Northeast Georgia Mountain Travel Association

Waterfalls

Although it's hard to get the majority of people to agree on anything, one thing that most of us would agree on is the majestic splendor of waterfalls. And fortunately for residents and visitors to the Northeast Georgia Mountains, our area is full of them. From Amicalola's 729 feet of cascades, to Raven Cliff's peculiar presentation, Northeast Georgia waterfalls never disappoint. And although only a handful of waterfalls are visible from the road or parking lots, most are easily reached with a short walk or hike.

The following list contains information and directions to some of Northeast Georgia's most popular waterfalls. So put on those walking shoes, get out there, stretch those legs, breath some fresh air and enjoy these natural wonders that lighten the heart and stir the soul!

Photographer Jack Anthony has been all over north Georgia photographing the beautiful falls. See his web site to view many of these North Georgia falls and purchase a beautiful Waterfall 18x24 inch poster that shows 20 of the major waterfalls in the region.

Toccoa Falls

On the campus of Toccoa Falls College sits 186-foot high Toccoa Falls, 26 feet higher than Niagara Falls. From the gift shop and parking area, it is just a short walk along the stream to the base of the falls. Toccoa Area: From Toccoa, take GA Alternate 17 for about one mile. It will be on the left.

Raven Cliff Falls

This waterfall is perhaps one of the most unusual in the North Georgia area because the water flows through a split in the face of a solid rock outcropping to the ground 100 feet below. Behind the split, the water drops approximately 60 feet and then rushes through the rock face and drops 20 feet into a deep pool. GThe water than cascades 20 more feet to Dodd Creek. Three other waterfalls can be found on Dodd Creek. The largest is located downstream from Raven Cliff Falls and measures 70 feet. Helen/Hiawassee Area: Take GA 75 north from Helen for 1.5 miles. Turn left on GA 356 and travel 2.3 miles to the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway. Turn right and travel 2.8 miles to the trailhead and parking area.

Panther Creek Falls

Panther Creek Falls Trail, 5.5-miles in length, follows Panther Creek through stands of hemlock and white pine along steep, rocky bluffs of the creek. The trail passes a series of cascades, as well as, Panther Creek Falls. Clarkesville/Cornelia Area: From Clarkesville, take U.S. 23/441 north for 10 miles to the Panther Creek Recreation Area. The western end of the trail begins across the highway from the Recreation Area. The eastern end of the trail can be reached by driving west on Yohah Dam Road.

Mud Creek Falls

Also known as "Little Estatoah", the falls have vertical drop of 100 feet and flow into Estatoah Falls in Dillard.
Clayton/Rabun County Area: Take Highway 441 north to Dillard. Turn right on GA Highway 246 and follow signs to Sky Valley. At Sky Valley's entrance gate, turn left. Turn right on Tahoe Road and follow to the falls.

Minnehaha Falls

The Minnehaha Trail, .4-mile in length, follows Fall Branch until it dead ends at Minnehaha Falls. This waterfall is approximately 100 feet high (falling and shoaling). Clayton/Rabun County Area: Take U.S. 23/441 north from Tallulah Falls for three miles to the Rabun Beach Recreation Area sign. Turn left onto Old 441. Go 2.5 miles and take a left on Lake Rabun Road. Go 1 mile past Recreation area. Take a left on Low Gap Road. Follow Bear Gap road which forks to the left. Go 1.5 miles to the sign marking the trail on the right side of the road.

Mill Creek Falls

The waterfall on Ground Hog Branch drops about 150 feet where it combines with the main Mill Creek. The combined streams plunge another estimated 150 feet, ending in a series of rapids which cascade down the Mill Creek Gorge. Helen/Hiawassee Area: From Hiawassee, take U.S. 76 east. Turn right on GA Hwy. 75 and travel 3.5 miles. Turn left on Mill Creek Road (Forest Service Road 26) for 2.5 miles. The road crosses Mill Creek 1.5 miles from pavement. Park at the camping area on the right. Hike through the primitive camping area and follow the west side of Mill Creek downstream.