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Hiking North Georgia's waterfalls
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High Shoals Falls, Copyright Nathan Sears
The North Georgia mountains are heaven for waterfall lovers. With all the recent rains we have received there is no better time then the present to see these waterfalls at their best. Here is a list of some of Georgia’s must do waterfall hikes to get you started.
Amicalola Falls- See Georgia’s tallest waterfall on this short, but challenging hike with over 600 steps that take you to the top of the falls. This hike at perhaps Georgia’s most popular state park can be extremely busy, but if you have never made the trip now is a great time to see the falls before the heat of summer.
Extended Trip: If you are looking to leave some of the crowds behind at the falls continue on from the top of the falls on the Southern Terminus Approach Trail. From the top of the falls this 7 mi. one way trail takes you past the Len Foote Hike Inn and to Springer Mountain, the official start of the Appalachian Trail.
High Shoals Trail - Located a short drive up FS 283 this hike and the bumpy forest service road offer you a taste of Georgia backcountry and two beautiful waterfalls. This short hike (1.2 mi. one-way) drops continuously for most of its length, but is never overly challenging. Each waterfall has observation decks for viewing the falls. Blue Hole falls will be a high powered torrent dropping straight into a deep pool that gives the fall its name, while the High Shoals fall cascades down the rock face, spraying a cooling mist into the air.
Warning - If you’ve never driven on a Forest Service Road before, know that these gravel roads can be narrow, winding and often riddled with potholes and ruts. This road is no different, drive slowly and yield to oncoming vehicles.
Raven Cliffs Trail - A short drive from must-see “Alpine” Helen, this trail makes a great day hike and affords views of two other falls on its way to the trails namesake Raven Cliffs Falls. This unique falls is itself worth the modest 2.5 mile one-way hike. Throw in the two other falls and numerous cascades along the way, and the overall beauty of this designated scenic area and you’ve got yourself one of Georgia’s best day hikes.
Side Trip - If three falls aren’t enough be sure to head back up along scenic Richard B. Russell Highway to Duke’s Creek Falls Trail. This short (1.1 mi.), easy hike takes you to views of the 250 ft. cascade which is best seen at high volume.
View Atlanta Hiking Examiner Maps in a larger map
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