When you first think of Georgia, you may sooner think of peaches or pecans than waterfalls — but make no mistake about it, this southern state is rich in flowing waters! If you’ve got Georgia on your mind, be sure to add these 10 gorgeous waterfalls to your itinerary.
Top 10 Waterfalls in Georgia
Visiting Waterfalls in Georgia
Ammons and Holcomb Creek Falls
This one is a two-fer! Ammons and Holcomb Creek Falls are situated just feet from one another at the place where Holcomb Creek forks off toward the northern border of the state. The two falls are regularly looped together on one moderate-level hike, which sees about 500 feet of elevation gain along its 1.8 round-trip miles.
Holcomb Creek Falls in particular is a stunner. Standing 120 feet over the tumultuous waters below, it features both a free-falling cascade and a tiered, sliding lower waterfall. Ammons Falls, on the other hand, is a 40-foot water slide — though you probably wouldn’t want to use it for that purpose, physically!
Things to do near Ammons and Holcomb Creek Falls
Tucked away in north Georgia, this beautiful waterfall is relatively accessible for those who are already going off the beaten path. This is especially true when it’s compared to some of the other outdoor adventures awaiting in these vast national forest lands!
Becky Branch Falls
This gorgeous north Georgia waterfall is located just east of the town of Clayton. The Becky Branch to Martin Creek Falls trail will run you just shy of four miles round-trip and sees about 500 feet of elevation gain along the way. Some of that climb is sure to be steep, rocky, and damp, so be sure you’ve got adequate footwear before you set out.
Becky Branch itself stands about 20 feet high. It can also be accessed via an easier 0.6-mile loop called the Becky Branch Falls Trail if you don’t have quite as much time on your hands.
Things to do near Becky Branch Falls
The small mountain town of Clayton has everything you need for a great vacation, including lots of supplies available and also some fun attractions of its own. For example, the nearby Goats On The Roof family fun zone is part petting zoo, part roadside food stand, and 100% worth visiting.
Horsetrough Falls
Tumbling from a mountain peak, Horsetrough Falls is a gorgeous, rippling cascade that falls gently down multiple tiers of carved rock face. It is a beloved stop for day visitors and thru-hikers alike.
Standing 70 feet high, the waterfall offers a calm and lovely pool at its foot, the perfect place to dip your feet in. Don’t have much hike in you? Don’t worry; the main trail to the falls runs just 0.4 miles round-trip from the parking area. A developed observation platform makes it safe and easy to see the falls from a perfect vantage point.
Things to do near Horsetrough Falls
Another waterfall tucked into the northeastern corner of Georgia, Horsetrough Falls is pretty far off the beaten path, but the small town of Scorpion Hollow is about a 40-minute drive away.
Anna Ruby Falls
Not every Georgia waterfall is renowned and special enough to warrant its very own recreation area and Visitor Center. That said, Anna Ruby Falls is.
Tucked into the heart of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, the falls tops many lists of the very best waterfalls in Georgia. Once you visit for yourself, you’ll see it’s for good reason.
Standing more than 150 feet tall, Anna Ruby Falls is well-developed and easy to access. A paved path to the falls itself makes it ADA accessible, and the nearby visitor center hosts educational events, fun crafts, shopping opportunities and more.
Things to do near Anna Ruby Falls
Only 15 minutes from Scorpion Hollow, Anna Ruby Falls is a northeastern Georgia must-see. Looking for more to do? The vast national forest has plenty to offer by way of stunning outdoor recreational opportunities.
Dukes Creek Falls
Another waterfall that has a recreation area named for it, Dukes Creek Falls is located right along the Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Highway. This makes it easy to access from the road and a perfect stop for those road tripping through northeastern Georgia.
Those who want to see the falls up close and personal can tackle the short but sometimes steep Dukes Creek Falls Trail. This trail runs about two miles round-trip and leads to wooden viewing platforms that make it easy to get the very best peak at this one–of-a-kind waterfall, which stands about 150 feet high.
