5 Stunning Waterfall Hikes in North GA
Explore the captivating waterfalls during your upcoming mountain getaway in North Georgia! The magnificent hiking trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains lead to breathtaking cascades.
A Blue Sky Cabin rental will put you in a great position to visit the countless national forests and wilderness areas that feature some of Georgia’s finest hikes - those featuring waterfalls are a cherry on top!
Thanks to the large number of mountain creeks and substantial rainfall, North Georgia has no shortage of waterfalls. From charming small falls to massive, jaw-dropping drops of hundreds of feet, every waterfall in the region is unique and amazing. There is no better reward for a tough hike than the awe-inspiring view of a tumbling waterfall.
Start planning your vacation itinerary with these five breathtaking waterfall hikes near your cabin rental!
Long Creek Falls
Photo Credit: Sandra Burm
- Distance: 1.9 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trail: alltrails.com/trail/us/georgia/long-creek-falls-trail
Located east of Ellijay is the beloved Long Creek Falls via the Appalachian Trail and Benton MacKaye Trail. This fairly easy out-and-back trail follows the winding creek through beautiful woodland before reaching the crowning jewel: Long Creek Falls.
The tiered waterfall is incredibly scenic and a picturesque midpoint to your hike. In addition to the gorgeous waterfall, you get the opportunity to hike along part of the famous Appalachian Trail, a 2,200-mile trail that begins in Georgia and concludes in Maine. Look for the recognizable white blazes on trees that mark this special trail!
The hike itself is considered easy, but note that the road to the trailhead isn’t the smoothest. It is a 5-mile drive on gravel road to get to the parking area, and 4WD and high clearance cars are recommended, especially if it has rained recently. However, the beautiful hike and waterfall are well worth the effort!
Fall Branch Falls
Photo Credit: James W. Thompson
- Distance: 0.9 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trail: alltrails.com/trail/us/georgia/fall-branch-falls-trail
Just outside Cherry Log and south of Blue Ridge is the gorgeous Fall Branch Falls Trail, an out-and-back trail less than one mile long. It is perfect for the whole family to enjoy pretty views with a beautiful waterfall at the end. This is an easy trail that can be done quickly, so it is perfect for a quick morning hike before heading on to other North Georgia activities.
The waterfall is truly stunning, with the upper falls cascading 30 feet down rocks framed by rhododendron thickets. The pool at the bottom of the falls is perfect for cooling off on a hot day, so be sure to bring swimming clothes!
This is a popular waterfall trail, so it’s best to get there early to avoid crowds and find parking. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail.
Jacks River Falls
Photo Credit: Jeff Moore via Flickr CC2.0
- Distance: 9.6 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail: alltrails.com/trail/us/georgia/jacks-river-via-rice-camp
If you’re looking for a good workout with beautiful views, consider Jacks River Falls via Rice Camp Trail. Located near the Tennessee border, the drive to the trailhead takes you down unpaved forest roads and will take you about an hour from Blue Ridge. Despite the drive, this hike and waterfall is well worth it!
This 9.6-mile round-trip hike is best suited to more experienced, confident navigators who can manage some overgrown sections of the trail. You are unlikely to see many other hikers on this route, so you won’t have trouble finding peace and quiet! Jacks River Falls itself is a picturesque sight and the perfect reward for a strenuous hike.
The Jacks River Falls trail is located in the Cohutta Wilderness, which is largely unmaintained, and trail markers may be faded or missing. It is highly recommended that you bring a map or download a digital map and a compass.
Winter is the best season to hike this route, as the trail will be less overgrown. Leashed dogs are welcome on this hike.
Amicalola Falls
Photo Credit: leaena
- Distance: 0.3 miles to 2 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Trail: alltrails.com/trail/us/georgia/amicalola-falls
Prepare to be amazed by the incredible Amicalola Falls, the tallest waterfall in Georgia and one of the highest falls east of the Mississippi. Well worth the 30-minute drive from Ellijay, this 729-foot beauty nestled in the Chattahoochee National Forest is a must-see for anyone visiting North Georgia.
Don’t let the short hike fool you: this is no easy stroll. You can choose a few different routes: start at the Amicalola Falls State Park Visitor Center and head along Creek Trail to reach the falls, or continue driving to the parking lot up the road and start closer to the falls.
The toughest part of this hike is the stairs. To reach the top viewing platform, you must climb up 620 stairs. However, the reward is a jaw-dropping view of the beautiful Amicalola Falls! The observation deck overlooks the incredible waterfall, and it is easy to see why Amicalola Falls is considered one of the seven natural wonders of Georgia.
Dogs are allowed on this hike, but it is not recommended, as the metal stairs can be hard on them. Young children may also struggle on this route, which is best suited for adults. Please note that there is a $5 parking fee for Amicalola Falls.
Tumbling Waters Trail
Photo Credit: Lit & Lettres via Flickr CC2.0
- Distance: 1 mile
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Trail: alltrails.com/trail/us/georgia/tumbling-waters-trail
The Tumbling Waters Trail is great for finding beautiful scenery without an overly strenuous hike. The one-mile out-and-back trail near Ellijay is perfect for those hiking with kids and is generally considered an easy route, but it can be moderately difficult during times of heavy rain or icy conditions.
This popular hike meanders along a scenic forest trail alongside Tails Creek. At the end, you are rewarded with a beautiful cascading waterfall that is the perfect spot for a picnic. Below the waterfall, you will find a lovely swimming hole, so bring your swimsuit and some towels if you plan to take a dip!
Please note that the trail runs parallel to a mountain biking trail; be sure to stay on your side to avoid any accidents. Leashed dogs are welcome on this hike.
When to Visit the Waterfalls
The North Georgia mountains are absolutely stunning at any time of year, so you cannot go wrong with your vacation dates. Each season offers something different, so if you are flexible, you can plan your trip to suit your priorities.
Spring
Spring in North Georgia is a fantastic time of year for the waterfall seekers. The sometimes heavy spring rains and any snowmelt from winter mean the waterfalls will be flowing at high levels, providing roaring waters that are sure to amaze. It is also a lovely season for long hikes, as the weather will still be fairly cool, and you have the added bonus of spring wildflowers along the trail.
Summer
Summer is a popular time to visit North Georgia for so many reasons. The region is all about outdoor recreation, and what better season for that than summertime? Nothing is more refreshing than swimming underneath a waterfall after a hot summer hike. Bring your swimsuit and towels and enjoy the cold mountain water!
Autumn
Autumn is simply incredible in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Your hike to a waterfall will bring you through tunnels of vivid fall foliage, and the waterfall will be framed in red, orange, and yellow leaves. It doesn’t get much better than that!
Winter
Winter is the perfect time to visit North Georgia for peace and quiet. Even the most popular waterfall hikes will have few visitors, allowing you to take it in without the crowds. Trails that tend to be buggy or overgrown will now be a pleasant walk, and you may even get lucky and get some snow!
Waterfall Chasing in North Georgia
There is no shortage of memorable hikes in the mountains surrounding Blue Ridge and Ellijay, and these five waterfall hikes are no exception. Whether you are looking for a relaxing, scenic stroll or a strenuous hike with a big payoff, there is something for everyone.
Within an easy drive of Atlanta and offering endless opportunities for unforgettable outdoor recreation, the mountains of North Georgia are a sure hit for your next vacation destination. Book your stay at Blue Sky Cabin Rentals now, and get ready to chase some waterfalls!