Georgia

Lower DeSoto Falls, Georgia

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Lower DeSoto Falls in mid-May 2012

The northern portion of Georgia has a significant number of impressive waterfalls, and should be on your list if you’re looking for interesting and beautiful places to look for falls. The Chattahoochee National Forest has a number of waterfalls inside its complex boundaries, and there are two of them to be found at DeSoto Falls Scenic Area.

Upper DeSoto Falls is the more impressive waterfall, and requires a 0.75 mile hike one-way. Lower DeSoto Falls is more diminutive, but still very nice, and only requires a 0.25 mile hike one-way. Both of them are easy to visit, and you should take the time to view both. As you’re hiking along the trail, there is a fork in the trail, and the lower falls are to the left. Because of the hike required, I’m almost sure the falls are not along the same creek. This means the names are unusual, as Upper and Lower usually refer to falls along the same source.

Lower DeSoto Falls can be very photogenic, but if I remember correctly, shots later in the day may not work as well if there is any sunlight. The lower falls are not barricaded by any fencing or boardwalk, and so this does allow you to explore for the best viewpoint. That is essential for this falls, as some vantage points may be washed out by light.

Directions:

  1. Due to the nature of the road system and the mountainous terrain, it can be a little bit complicated to manage all of the different turns required to get to Lower DeSoto Falls. If you’re starting from Dahlonega, head north along US-19 for a little over 13 miles. (At times, US-19 may also be signed as GA-9 and GA-60, all three often simultaneously.)
  2. At Turners Corner, turn left onto US-19/US-129/GA-11, and drive for a little over 4 miles. The parking area for the falls will be on your left, and there’s a very obvious sign indicating you’ve reached your destination.
  3. From the parking area, follow the signs for the trail. If I remember correctly, you will cross a river, and then you’ll start hiking left on the trail to Lower DeSoto Falls. If you turn right, you will head toward Upper DeSoto Falls.

Accessibility: 8/10 (easy/moderate)
Height: 40′
Length of Hike: 0.5 miles round-trip

Where in the World is Lower DeSoto Falls?

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Amicalola Falls, Georgia

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Amicalola Falls in May 2012

Amicalola Falls is a truly impressive waterfall that is worth a stop if you’re in the area.  I’m not sure how many people that are out-of-towners would be visiting this waterfall, considering it’s not particularly near any other amazing landmark.  Maybe a daytrip from Atlanta?  I come in search of waterfalls, so I drove with intentions of seeing these falls.

Now the falls are advertised at 1000′, and that represents the whole drop, but that’s not a vertical drop.  The falls cascade down the side of a mountain, and the delight is the top portion of the falls.  Depending on what path you choose, you may see the other lower portion of the falls, or it is also possible to completely miss them.

After entering Amicalola Falls State Park, you can keep heading straight until you reach the end of the road.  Signs indicate this is the trail to the base of the falls.  And that’s true.  This path requires much more effort.  You’re consistently climbing uphill and there are a significant number of stairs.  With this path, though, you can see most of the cascades below the most impressive drop.

On the other hand, if you turn left after entering the park, another road will somehow lead you to another parking area that leads just to the most impressive part of the falls.  (I didn’t go this way, hence the “somehow.”)  From this parking area, though, there is a very nice trail that uses recycled tires.  This would be the best bet for someone that is handicapped or has difficulties climbing hundreds of steps.  This gets you to the most impressive view of the falls without as much difficulty.  I ended up at the parking area on my hike, and another trail will lead you back down to the parking area mentioned before at the base of the falls.

Directions:

  1. From Ellijay, Georgia, head east on GA-52.  Keep going on GA-52 until you see the signs indicating the entrance to the park.
  2. Pay the $5 entrance fee, and then head to one of the two parking areas.  (There are numerous other parking areas, so if you’re unsure, just drive around a little bit before choosing on specific lot.)
  3. Follow the signs to the trail.  If you don’t end up seeing a great waterfall, you probably haven’t gone far enough.

Accessibility: 5/10 (moderate, from trail at base of falls), 9/10 (easy, from parking area further up)
Height: 729′
Length of Hike: 0.5 miles round-trip (from parking area further up)

Where in the World is Amicalola Falls?

Lower Crow Creek Falls, Georgia

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There are two drops on the Crow Creek, which I’ve designated as Lower and Upper Crow Creek Falls. What I remember about these two falls is the trip you have to take to get there. These waterfalls, along with many other waterfalls, are located in the mountainous, or at least very hilly, regions of northeastern Georgia.

To get to the falls, you’ll start out on a paved road, which will soon turn into a dirt road. Along that dirt road, you’ll begin to realize that there are a LOT of twists and turns, and it can get a little bit dizzying. In total, you’ll drive around 10 miles along these crazy roads. It’s rather exciting once you finally reach the falls, since you’ll be able to get out and regain your sense of balance! The Lower Creek Falls, which can be seen directly from the “road”, is rather small. I showed up at just the wrong time when the sun was shining directly above the falls.

