We’ve been to Iceland, we’ve been to Costa Rica and we’ve been to Alaska. We have seen plenty of waterfalls in our day, ignoring the advice of TLC all together, and constantly chasing those waterfalls. But even after traveling to those far flung places, we were still very impressed with the waterfalls of North Georgia. Each waterfall is unique, and they are all surrounded by beautiful scenery. Many of the falls we visited were very accessible, and all worth the effort to see them.
Northern Georgia sits at the southern edge of the Appalachian Mountain Range, making this area unique with rolling hills, lush forests, and charming small towns. Each of those small towns have their own unique draw including a mix of history, outdoor activities, and adventures. The waterfalls of North Georgia are mixed throughout these little towns, making them a perfect theme to center a road trip around.
Let’s discover some of the waterfalls of North Georgia that will completely take you by surprise.
Amicalola Falls
Amicalola Falls is the tallest waterfall in Georgia, and it is a breathtaking sight to behold. Plunging 729 feet in seven cascading tiers, it’s a popular destination for both hikers and casual visitors. The Amicalola Falls State Park provides various trails, allowing you to witness the falls from different vantage points. When we visited the lower falls trail was under maintenance, so we switched plans and took the road up to the top of the falls first. This spot gives stunning views of the landscape around the falls, but does not give you a great prescriptive of the falls themselves.
From the top of the falls you can start the climb down the stairs all the way to the bottom of the falls, however, remember, what does down, must come up, and it is over 400 steps back to the top. If you are a little less adventurous, there is also the option to view the falls from about halfway up, on the West Ridge Trail. This trail is not even a half mile, and has a pretty even surface and a sturdy handrail to help make it quite accessible. Short of being able to see the falls from the lower trail, this was a great spot, and as a bonus had great views of the lodge and the surrounding landscape.
Anna Ruby Falls
Nestled in the Chattahoochee National Forest, Anna Ruby Falls is a unique gem as two creaks merge here to create a double waterfall. The paved trail to the falls is both family and pet friendly. There are some uphill sections and stairs to climb, so not a complete walk in the park, but it was very doable for us, with our senior pup in tow. The path to the falls follows along one of the creeks that makes up the double falls and makes the hikes enjoyable from the beginning.
The falls got its name from Anna Ruby Nichols, who was the daughter of the local county resident and owner of much of the area encompassing the waterfall named John H. Nichols. Today it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, which does make the entrance fee super affordable, although all of the state parks in Georgia are generally very affordable as well.
Anna Ruby Falls is the perfect hike to plan while you are visiting the town of Helen, a German themed town in the heart of Northeast Georgia. This alpine themed town also offers tubing and zip lining if you are looking to add a little more outdoor adventure to your day.
Tallulah Gorge Falls
Tallulah Gorge Falls has been on our list for quite some time, and is still a top priority for our next trip to Northern Georgia. It is said to be a captivating natural wonder within Tallulah Gorge State Park in Northern Georgia. The waterfall is part of a series of six cascading falls, each contributing to the landscape and beauty of the Tallulah Gorge. The gorge itself is a two-mile-long and nearly 1,000 feet deep canyon, carved by the Tallulah River over millions of years.
The focal point, Tallulah Gorge Falls, plunges dramatically, showcasing the raw power of water. Visitors can experience the falls from various vantage points, including the rim trails that provide panoramic views of the cascading waters. For those seeking a more immersive adventure, the suspension bridge over the gorge offers a thrilling perspective, which I will absolutely be doing when we visit, my husband who is not keen on heights might skip that part. While in the area its worth a stop over at Minnehaha Falls, which has a very doable trail at less than a half mile.
From the pictures we have seen of the falls, Fall is the time to visit, surrounded by the vibrant colors of the changing leaves, this gorge becomes an immersive fall experience. There is an opportunity to hike to gorge floor, but only 100 permits are issued each day, so plan your trip well in advance to get this opportunity.
Falls at Vogel State Park
Vogel State Park is not only known for its scenic lake and mountain views but also multiple waterfalls throughout the park, including Helton Creek Falls and Trahlyta Falls. Trahlyta Falls is visible from the road, and will be your first glimps of Vogel State Park if you are coming from south of the park. There is a boardwalk down to the base of the falls, but there is also a great view from a pull off just off of US-19.
The Helton Creek Falls Trail located further into the park is an easy 0.2-mile hike. As you begin down the Helton Creek Trail and make your way into the forest, the sound of the lower falls can be heard through the trees. As you continue along the trail, you’ll soon arrive at the observation deck and the main attraction, the upper falls, which cascade about 50 feet into the pool below. In the Summer, you can also swim in the pool at the bottom of the falls.
Ruby Falls
Not to be confused with Anna Ruby Falls, Ruby Falls is an underground waterfall that is a completely different experience from the other falls on our list. Although Ruby Falls is kind of, technically, in Tennessee, Georgia also has a claim to the falls as Lookout Mountain, where Ruby Falls is found, straddles the state line. The journey to Ruby Falls begins with an elevator ride into the cave, and then you make your way, via guided path through the cave, finally ending in the opening with high ceilings and the waterfall at the end.
There is a little debate online as to whether or not Ruby Falls is even real, with guests noticing some pumps an other tubing that might give you the impression that the falls is either being fabricated, or more likely, enhanced with a little help. I think if you go into the trip with the mindset of this being a tourist attraction, with a giftshop at the end, and not the same natural beauty that you might find in say, Yellowstone NP, it is still an impressive and enjoyable experience.
High Falls State Park
High Falls State Park is home to a stunning waterfall formed by the Towaliga River. This park is actually a little further south than some of the other falls we’ve talked about, but it makes for a nice stop on your way to Atlanta from anywhere further south in the state. It is super convenient to access from I-75, but honestly the sign probably gets overlooked given the 100s of signs for Buc-ee’s along this stretch. But, put it into your GPS, because you don’t want to skip it.
The falls are not impressively tall like Tallulah Gorge or Amicalola, but more stepped, across various levels. There is also a dam further up the river, which has a board walk that takes you of over the lake. The walk down to the falls is short, but a little uneven at times, but for us it was nice to stretch your legs after all those hours in the car.
Cloudland Canyon
Cloudland Canyon State Park, located in North Georgia, is home to two impressive waterfalls, Hemlock Falls and Cherokee Falls, along with some stunning views of the Sitton Gulch. Hemlock Falls is the larger of the two waterfalls in Cloudland Canyon. The falls cascade over a cliff with multiple levels, creating a stunning visual spectacle. The falls are surrounded by lush greenery and offer a tranquil atmosphere. The falls can be accessed via the Waterfalls Trail, which provides scenic views along the way.
Cherokee Falls is another beautiful waterfall within Cloudland Canyon. It features a distinct split as it tumbles down a rocky face, creating a curtain of water, not seen in any other other waterfalls throughout Northern Georgia. Accessible via the Waterfalls Trail as well, Cherokee Falls is the easier of the two falls to access, however this is still quite a strenuous hike, at least on the way back up. Both waterfalls are situated within the scenic gorge, but don’t wrap your hike up without hitting up some of the scenic view points found along the rim trail, and maybe even marvel at how far you hiked down.
It is easy to see that all of North Georgia’s waterfalls offer a diverse range of experiences, from challenging hikes to easy strolls, all set with the backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains. Make sure to add these stunning waterfalls to your North Georgia itinerary for an unforgettable outdoor adventure. If you are looking for what else to add to your future Georgia road trips, check this playlist on our YouTube:
The Savory Suitcase 