If you’re looking for waterfalls around Blue Ridge, GA, you’re in the right place. North Georgia has a ridiculous number of them, and the Blue Ridge area puts you within easy reach of some of the best. We’re talking everything from waterfalls you can basically see from your car to ones that require a solid day hike to reach.
I’ve hiked a lot of these at different times of year and they are worth the effort no matter what time of the year you visit. Summer time rains sometimes produce some raging waterfalls while Fall colors and Winter icicles add their own charm to these hikes. Some days you want an adventure; some days you just want to see something pretty without breaking a sweat. Here’s what you need to know about the waterfalls around here.
Why Bother with North Georgia Waterfalls?
Look, I get it – you can see pictures of waterfalls on Instagram. But there’s something about actually standing in front of one, feeling the mist, hearing the roar of water hitting rocks. North Georgia waterfalls are great because you’ve got options for every fitness level, they’re only about 90 minutes from Atlanta, and each one has its own personality.
Spring and Summer is when you get the most dramatic flows – all that winter snow and spring rain comes rushing down the mountains. Fall is gorgeous with all the colors. Summer? The mist feels amazing when it’s hot out. I’ve even been to a few in winter when parts were frozen – pretty cool, literally and figuratively.
The Easy Ones (Bring the Family)
Fall Branch Falls
15 minutes from Blue Ridge in the Aska Adventure Area| Easy but Steep .5 Miles | One Large Falls
This one is popular and well marked. If you see people parking way out on the road, ignore them and keep going to the parking area. People freak out and park way out for some reason but people come and go all of the time so you should be able to park close to the trailhead.Â
Long Creek Falls
20 minutes from Blue Ridge | Easy 1 mile in and out | About 50 feet tall
Beautiful and easy hike to the falls along a creek, perfect for the whole family. There are some nice pull off areas on the way there by Noontootla Creek if you want to stop for a picnic.
Harder Fall Hikes
Helton Creek Falls
30 minutes from Blue Ridge | 0.6 miles roundtrip | 100+ feet combined
Okay, now we’re going to break a sweat. Helton Creek Falls is actually TWO waterfalls right next to each other – Upper and Lower. The hike down isn’t bad, maybe 15-20 minutes, but it does go downhill which means you’re climbing back up. Wear real shoes, not flip flops. (actually, this is true for any hike). I’ve seen people try it in flip flops. It never goes well, especially if it’s been raining.
DeSoto Falls
35 minutes from Blue Ridge | Multiple trails ranging from easy to hard | 3 different falls
DeSoto is interesting because you get 3 waterfalls in one spot, and you pick how much effort you want to put in. The lower falls are about a 20 foot cascade while the upper falls go to about 80 feet. Access the trailhead from the camping and recreation area.Â
Jacks River Falls
50 minutes from Blue Ridge | 8 -9 miles total | About 80 feet
This is a commitment but you won’t see as many people. Four miles in, four miles out, through the Cohutta Wilderness but it is one of the South’s most beautiful waterfalls. The good news is it’s mostly flat – it follows an old logging road. The better news is when you get there, you’ve got this gorgeous 80-foot horseshoe-shaped waterfall with swimming holes below it. In summer, people swim. It’s cold.
This is more of a full-day thing. Pack lunch, bring plenty of water, start early. But if you want to see a waterfall that isn’t crawling with tourists, this is your move.
Practical Stuff You Should Know
When to Go
Spring (March-May) is when waterfalls are really flowing. Winter rain and snowmelt = lots of water. Summer (June-August) has lower flows but it’s cooler near the falls. Fall (September-November) is beautiful with all the leaves changing but water levels are usually moderate. Winter can have ice formations which look cool but trails can be sketchy.
What to Bring
Don’t be that person who shows up in sandals with no water:
– Actual hiking shoes or at least sneakers with grip
– Water bottle(s)
– Snacks if you’re doing a longer hike
– Your phone or camera
– Light rain jacket (weather changes fast up here)
– Bug spray in summer
– Maybe a walking stick for steep trails
Safety Stuff
People get hurt at waterfalls every single year, so:
– Don’t climb on wet rocks. Seriously, don’t.
– Stay on the actual trails
– Check weather before you go – thunderstorms in the mountains are no fun
– Tell someone where you’re going if you’re doing a longer hike
– Some trails close after storms or in winter, check ahead
– Take your trash with you, don’t be that person
Where to Stay
After you’ve spent all day hiking to waterfalls, you’re going to want a place to crash that’s not a hotel. The Lazy Laurel in Cherry Log is about 15-55 minutes from all these waterfalls, right in the middle of everything. You get an actual mountain cabin with a hot tub and fire pit, plus it’s quiet unlike staying right in Blue Ridge where it gets busy.
Other Stuff to Do
Waterfalls are great but Blue Ridge has a lot more going on – restaurants, wineries, shops, watersports, the scenic railway. Mercier Orchards is between here and Cherry Log, good for apple cider donuts and picking fruit depending on the season.
Bottom Line
The waterfalls around Blue Ridge range from “barely got out of the car” to “that was a serious hike” and they’re all pretty cool in their own way. Pick based on what you’re actually up for that day. Don’t let Instagram fool you into thinking you need to do the hardest ones – some of the easy waterfalls are just as nice.
Just get out there and see some waterfalls. They’re one of the best things about North Georgia, and honestly, pictures don’t do them justice. You’ve got to stand there and feel the spray and hear the water crashing down. That’s when you get it.
Ready to go? Check availability at The Lazy Laurel and start planning your waterfall adventure. You’re going to love it up here.
