Georgia’s Appalachian mountains provide incredible hiking, summit views, and waterfalls. Considering I’ve hiked to almost every waterfall in the state, here’s my list of the 12 most beautiful waterfalls in Georgia!
1. Anna Ruby Falls
Height – 153 feet
Anna Ruby Falls, located in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest near Helen, Georgia, is one of the state’s most beautiful and iconic waterfalls. This stunning natural attraction features two cascading falls formed by Curtis Creek and York Creek, which merge at the base. Curtis Creek drops 153 feet, while York Creek descends 50 feet, creating a breathtaking twin waterfall.
Accessible via a short, well-maintained trail, the falls are surrounded by lush forest teeming with native flora and fauna. Along the trail, visitors can enjoy interpretive signs providing insight into the area’s geology, ecology, and history.
Anna Ruby Falls offers a tranquil escape, making it a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers seeking to experience Georgia’s scenic beauty. Its picturesque appeal and ease of access make it one of the most cherished landmarks in the state.
2. Minnehaha Falls
Height – 100 feet
Minnehaha Falls, located in Rabun County, Georgia, is a charming and easily accessible waterfall known for its cascading tiers and serene beauty. The falls descend gracefully over a series of rock ledges, creating a picturesque, curtain-like effect that captivates visitors.
Reaching Minnehaha Falls involves a short and easy hike, just 0.4 miles each way, through a forested trail rich with rhododendrons and moss-covered surroundings. The trail is family-friendly and well-suited for hikers of all skill levels.
This hidden gem is perfect for nature enthusiasts seeking a peaceful retreat and photographers looking to capture one of North Georgia’s prettiest waterfalls. Its tranquil setting and simplicity make it a must-visit destination in the region.
3. Toccoa Falls
Height – 186 foot
Toccoa Falls, located on the campus of Toccoa Falls College in Toccoa, Georgia, is a breathtaking natural landmark and one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in the region. At 186 feet, it is among the tallest waterfalls in the eastern United States, with water plunging dramatically from a sheer cliff into a tranquil pool below.
The falls are easily accessible via a short, flat path from the visitor center, making them a favorite for visitors of all ages. Their impressive height and picturesque surroundings of one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Georgia create a mesmerizing sight, perfect for photography, relaxation, or simply enjoying nature’s beauty.
4. DeSoto Falls
Height – 480 feet
DeSoto Falls, located in the Chattahoochee National Forest near Blairsville, Georgia, is a picturesque waterfall known for its series of cascades. The falls feature three main drops—the lower, middle, and upper cascades—each with unique beauty. The area is named after the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, who is believed to have passed through the region in the 1500s during his expedition. Legend has it that a piece of his armor was found near the falls, leading to its name.
5. High Falls
Height – 135 feet
High Falls, located in High Falls State Park, is a stunning natural attraction and the largest waterfall south of Atlanta, Georgia. This powerful cascade tumbles over rugged rocks, creating a dramatic and picturesque scene. But not only is it one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Georgia, it’s also a fun hike in the area leading to the ruins of an abandoned ghost town in the state.
6. Holcomb Creek Falls
Height – 120 feet
Holcomb Creek Falls, tucked away in Rabun County, Georgia, is a hidden gem and one of the state’s most underrated waterfalls. This enchanting cascade features a stunning 120-foot drop along smooth, slanted rock, surrounded by lush forest. Accessible via a moderate hiking trail that also leads to nearby Ammons Creek Falls, it offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers. Its serene beauty and relative seclusion make it a must-visit spot for those seeking a quieter, off-the-beaten-path adventure.
7. Hemlock Falls in Cloudland Canyon
Height – 90 feet
Hemlock Falls, located in Cloudland Canyon State Park in northwest Georgia, is a beautiful 90-foot free falling waterfall nestled in a massive gorge. The falls cascade through a rocky creek, surrounded by dense hemlock trees, creating a peaceful, serene atmosphere. There are other hiking trails and waterfalls here at Cloudland Canyon. Highly recommend a visit if you haven’t been. Especially if it rains within the week, this is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Georgia.
8. Amicalola Falls
Height – 729 feet
Amicalola Falls, is one of the tallest waterfalls in the southeastern U.S. with a dramatic 729-foot drop. The falls cascade over several rocky ledges, creating a stunning and powerful sight. Visitors can access the falls via a series of hiking trails, including a 600-step staircase for a close-up view. Not only the tallest waterfall in the state, also, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Georgia.
9. Horsetrough Falls
Height – 90 foot
Horsetrough Falls, located in a remote section of the Chattahoochee National Forest near Helen, Georgia, is an often overlooked but stunning waterfall. The 40-foot cascade flows gracefully over rock ledges into a tranquil pool, surrounded by lush forest and scenic views. Despite its beauty, Horsetrough Falls remains one of Georgia’s most underrated waterfalls, with fewer crowds compared to other more popular falls. A relatively short hike, it offers a peaceful and less-traveled experience for nature enthusiasts and photographers seeking a quiet escape.
10. High Shoals Falls
Height – 80 feet
High Shoals Falls, is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Georgia. At 80 feet, the waterfall with multiple cascades and a long rolling drop. The hike to the falls is moderately challenging, offering a rewarding view of the falls and the surrounding scenic beauty. Along the trail, you’ll also find an additional waterfall with a fun swinging rope.
11. Raven Cliff Falls
Height – 60 foot
Raven Cliff Falls, located in the Chattahoochee National Forest near Helen, Georgia, is a unique and striking waterfall known for its dramatic cliffside drop. The falls cascade over 40 feet before disappearing into a rugged gorge, offering breathtaking views from various vantage points along the hiking trail. What sets Raven Cliff Falls apart is its distinctive two-tiered drop and the scenic overlook that provides a rare view of the falls from above. The hike also has another cool waterfall half way, that we called, midway falls.
12. Panther Creek Falls
Height – 40 feet
Lastly, another one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Georgia is Panther Creek Falls, located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, is a stunning waterfall with a series of cascades dropping about 60 feet into a serene swimmable pool. The falls are surrounded by lush forest and rocky terrain, creating a picturesque and peaceful scene. And you can play within the falls, as well.
The hike to Panther Creek Falls is equally amazing—it’s a challenging round-trip if you also hity all of the split-off paths leading to landmarks. The trail, which winds through forested terrain and rocky paths, rewards hikers with the sight of the impressive waterfall at the end, making it a favorite among those seeking both a one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Georgia and a memorable adventure.
Summary | 12 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Georgia
Overall, I understand everyone has different opinions on everything but that’s my list of the 12 most beautiful waterfalls in Georgia. In case you want to see a video of hiking to 2 of these, see our trip to Desoto and Amicalola here. But for those that want to read about the 5 tallest waterfalls, see that here.