For a scenic and refreshing way to spend a hot day, venture to these scenic North Georgia waterfalls where you can splash around in the water.

These natural waterfall swimming holes provide a great way to cool off among some of the most scenic places in North Ga! Learn more about these local treasures and plan to visit these Georgia hiking trails waterfalls while enjoying your summer ventures in the mountains.

Note that entering the water near remote waterfalls can be dangerous due to dangers including strong currents, submerged hazards, slippery surfaces, and unpredictable water conditions. Please exercise caution, as waterfalls can have powerful currents and hidden rocks. Be mindful of your surroundings, adhere to any posted guidelines or warnings, and prioritize personal safety to ensure an enjoyable experience. Enter the water at your own risk and only with extreme caution.

 

North Georgia Waterfall Swimming

North Georgia is fortunate to have a nice collection of beautiful waterfalls to visit, and many of them even have scenic pools at their base that make the perfect location for a summertime dip in the water.

 

Blue Hole Falls and High Shoals Falls near Hiawassee

The Blue Hole Falls and High Shoals Falls are located between Helen and Hiawassee, and both can be accessed from the same trailhead. The hike is not too long, but it does involve a moderate level of difficulty due to the return climb back to the trailhead.

Take the 1.0-mile hike to Blue Hole Falls (pictured above) to view a 25-foot cliff of cascading water that falls into a classic-style pool. Thrill-seekers may enjoy testing out the rope swing.

Follow the same trail for another 0.4 miles to High Shoals Falls, where you can enjoy 50-foot waterfalls from a viewing platform or cool off in the pool below.

Dogs on leashes are welcome.

• Cost: FREE
• Address: 1333 Indian Grave Gap Road, Hiawassee, GA
• Website: visittownscounty.com/explore/experience/high-shoals-falls
• TripAdvisor: Blue Hole Falls is rated 5.0 with 10+ reviews
• TripAdvisor: High Shoals Falls Trail is rated 4.5 with 150+ reviews

 

Long Creek Falls near Blue Ridge

This hike is on the Appalachian Trail and the Benton MacKaye Trail (section 2a and 2b). Dogs on leashes are welcome. Free parking. Small area of pooling water at base of waterfall.

• Cost: FREE
• Length of roundtrip hike:  ~ 2.0 miles
• GPS: 34.663850, -84.183967
• Alltrails: Long Creek Falls via Appalachian Trail is rated 4.7 with 1,025+ reviews
• TripAdvisor: Long Creek Falls is rated 4.5 with 300+ reviews

 

Minnehaha Falls near Lake Rabun

Minnehaha Falls offers visitors a short hike to spectacular waterfalls! Located near Lake Rabun in Chattahoochee National Forest, the approach requires a 4-mile drive down a dirt road, so give yourself plenty of time for the drive. Once parked, the short hike to these falls rewards visitors with views of water cascading 60 feet! There is room to walk around and wade at the base of the waterfalls, but there is not really any “pool” for a full swim.

Dogs on leashes are welcome. Find this location and more on the National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map #778.

• Cost: FREE
• Length of roundtrip hike:  ~ 0.4 miles
• Alltrails: Minnehaha Falls Trail is rated 4.8 with 750+ reviews
• TripAdvisor: Minnehaha Falls is rated 5.0 with 175+ reviews
  • Ranked #1 for things to do in Lakemont

 

Hemlock Falls near Moccasin Creek State Park

Hemlock Falls is located in the Chattahoochee National Forest on Moccasin Creek in the Tallulah Ranger District. Park at the Hemlock Falls trailhead for free, or park across the street at Moccasin Creek State Park for a $5 daily parking fee (annual passes are also available).

The trail to Hemlock Falls is a fairly easy hike that follows a rushing creek and goes past several small waterfalls. Enjoy the scenic trail that ends at a waterfall with a pool area that is large enough for a swim.

Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in select areas. Find this location and more on the National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map #778.

• Cost: FREE (plus either free or paid parking)
• Length of roundtrip hike: ~ 2.0 miles
• Website: www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/conf/recarea/?recid=10511
• Alltrails: Hemlock Falls Trail is rated 4.7 with 1,000+ reviews
• TripAdvisor: Hemlock Falls Trail is rated 5.0 with 45+ reviews

 

Edge of the World Trail near Dawsonville

Depending on who you ask, this trail may be called a few different names including Edge of the World or the Amicalola River Trail. No matter what you call it, this trail in the Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area provides a great place to spend an afternoon among nature. The waterfalls here feature less of a drop than other waterfall swim locations, but there is lots of room to enjoy the lush scenery from the cool comfort of the water.