Directions:

  1. You’ll be travelling along US-441 north of Tallulah Falls.
  2. About 2 miles north of Tallulah Falls will be Old US-441.
  3. Turn onto old US-441, heading west for about 2.5 miles.
  4. Turn left on Lake Rabun Rd. and go for 6 miles. You will come to a dam with a road that crosses the lake/river right before the dam.
  5. Turn left and cross the dam.
  6. Go a short distance and turn/veer right onto Crow Creek Rd.
  7. Start watching your odometer. Travel for 3.7 miles on Crow Creek Rd. It will be rather narrow at points, so be careful!
  8. Right around the 3.7 mile mark, pay attention for a creek to your left. This will be Crow Creek. Park on the side of the road, since there is no parking area.
  9. You can see Lower Crow Creek Falls from the road. Take the trail behind the mound to get to Upper Crow Creek Falls.

Accessibility: 10/10 (easy)
Height: 5′
Length of Hike: roadside

Lower Crow Creek Falls in March 2009

 Where in the World is Lower Crow Creek Falls?

L’Eau d’Or Falls, Georgia

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leau dor

L’Eau d’Or Falls in March 2009

I am not a big fan of heights. Tallulah Gorge does nothing to calm this fear. When visiting Tallulah Gorge, you’ll be able to see drops of 750+ feet, and boy that can be weird. There are multiple waterfalls on the river below.

L’Eau d’Or Falls Falls is the only waterfall that I got a very good view of from above. You can walk down to the river below. Let me correct that statement. You can climb down 650 steps to get to a suspension bridge that hangs 85 feet above the bottom of the river. Anybody can go the suspension bridge, though only a certain number of people are allowed to hike further into the gorge. Ask the park rangers for more information. I definitely wasn’t going to do that, though.

Directions:

  1. From Clayton, Georgia head south on US-23/US-441/GA-15.
  2. On your left, you’ll see a sign for the entrance to Tallulah Gorge State Park. Turn left and head down that road.
  3. Park in the parking lot, and follow the multitude of different trails to explore the park.

Accessiblity: 10/10 (easy, from the “rim”)
Height: 46′
Length of Hike: 0.2 miles round-trip

Where in the World is L’Eau d’Or Falls?

Upper Crow Creek Falls, Georgia

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Upper Crow Creek Falls in March 2009

Some waterfalls are inundated with people, making it hard to even get a picture. Upper Crow Creek Falls definitely does not have that problem. While the actual hike to the falls is short, the drive to the falls is not. It requires a drive down a considerable length of dirt road near Lake Rabun in Georgia. Because of this, it’s unlikely that many people visit this waterfall, but it makes for the perfect spot for somebody wanting quiet and peace.

Directions:

  1. You’ll be travelling along US-441 north of Tallulah Falls.
  2. About 2 miles north of Tallulah Falls will be Old US-441.
  3. Turn onto old US-441, heading west for about 2.5 miles.
  4. Turn left on Lake Rabun Road and go for 6 miles. You will come to a dam with a road that crosses the lake/river right before the dam.
  5. Turn left and cross the dam.
  6. Go a short distance and turn/veer right onto Crow Creek Rd.
  7. Start watching your odometer. Travel for 3.7 miles on Crow Creek Rd. It will be rather narrow at points, so be careful!
  8. Right around the 3.7 mile mark, pay attention for a creek to your left. This will be Crow Creek. Park on the side of the road, since there is no parking area.
  9. You can see Lower Crow Creek Falls from the road. Take the trail behind the mound to get to Upper Crow Creek Falls.

Accessibility: 9/10 (easy)
Height: 15′
Length of Hike: 0.4 miles round-trip

Where in the World is Upper Crow Creek Falls?

Sylvan Falls, Georgia

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Sylvan Falls in March 2009

While Sylvan Falls might not be the most spectacular waterfall in waterfall-loaded Rabun County, I still envy the bed and breakfast owners who live right near Sylvan Falls. The waterfall doesn’t have a lot of water flowing down it, but the scenery is pretty enough.

The waterfall can be view from the road, which a very nice thing about this falls. I don’t know if you can get out and view it, though. The waterfall is on the B&B’s property (Sylvan Mills Bed and Breakfast Website), so I didn’t even try. I just took the pictures from my car.

Directions:

  1. From US-441 north of Clayton, you will turn onto Wolffork Road. If you are heading north, it will be a left turn.
  2. Go 2.3 miles to Taylor Chapel Road. Turn left.
  3. After a short distance, you will see the bed and breakfast on the right. The waterfall will be right after the house.

Accessibility: 10/10 (easy)
Height: 50′
Length of Hike: roadside

Where in the World is Sylvan Falls?

Minnehaha Falls, Georgia

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Minnehaha Falls in March 2009

Off in the remote parts of Georgia are some surprisingly beautiful waterfalls. Minnehaha Falls is one of the more accessible falls in this area around Lake Rabun. The trip to the falls involves a whole lot of twisting and turning at 25 mph on roads that hug the mountains, so get ready to get a little bit dizzy! But when you finally get to the falls, you’ll be extremely happy you’re a little bit dizzy.

