Think you’ve seen all the waterfalls in Georgia?
Think again.
Tucked away down quiet forest roads and behind lesser-known trailheads, these hidden waterfalls are the kind of spots you’ll want to keep all to yourself.
We’re talking about secret swimming holes, surprise cliff drops, and falls so quiet and peaceful you’ll wonder how they’ve stayed under the radar.
You won’t find these on every tourist map, and that’s exactly why they’re so special.
Ready to explore Georgia’s best-kept waterfall secrets?
Let’s go chasing!
1. Holcomb Creek Falls
Holcomb Creek Falls is a 120-foot-tall cascading waterfall tucked away in the Chattooga River District of the Chattahoochee National Forest, about 40 minutes from Clayton.
To get there, park at the Holcomb Creek Trailhead off Hale Ridge Road and hike the 1.3-mile loop trail that also takes you past the nearby Ammons Creek Falls.
This trail is short, shady, and super scenic, with an awesome view of the falls tumbling down mossy rock slabs.
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit when the water is rushing strong and wildflowers are popping up along the trail.
2. Dick’s Creek Falls
A 45-minute drive from Holcomb Creek, Dick’s Creek Falls is a 60-foot waterfall that spills straight into the Chattooga River and it’s seriously photo-worthy.
You’ll start your adventure at the Dick’s Creek Falls Trailhead and hike about 1.4-mile round trip through peaceful forest to reach the falls.
The trail is easy to follow and ends with a wide, rocky area that’s perfect for picnics or dipping your toes in the water while you watch the falls crash into the river below.
Late spring is a great time to catch the waterfall at full power especially after a good rain.
And during summer, this spot is popular for wading, sunning, and watching kayakers cruise the Chattooga.
3. Raper Creek Falls
If you’re up for a bit more of a wild adventure, Raper Creek Falls is a hidden gem that feels totally off the radar.
You can reach it via a short, steep, and often slippery path just 100–200 feet from a roadside pull-off near the end of Raper Creek Road, just outside of Batesville.
Definitely bring GPS and wear shoes that can handle mud.
The waterfall itself is about 25 feet tall, sliding down smooth rock into a quiet, shady pool that feels like your own secret spot in the middle of nowhere.
It’s best to visit in early spring or late fall when the underbrush is low, and finding this one feels like uncovering a secret the forest’s been keeping.
4. Blue Hole Falls
Next up is Blue Hole Falls, a total show-off with a 20-foot waterfall that spills into one of the bluest swimming holes you’ll ever see in Georgia.
You’ll find it along the High Shoals Trail near Hiawassee—just park at the High Shoals Scenic Area parking lot off Indian Grave Gap Road and hike about 1.2 miles to reach the falls.
The trail is shady, packed with rhododendrons, and drops about 300 feet in elevation, so save a little energy for the hike back up.
This spot gets extra love in summer when folks come to cool off in the chilly, crystal-clear pool but if you want it all to yourself, try a weekday morning in early June.
5. Double Culvert Branch Falls
If you’re into chasing truly hidden waterfalls, Double Culvert Branch Falls is a little beauty most people drive right past without ever knowing it’s there.
It’s located off Chattahoochee River Road, just outside of Helen.
The hike is barely 0.1 mile—yep, you can basically hear it from your car.
The falls tumble down a rocky slope beside two old culverts (hence the name), creating a truly stunning waterfall that’s oddly fun to stumble upon.
This one’s best after a solid rain, and while it’s not the tallest or loudest, it wins points for being the easiest to reach with basically zero effort.
6. Helton Creek Falls
Helton Creek Falls is where you go when you want two waterfalls for the price of one and yep, they’re both gorgeous.
Located 25 minutes south of Blairsville in the Chattahoochee National Forest, the short 0.3-mile trail starts at Helton Creek Road and leads you to a lower falls and then a taller, 50-foot upper falls.
There’s a wooden viewing deck for snapping photos, but if you’re feeling brave (and it’s warm out), wade into the shallow pool at the base for a fun reward.
It’s especially magical in fall when the trees turn golden and the whole place looks like a postcard, just be careful, the rocks here get super slick.
7. Bearden Falls
Bearden Falls is for the true waterfall lovers—the kind who don’t mind getting their shoes muddy.
You’ll find the trailhead along Nimblewill Gap Road and be prepared for creek crossings and some steep scrambles, coming in at about 3 miles roundtrip.
The reward? A beautiful 80-ft waterfall that tumbles over mossy rock walls into a peaceful, fern-covered gorge that feels totally untouched.
Spring or early fall is a great time to go, water levels are usually solid, and you’ll either catch the lush greens before they thicken too much or enjoy colorful fall foliage with cooler temps.
8. Lula Falls
Last but definitely not least, Lula Falls brings the wow factor with a stunning 120-foot drop that looks like something straight out of a fantasy movie.
You’ll find it inside Lula Lake Land Trust near Lookout Mountain.
The hike to the falls is about 4.2 miles round trip if you take the full loop, with stops at a smaller upper falls and a dreamy lake that’s perfect for a snack break.
Spring and fall are prime time for visiting, when the waterfall is roaring and the surrounding cliffs light up with wildflowers or fall colors—either way, it’s a total showstopper.
Just a heads-up: it’s only open to the public on “Open Gate Days,” which take place on the first and last weekends of each month, so you’ll need to book a reservation online before you go.
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