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Summary- The best North Georgia waterfalls to explore

I’ve spent the last two years chasing waterfalls in North Georgia I’m still shocked to discover all of the natural beauty that exists in in this state! With over 700 waterfalls in Georgia (whaaaattt!? I know right, I said the same thing!), I venture out almost every weekend looking for something new to see. This guide is full of scenic waterfalls in North Georgia that will keep you busy adventuring all year long.

As mentioned before, there are way more than 10 waterfalls in North Georgia, but this list is here to help kick-start your exploration throughout the beautiful state. It ranges from waterfalls that are easily accessible to ones that are moderately difficult and will leave you sore for days (but they’re still worth it).

A few tips before you embark on your outdoor adventures to explore North Georgia waterfalls:

• Be sure to download Google Maps offline; this way, you can find your way home after you finish your hike
• Download an offline hiking app to avoid taking the wrong turns during the hike, I use All Trails
• Bring enough water and sunscreen
• Remember to leave no trace and always pack out what you pack in

Now that that’s out of the way, here is an in-depth guide to 10 waterfalls that are worth the chase in North Georgia. Happy Hiking!

What To Pack For North Georgia Waterfalls

It’s always a good idea to bring the necessary items for every hiking trip. These are my go-to’s for every hike:

• Hydroflask Water Bottle
• Battery Pack
• Snacks
• Hand Sanitizer
• Bug Repellent
• Head Lamps
• First Aid Kit
• Camera
• Rain Jacket
• All Trails App Pro Version

Best Time to Visit North Georgia Waterfalls

The best time to visit the waterfalls in Georgia is Spring and Summer, but you can still see them during every season. Spring is when there is a lot of rainfall so the waterfalls will be very full and in the summer you can get in them because it will be warm enough!

Entrance Fees for North Georgia Waterfalls

Some of the waterfalls are located in Georgia State Parks, so they will require a parking fee. The fee is usually $5, or you can buy an annual Georgia State Park Pass, and you will not need to pay the fee.

Map of North Georgia Waterfalls

10 Insanely Gorgeous North Georgia Waterfalls To Explore

1) Cherokee Falls In Cloudland Canyon

Cloudland Canyon State Park not only has a great view of the canyons, but it also is home to two beautiful waterfalls (double bonus!). Everyone knows of Cloudland Canyon because of Cherokee Falls (pictured above), but Hemlock Falls is also located here and is just as worthy as this one.

To reach the falls, your hike starts at the parking lot, and from there, you want to take the waterfall trail, which is off to the left. You are going to descend down 600 steps to reach the viewing platform for Hemlock Falls.

I recommend going to the Hemlock waterfall first, and then on your way back up, stop by Cherokee Falls because it’ll be so much easier on your legs, trust me.

Cherokee Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in North Georgia and is definitely a local favorite. Many engagement photos and even wedding photos are taken here, so it is usually crowded during peak times.

2) Amicalola Falls State Park

Amicalola Falls is the tallest waterfall in Georgia and is absolutely stunning! It is 729 feet tall and cascades down this black rock until it becomes a small creek over a bed of rocks. There are a few resting spots along the way up so you can stop and admire the view. FYI- there is also a parking lot at the top of the waterfall that many people aren’t aware of.

After admiring the view of the waterfall, there are more hikes near Amicalola that you can also explore. For instance, the Hike Inn Trail is 9 miles and leads to a hotel located in the middle of the woods, and the Appalachian Trail is also close.

READ MORE: Amicalola Falls Hiking + Camping Guide

3) Anna Ruby Falls

LENGTH: 0.9 miles roundtrip           
DIFFICULTY: Easy, Dog friendly (on a leash)            
FEE: $4 to park (cash only)

This double waterfall is located in Hiawassee, Georgia, and is perfect for an afternoon adventure. It is 1 hour and 45 minutes North of Atlanta and makes for a great day trip. The trail is relatively easy and goes along the creek that leads to the pair of waterfalls. As you walk along the trail you will start to hear the roar of the waterfalls as you get closer. I was so excited to reach the end that it made the hike feel even shorter!

Once you arrive, there are multiple viewing points for you to see the waterfalls from different angles. The falls can get very crowded, especially when the weather is nice, so go early if you’d like to avoid the crowds. Anna Ruby Falls is definitely one you don’t want to miss!

READ MORE: Explore the Anna Ruby Falls Trail in Georgia

4) Tallulah Falls & Hurricane Falls

LENGTH: 2.25 miles roundtrip (Hurricane Falls Trail)     
DIFFICULTY: Difficult, Not dog friendly (metal stairs that hurt their paws)          
FEE: $4 to park

Tallulah Gorge State Park is hands down one of Georgia’s most scenic state parks. There are waterfalls, a pedestrian suspension bridge, a gorge, canyons, and more! It is located in Rabun County, Georgia, and is 1 hour and a half Northeast of Atlanta.

