: Chattahoochee National Forest
- City: Blairsville
- County: Union County
- Hiking Difficulty: Easy
- Distance from Atlanta: 135 miles
Helton Creek Falls offers two beautiful cascades. The easy 0.2-mile trail is short but scenic, providing a quick and enjoyable hike to both the lower and upper falls, perfect for a relaxing Georgia road trip.
11. Panther Creek Falls
- Park: Panther Creek Recreation Area
- City: Turnerville
- County: Habersham County
- Hiking Difficulty: Strenuous
- Distance from Atlanta: 140 miles
Panther Creek Falls is a stunning 50-foot waterfall with multiple tiers. The 7-mile round trip hike is strenuous, featuring rugged terrain and steep sections, but the views and swimming hole are well worth the effort, making it a highlight of any Georgia road trip.
Exploring waterfalls is one of the best ways to enjoy a road trip through Georgia. Whether you’re planning an Atlanta road trip or a broader Georgia road trip, these waterfalls offer breathtaking scenery and exciting hikes. Here are the 12 best waterfalls in Georgia, organized by their distance from Atlanta. This guide includes essential details such as the park, city, county, hiking difficulty, and distance from Atlanta, making it easy to plan your next adventure.
12. Minnehaha Falls
- Park: Lake Rabun Beach Recreation Area
- City: Lakemont
- County: Rabun County
- Hiking Difficulty: Easy
- Distance from Atlanta: 145 miles
Minnehaha Falls, near Lake Rabun, is a 100-foot cascading waterfall. The# The 12 Best Waterfalls in Georgia: A Nature Lover’s Guide
