Waterfall Hikes

Enjoy our local waterfalls and others nearby.

Georgia's Blue Ridge is filled with waterfalls including three in Fannin County. Explore the cascades near Blue Ridge which are accessible by hikes of various distances.

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Fannin County Waterfalls

Long Creek Falls

The most popular of the waterfalls in Fannin County is Long Creek Falls, which can be seen by hiking down a short side trail from the combined Appalachian/Benton MacKaye Trail. These falls total about 50 feet in two distinct drops. A leisurely 30 minute hike to the falls is uphill on the way in, downhill on the way out.

Directions: Go 13.5 miles south on Aska Road to its end. Turn right onto Newport Road, go 4.5 miles to end. Turn left onto Doublehead Gap Road, cross a concrete bridge where the road will become dirt/gravel. Continue .3 miles and turn right onto dirt/gravel Forest Service Road 58 (just past the cemetery and church). Ride 5.3 miles on FS 58 to Three Forks area (Hikers Crossing Sign). Noontootla Creek is on the right as you drive. The trail begins on the north side of the road (on the left) and starts as a gradual hike alongside Long Creek. There are three short ascents before reaching the blue blazed side trail to the falls at 1.1 miles. N 34°39.815' W084°11.053'

Falls Branch Falls

The upper portion of Fall Branch Falls is a series of cascades that lead to a single major drop of some 30 feet, with the water plunging into a deep pool at the base of the falls. These falls, along the Benton MacKaye Trail west of Aska Road are a shorter, although a bit harder walk than Long Creek Falls.

Directions: Take Aska Road south 8 miles and turn right on Stanley Creek Road. Go 3.1 miles to the "parking lot" on the right just past the bridge over Falls Branch. N 34°47.017' W084°18.166'

Sea Creek Falls

Located in the Cooper Creek Scenic Area, Sea Creek Falls are an easy walk of less than .1 miles. Unfortunately, the drive can be difficult. The first, or upper falls is a series of steep cascades ending in a brief drop. The second falls are also a series of steep cascades. When the water flow is heavy either in late Winter or Spring or after a summer rain these are a remarkable sight.

Directions: From Morganton, follow GA Hwy 60 South 17.7 miles to the Cooper Creek Recreation Area turnoff on the left. Continue on FS Road 4, 2.9 miles to a fork. Turn left and follow road .3 miles. Park and walk .1 mile to the falls.

Jacks River Falls

This popular destination in the Cohutta Wilderness Area requires the longest hike of all falls in Fannin County. Access from Fannin County is a 9.2 mile hike from Dally Gap along the Jacks River Trail. Jacks River Falls can also be accessed via an easier route from the Chatsworth side of the Cohuttas.

Directions: To reach the falls proceed north out of Chatsworth, Ga. on Hwy. US411 for 13 miles to Cisco. Turn right on Old GA 2 Rd. Continue on this road (pavement ends about 1.8 miles) 10 miles to FS 62 on the right at Big Frog Loop Road sign. Turn right on FS62 and continue 4.4 miles to Jacks River Trailhead. The Forest Service fee parking area is on the left. The trail to the falls is 3.5 miles of moderately easy walking on an old railroad bed. After reaching the river follow it downstream 0.5 miles to the falls.

Nearby Waterfalls

Amicalola Falls & Trails

About 21 miles from Ellijay on Hwy 52 is a spectacular 729-foot falls, the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. Also, a strenuous 8.5 mile approach trail leads from the park to Springer Mountain, the start of the famous Appalachian Trail. There is an optional trail that provides stroller and wheelchair access to this trail. Inquire at gate.

Benton Falls

Located on the Benton Falls Trail in the Overhill country of southeastern Tennessee. From Blue Ridge take GA 5 north to McCaysville, then turn left on Tennessee Highway 68. In Ducktown, take U.S. 64 west past the Ocoee Whitewater Center, then go 11 miles to Forest Service Road 77, located by the Cherokee National Forest Service / Chilhowee Recreation office. Turn right on Hwy 77 up Chilhowee Mountain approximately 7.3 miles and turn right at Chilhowee Campground. Go 0.4 miles to the Chilhowee Recreation Area. The trail is 1.5 miles to the falls.

