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Searching for the best waterfall hikes in North GA? Want to find a great spot to go hiking in the South?
While hiking in North GA can be a lot of fun in and of itself, going on a hike that leads to a beautiful waterfall can be even better. Luckily, there are many great hiking spots in North Georgia that offer amazing views of waterfalls and can give you a feeling of peace and tranquility as you rest by the rushing water.
Fortunately, we’ve done the hard work for you. Below is our list of the top waterfall hiking destinations in North Georgia.
1. Raven Cliff Falls Trail
If you’d like to hike in a beautiful stream valley, the Raven Cliff Falls Trail is a great option. The Raven Cliff Falls Trail is truly one of the best waterfall hikes in North GA.
This waterfall hike is 5 miles long, and it attracts numerous tourists each year. This hiking trail is moderate in difficulty, making it a good choice for just about everyone.
Summer is a great time to hike on the Raven Cliff trail because the area remains cool all the time. Along the unique trails, you’ll spot many campsites that you can spend the night in if you so choose.
At the start of the trail, visitors enjoy the site of a tree that features a heart-shaped opening. However, the best aspect of this waterfall hike is found at the very end, where you’ll be able to enjoy the view of a beautiful creek that has split a big cliff into two.
2. Dukes Creek Falls
Dukes Creek Falls is one of the best tourist attractions in North Georgia. The waterfall descends into a mossy and shallow stream and is a sight to see.
When hiking in Duke Creek Falls, you’ll have an amazing view of the Davis and Duke Creeks.
When hiking with your family, this location will be a great option. This is because there are many nice restaurants nearby that serve some great meals, giving you a great place to unwind after the hike.
3. Amicalola Falls Loop
For people who want to have a great time hiking, the Amicalola Falls Loop is the place to visit.
Amicalola Falls is the highest waterfall in North Georgia and people travel from many areas of the world just to see this natural wonder. “Amicalola” is a Cherokee name that simply means tumbling waters.
If you only want to hike the waterfall itself, you’ll be looking at a length ranging from .3 miles to 2.1 miles, depending on where you begin your trek. However, there are many more miles of trails in the surrounding area.
The waterfall is close to a state park, so this means that during your visit you’ll have access to all of the social activities you can shake a stick at. The camping ground, the lodge, and the restaurant along with the waterfall itself make this a must-visit destination in Georgia.
4. Jacks River Falls
Located in the Cohutta Wilderness Area, Jacks River Falls is among the most visited waterfalls in Georgia. There is a 4.5-mile trail to the waterfall, while the Cohutta Wilderness area spans more than 35,000 acres.
If you are a lover of camping and hiking, Jacks River Falls is a great place to have fun and go on a nice, scenic hike. The isolated space has many beautiful activities for its visitors to enjoy while in the area.
5. DeSoto Falls
Located near the town of Cleveland, GA, which has many more fun things to do, DeSoto Falls stands out because of its unique features and beauty.
The recreational family-friendly activities in the DeSoto Falls Recreation Area make the space very populated and many visitors come to the area to camp, fish, and picnic.
The waterfall was named after a popular Spanish conquistador, Hernando De Soto, who had visited the United States in the 1500s. The explorer came into this area during the 16th century, and according to legend, a plate of armor was found in the area in the 1880s.
Final Thoughts
If you love hiking and taking photographs in beautiful places, North Georgia will offer you everything you need. Be sure that you visit one or more of these waterfall hikes if you want to have an amazing time on your own or with family and friends.
Looking for more great activities in North Georgia? Read this list now to find more great things to do in Dahlonega now.
Cover Image: Bill Golladay via Wikimedia Commons
Hey, I’m Harrison! I’m the creator of Southern Portals and the writer of many (but not all) of the posts you’ll find here. I’m a native of the North GA mountains, an avid traveler, and a singer-songwriter. This website is one of my passion projects and I hope to share a bit of my expertise with the world through it, so I hope you enjoy the articles that you find here. Thanks for reading!