Things to do near Dukes Creek Falls
Want to see what else north Georgia has to offer? There are plenty of other hiking opportunities in this area. For instance, Raven Cliffs Trailhead is less than a mile north of where the path to Dukes Creek Fall starts. Plus, Smithgall Woods State Park is just a short drive away.
DeSoto Falls
Offering not one, but two breathtaking waterfalls, DeSoto Falls offers a legendary historic context as well as plain old natural beauty. Rumor has it that DeSoto himself left a piece of armor here back in the mid-1500s, which is where this impressive cascade gets its name.
The trail to the falls is short, relatively easy, and paved, making this a great opportunity for those traveling with kids or newbie hikers. The 2.2-mile trail is also dog-friendly, provided your pup is on a leash the entire time. The nearby picnic areas and restrooms make it easy to spend a comfortable afternoon here with the family.
Things to do near DeSoto Falls
Nearby, the larger Chestatee Wildlife Management Area offers so many beautiful hiking trails and other outdoor recreation opportunities. Meanwhile, the Appalachian Trail runs very nearby. If you happen to make your way out to that trail, the Blood Mountain Overlook is one of the most iconic pieces of scenery along the way, and you can reach it on a day hike if you know where you’re going!
Long Creek Falls
Tucked along the Benton MacKaye Trail, Long Creek Falls stands about 50 feet tall, and is easily accessed from Atlanta. Via the Appalachian Trail, the hike to Long Creek Falls is less than two miles altogether, and sees only about 300 feet of elevation gain. Plus, you get to say that you hiked the Appalachian Trail, even if you don’t go any further.
Things to do near Long Creek Falls
The Blue Ridge Wildlife Management Area and the larger Chattahoochee National Forest are popular spots for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and so much more. Meanwhile, the urban adventure of Atlanta awaits only two hours south. Don’t want to go quite that far? Dahlonega has you covered on resources and supplies.
Minnehaha Falls
Located along a small-ish creek called the Falls Branch, Minnehaha Falls is one of the most popular in the state. Those who visit can tell you it’s earned that reputation for good reason.
Gently falling over a delicately carved natural stone stairwell, Minnehaha Falls can be accessed via a short and simple hike. In fact, you’ll travel less than half a mile altogether, and the terrain is considered easy to moderate.
Fun fact: the falls’ name is derived from the Dakota word for waterfall. This particular minnehaha stands about 50 feet tall.
Things to do near Minnehaha Falls
There are truly endless hikes and other outdoor recreation opportunities available in this part of the state. Angel Falls Trailhead awaits just on the other side of the lake, and the broader national forest spreads out around these waters.
The Best Georgia Waterfalls for RVers
Toccoa Falls
With a vertical drop of 186 feet, Toccoa Falls is an impressive waterfall by any standard. Oddly, it’s also nestled right into a college campus, which not many waterfalls can say for themselves!
First appearing in written accounts in the 19th century, the word Toccoa comes from a Cherokee word meaning beautiful, and we could not possibly agree more. Tumbling dramatically out of the carved rock that serves as their background, this waterfall is also unique in that a hike is not required to view it: simply drive up, park, sit back, and enjoy.
Why This Waterfall is Perfect for RVers
We love this waterfall for RVers because it is located in the town of Toccoa where you’ll find RV camping options and all of the amenities you might need.
Things to do near Toccoa Falls
If you’ve come far enough to visit the waterfall, you might as well check out the campus of Toccoa Falls College, as well. Of course, you’ll also want to explore the town of Toccoa, which boasts a population of about 9,000 and plenty of fun places to shop, eat, and stay.
Planning an RV Trip to Georgia
As you can see, Georgia is a state well worth visiting. The best way to see it? By RV, of course!
While you’re there, make sure to check out the best state parks in Georgia, as well as the many wonderful RV parks and campgrounds across the state. Of course, you’ll also want to check out the major cities of Atlanta, Savannah, and Buford!