Helton Creek Falls

There are two falls on Helton Creek near Blairsville. A short trail descends to the first waterfall then climbs to the second larger waterfall. Please be careful – the rocks are slippery! From Blue Ridge, take Hwy 515 north to Blairsville. In Blairsville, take US 19/129 south about 11 miles. Turn left onto Helton Creek Road, the first road past the entrance to Vogel State Park. Go 2.2 miles; the road turns to gravel. There will be a small parking lot on the right in a curve, and the trail is marked.

Turtletown Falls

Turtletown Creek Trail follows Turtletown creek and loops back to Shinbone Ridge. Beautiful views emerge of of the Hiwassee River below along with overlooks of two major waterfalls, Turtletown Falls and Lower Turtletown Falls. From Blue Ridge take GA 5 north to McCaysville, then turn left on Tennessee Highway 68. Go north onto Tennessee Highway 68 for approximately 15 miles. Cross the railroad tracks and bear left onto Old Farner Road (CR 2317) following it for about 1 mile. Turn left on FS 1166. Trailhead will be approximately 1.25 miles at the end of the road.

Desoto Falls

There are five beautiful waterfalls along the 3-mile section of the DeSoto Falls Trail. Trail begins at the bridge in the lower loop of DeSoto Falls Recreation Area. From Blairsville, take US 19/129 south toward Dahlonega for 15 miles. The entrance will be on the right at the bottom of the mountain.

Ravens Cliffs Falls

Gorgeous falls cleaving through a cliff. From Blairsville, take 19/129 south for 6.9 miles, turn left on 180 and go .9 miles to Hwy. 348/Richard Russell Scenic Hwy., follow Richard Russell Scenic Hwy. 11.3 miles to parking area. 3.3 mile trail (one way) begins at 3000 Richard Russell Hwy. (Hwy. 348), Helen, GA.

Dukes Creek Falls

A majestic waterfall that drops 150 feet down a sheer granite canyon into Dukes Creek. Scenic beauty and gold panning opportunities. Trailhead for this 1.25-mile trail is at the parking lot. Round trip is 2.5 miles. From Blairsville, take 19/129 south for 6.9 miles, turn left on 180 and go .9 miles to Hwy. 348/Richard Russell Scenic Hwy., follow Richard Russell Scenic Hwy. 13.3 miles to parking area. 1699 Richard Russell Hwy, Helen, GA

Anna Ruby Falls

About 1.25 hours from Blue Ridge. From the town of Helen, GA, go north 1 mile on Georgia Highway 17 to Robertstown and the intersection of Hwy. 17 and 356. Turn turn right on Hwy. 356 and go 1.3 miles. Turn left on Anna Ruby Falls Road and go to the entrance booth. This 0.4-mile paved foot trail takes you along the banks of Smith Creek from the visitor center to the two observation decks near the base of the twin waterfalls.

High Shoals Falls

About an hour from Blue Ridge. A sucession of five waterfalls grace this 170-acre scenic area. These falls have an estimated total vertical drop of 300 feet. The High Shoals Trail (1.2 miles) follows along High Shoals Creek to observation decks beside two of the five streams cascading in the High Shoals Scenic Area. Take Hwy 515 to Blairsville turning right onto US 19/129 south for 6.9 miles, turn left on 180, and drive 13 miles, turn right on GA 75 South, in .35 miles turn left on Indian Grave Gap Road. Follow this road for 1.5 miles, trail head will be on your left

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A Word to the Wise

Be prepared for wilderness. Some roads are rough. Please pack in all you will need and pack out all your trash. The rule of the forest is “Leave No Trace.” If you build a fire, never leave it unattended. Use good judgment when hiking, particularly around waterfalls where rocks are often wet, moss covered and slippery. If hiking during hunting season, wear a brightly colored vest. The most effective way to prevent mishaps is to adequately prepare for the trip. Knowledge of the area, weather, terrain, limitations of your body, plus common sense can help to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Here is some additional safety information regarding hiking around waterfalls.

View our PDF guide to Waterfalls & Whitewater near Blue Ridge here.

16 Waterfalls Within an Hour of Blue Ridge

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