The hike starts in the visitor center, where you can view the history of the falls and all of the animals that inhabit the area. Once you exit and get on the trail, take the first right and walk down until you see the sign for the suspension bridge. You have to walk down a good amount of stairs to reach the bridge, and once you do, make sure to take plenty of pictures!

After you cross the bridge, take the stairs down to your left, where you can view Hurricane Falls. In the summer, you can swim here! There is a natural swimming hole and a huge sliding rock that many people take advantage of in the summer heat. In order to swim, you have to pick up a permit from the visitor center.

The permits are free but are also first come, first served and sell out FAST, so make sure to arrive early to have a chance of getting one.

5) Lula Lake Land Trust

LENGTH: 4.5 miles roundtrip 
DIFFICULTY: Moderate, Dog Friendly 
FEE: $15 (reservations required) 

Lula Lake Land Trust is on private land and is only open to the public on what they call “Open Gate” days. This occurs on the first and last weekend of each month, so be sure to reserve a spot before you go. Try to get your tickets early as they sell out fast. You can purchase your tickets here.

This hike starts from the parking lot and is mostly flat. Once you cross a bridge, you will come across a small waterfall that you can view and take pictures at. Afterwards, if you keep walking a little further, you will reach Lula Falls, and man, it is a beauty! It is such an incredible feeling standing directly under a towering waterfall. It really makes you appreciate the beauty of Earth.

SEE ALSO: 10 Must Do Hikes Near Atlanta

6) Panther Creek

Miles: 7.7 miles roundtrip 
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult, Difficult for dogs
Fee: $0 

The Panther Creek Trailhead is one of my favorite North Georgia waterfalls! It starts off the side of the road and leads you under a bridge and into the woods. As you walk along the creek, you are surrounded by lush greenery and the calm sound of the water rushing through the creek.

The trail is well marked, but there are some areas that pose a challenge as you will have to walk across slanted slippery rock. The hike is heavily trafficked and will take you about 4 hours total in and out, depending on how long you spend swimming in the water. We reached the falls around 10:30 a.m. and were the first ones there for about 30 minutes.

DISCLAIMER: The hike is currently closed due to two of the bridges washing away in a storm. However, if you choose to do the hike at your own risk, you will have to cross two creeks. One of them is about knee-deep (I’m 5’5), and the other one is about a foot deep. Many people did this trail and crossed the creek on their own. It is not recommended for kids until the bridges are fixed because the current can be pretty strong in the creek.

SEE RELATED: 5 Georgia Swimming Holes That Will Take Your Breath Away

7) High Shoals Falls + Blue Hole Falls

LENGTH: 2.5 miles roundtrip 
DIFFICULTY: Moderate, Dog Friendly
FEE: $0

High Shoals Falls and Blue Falls are located near Helen, Georgia and is 2 hours North of Atlanta. This trail leads you to two beautiful waterfalls, one of them being a swimming hole. There are also camping sites here so if you wanted to spend the night you are welcome to do so!

SEE RELATED: 21+ Things to Do in Helen, GA

8) Toccoa Falls

LENGTH: 0.4 miles roundtrip
DIFFICULTY: Easy, Dog friendly (on a leash) 
FEE: $2 per adult 

This waterfall needs to be on everyone’s bucket list! It’s been on mines for the longest, and I finally got a chance to see it after it was closed for a year due to COVID.

The waterfall is located on the Toccoa Falls College campus and to access it you have to go through their gift shop. This place is so stunning that couples have their weddings here and are able to create magical photos that makes everyone wish they were in attendance.

9) Minnehaha Falls

LENGTH: 0.4 miles roundtrip 
DIFFICULTY: Easy, Dog friendly 
FEE: $0 

Minnehaha Falls (I just love that name! I keep repeating it in my head lol) is a super short hike to a beautiful cascading waterfall. It is actually only 3.5 miles from Panther Creek so if you wanted to do both of those in one day you definitely could! It is mostly uphill so I wouldn’t recommend bringing a stroller if you have kids.

10) Helton Creek Falls

LENGTH: 0.3 miles roundtrip                       
DIFFICULTY: Easy, dog friendly (on a leash)                                   
FEE: $0

Helton Creek Falls is a waterfall located in North Georgia near Blairsville. This trail takes you down a quick path that will take you to the first waterfall. Once you’ve admired that one, make your way up to the second one (pictured above). There is large viewing platform and if you want to make your way to the waterfall, there is a trail to the left that will lead you down. Make sure to bring your swimsuit on this one because it leads to swimming hole that you will definitely want to jump into!

DISCLAIMER: The road to get there can get very rocky and bumpy so make sure you go slow to avoid any damage to your car.

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