This ADA-compliant trail is a great place to stroll along the boardwalk and hike along the river until you find the perfect spot to swim, slide on the rocks, or enjoy a picnic.

Dogs on leashes are welcome.

• Cost: all guests ages 16+ must possess a valid hunting license, fishing license, or Georgia Lands Pass
  • These must be purchased in advance – licenses/passes are not available on-site
  • Hunting and fishing licenses will cost less than the lands pass and may be purchased by people who do not intend to hunt or fish
• Length of loop hike: ~ 2.5 miles
• Call: +1 (770) 535-5700
• Address: 7000 GA-53, Dawsonville, GA
• Website: georgiawildlife.com/dawson-forest-wma
• Alltrails: Amicalola Creek Boardwalk is rated 4.4 with 100+ reviews
• TripAdvisor: Dawson Forest WMA is rated 5.0

 

Helton Creek Falls near Helen

One of the most stunning waterfall swims in North Georgia is at Helton Creek Falls in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. The double waterfalls are accessed from a short hike after a 2-mile drive down a one-lane dirt road. Expect to cross a small creek or two on your drive toward the parking area.

Take the short 0.3-mile hike to the falls and cool off with a swim in either the pool under the upper falls (pictured above) or try the sliding rock at the lower falls. There is an observation deck to view the upper falls. Leashed dogs are welcome.

Check the Helton Creek Falls page for information about closures due to weather or other events.  Check the USFS website or Facebook page for updates regarding the status of access trails.

• Cost: FREE
• Phone (Blue Ridge Ranger District): +1 (706) 745-6928
• GPS: 34.751944, -83.896389
• Length of roundtrip hike: ~ 0.6 miles
• Website: www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/conf/recarea/?recid=10546
• Alltrails: Helton Creek Falls Trail is rated 4.6 with 575+ reviews
• TripAdvisor: Helton Creek Falls is rated 4.5 with 325+ ratings

 

North GA Waterfall Swimming Tips

 

Plan Ahead

North Georgia waterfalls are some of the most special local destinations, but generally, they do not provide any amenities. Keep a few things in mind to stay safe when you visit.

Swimming near waterfalls can be dangerous and may pose serious risks to your safety. Waterfalls often have strong currents, hidden rocks, and deep pools that can cause injury or even death. Additionally, waterfalls may be located in remote areas without easy access to emergency services or first aid. Please exercise caution and use your best judgment when deciding whether to enter the water. Always assess the risks, check the conditions, and make sure you have appropriate safety equipment and the necessary skills before attempting to swim near a waterfall.

Please note that swimming near waterfalls is done at your own risk. By choosing to enter the water, you accept responsibility for your own safety and well-being.

 

Water Safety

• Review and assess official reports, water levels, and currents before entering any area with moving water
• Use extreme caution near wet rocks and moving water – there are no lifeguards, no safety equipment, and all swimming is done at your own risk
• Wet rocks are very slippery – wearing water shoes may help with traction and protect feet from sharp objects in the water
• Consider using a hiking stick to help with stability in the water (and to help navigate steep and uneven trails)

 

Communication

• Cell phone data and service may be unavailable – download digital maps in advance or carry printed maps
• Share your travel plans with an emergency contact in advance of your trip

 

Comfort

• Take water and snacks with you, and be sure to use the bathroom before your trip
• Bring sun protection, towels, first aid, and other items required for your personal comfort

 

Transportation

• Trailhead access roads are usually rugged, one-lane dirt roads, and vehicles with low clearance may have a difficult time with drives that include water crossings over creeks
• Trailhead parking spots are limited (especially during peak dates) – arrive early for the best chance to secure a parking spot

 

Practice good trail etiquette

• Stay on the marked trails for your safety and to preserve the natural areas
• Pack out all your items and take your trash out with you when you leave

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The information above is intended to help you choose a great destination to enjoy a North Georgia waterfall swim. You are encouraged to read current reviews of these destinations to help you understand what to expect while both traveling to the destination and when you arrive.

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Find more great water activities in North Georgia, including Boat Rentals, River Tubing, and White Water Rafting. Stay safe, and have a wonderful time!