The most difficulty I had with finding Minnehaha Falls was that I turned on the wrong road. There are two other waterfalls on another road along Lake Rabun. I misread the sign and then spent a while trying to figure out why I wasn’t finding Minnehaha Falls. Finally, though, all turned out OK!

Directions:

  1. You’ll be travelling along US-441 north of Tallulah Falls.
  2. About 2 miles north of Tallulah Falls will be Old US-441.
  3. Turn onto old US-441, heading west for about 2.5 miles.
  4. Turn left on Lake Rabun Road and go for 6 miles. You will come to a dam with a road that crosses the lake/river right before the dam.
  5. Turn left and cross the dam.
  6. After a very short distance, you will turn left onto Bear Gap Road, which is a dirt road.
  7. Go about 1.5 miles on Bear Gap Road to a sign indicating the trail to Minnehaha Falls.
  8. There is only parking for two or three cars. After parking, head up the trail.

Accessibility: 8/10 (easy/moderate)
Height: 75′
Length of Hike: 0.5 miles round-trip

Where in the World is Minnehaha Falls?

Toccoa Falls, Georgia

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Toccoa Falls in March 2009

Toccoa Falls is within 30 miles of other waterfalls, but it seems far enough away and isolated enough that I almost ended up not visiting it. I ended up visiting the falls since the other waterfalls further north in Rabun County seemed like they were more difficult to access.

Toccoa Falls is very easy to access. It is located on the campus of Toccoa Falls College. There is a very short walk from the parking area to the 180’+ falls. The waterfall seems to be unique for this region of Georgia, as many of the others in the region seem to be cascades, where this is a plunge falls. If you’re in the area, check it out, because it’s so easy to view.

Directions:

  1. Toccoa Falls College and the falls are accessed from GA-17 Alt.
  2. I was driving south on GA-17 Alt, and the entrance to the college was on the right
  3. As you enter the college, go very slowly. Look at the signs to get to the falls. There is one sign that is somewhat confusing. It shows an arrow going straight forward. Go left instead of right. If you have ended up in the dorm area, go back and take the other road.
  4. From the parking area, it’s a very easy trek to the falls.

Accessibility: 10/10 (easy)
Height: 186′
Length of Hike: 0.2 miles round-trip

Where in the World is Toccoa Falls?

Mud Creek Falls, Georgia

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Out in the woods of Georgia is Sky Valley, a somewhat fancy leisure community and golf course that seems out of place. When you enter Sky Valley, it seems like any waterfalls would have disappeared with the buildup of the community, but off in a corner of Sky Valley is Mud Creek Falls. It’s actually a very pretty waterfall that is easy to access and even has a little picnic area next to it.

Mud Creek Falls is also known as Little Estatoah Falls because it ends up that it’s on the same creek (Mud Creek!) as Estatoah Falls. Estatoah Falls is Mud Creek Fall’s bigger brother, but it’s also the far more private brother. If you’re looking to get close to a waterfall, Mud Creek Falls is your only option here.

Directions:

  1. From US-441, turn onto GA-246 heading east.
  2. Go for about 4 miles to Bald Mountain Rd. It’s a little bit odd, as you will leave Georgia briefly, enter North Carolina, and then reenter Georgia.
  3. Turn right onto Bald Mountain Road, and go a mile to the Sky Valley gated community.
  4. Enter the gate and veer to the left toward the golf course area.
  5. After about 0.5 miles, you will turn right on Tahoe Lane, which is very easy to miss. If you’ve come to the golf course, you’ve gone too far.
  6. After you’ve turned on Tahoe Lane, go straight down to the end of the road, literally. There will be some curving and some unpaved road, but right at the end is the picnic area and Mud Creek Falls.

Accessibility: 10/10
Height: ~50′
Length of Hike: None (roadside)

Mud Creek Falls (55)

Mud Creek Falls in March 2009

Where in the World is Mud Creek Falls?

Ada-Hi Falls, Georgia

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Ada-Hi Falls in March 2009

Ada-Hi Falls is located in Black Rock Mountain State Park in Rabun County, Georgia. There was some water flowing over the falls, but not much. Ada-Hi Falls is larger than it appears, though some of the drops are below the platform. The walk to the falls is moderately steep but short, and there is an obvious trail down to the falls.  I’m not sure that I would go to visit Ada-Hi Falls solely for the sake of visiting the falls.  They weren’t particularly impressive, and the time and effort required to drive up the mountain to the falls may not be worth it.  If you’re visiting Black Rock Mountain State Park for other reasons, then stop by the falls!

Directions:

  1. From GA-441, turn into the entrance for Black Rock Mountain State Park.
  2. Continue on this twisting, winding road for a ways.
  3. As you enter the State Park, you will have two options. Turn left toward the campground.
  4. Find a place to park. I parked right near the state park cabin.
  5. As you are driving to your parking place, you will pass the trailhead to Ada-Hi Falls. Backtrack to the trailhead, and then from there you can head right to the falls.

Accessibility: 7/10 (easy/moderate, some steep sections)
Height: 35′
Length of Hike: 0.6 miles round-trip

Where in the World is Ada-Hi Falls?