Ready to trade traffic and to-do lists for mountain views and majestic waterfalls?
This road trip through North Georgia is packed with twisty back roads, fresh air, and some of the prettiest lakes and waterfalls you’ve ever seen.
There are some real hidden gems in here, so don’t forget to save this for later so you can do this lakes and waterfalls road trip with your friends.
1. Amicalola Falls
Amicalola Falls is a jaw-dropping 729-foot waterfall in Amicalola Falls State Park, just 8 miles from the southern end of the Appalachian Trail.
It’s the tallest waterfall in Georgia and among the highest in the eastern U.S., crashing down steep rock ledges like a giant natural staircase.
You can take the 604-step staircase trail beside the falls for epic views and a serious leg workout, or choose the easier 1-mile Base of the Falls Trail.
Fun fact: “Amicalola” comes from a Cherokee word meaning “tumbling waters” and this place absolutely lives up to the name.
2. Nottely Lake
Leaving the falls behind, a quick drive north brings you to Nottely Lake, where things slow down and chill out.
This 4,180-acre lake stretches across the mountains near Blairsville, and it’s perfect for swimming, tubing, kayaking, or just floating around.
One of the best ways to enjoy the lake is from Meeks Park, where you’ll find a little beach and access to hidden coves great for paddleboarding or fishing.
Fun fact: The lake was created by the Nottely Dam in 1942, and it continues to supply hydroelectric power to the region.
3. Lake Winfield Scott
Located high in the Chattahoochee National Forest, Lake Winfield Scott is a peaceful spot that feels like your own private retreat.
It’s only 18 acres, but it offers crystal-clear water, a swimming area, and a cozy campground surrounded by tall trees.
You can do the easy Lake Loop, which is just under a mile, or do the tougher Jarrard Gap route, which leads to the Appalachian Trail.
Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this little lake has a timeless feel that makes it easy to forget what day it is.
4. Helton Creek Falls
Just down the road from Lake Winfield Scott, Helton Creek Falls is like finding a double scoop of waterfall magic in the middle of the woods.
This spot features two cascades—one smaller and one larger, with the total height being around 100 feet.
And yes, you can wade into the clear pool at the bottom for a refreshing break.
The trail to the falls is super short (just 0.3 miles round trip), but it’s a little steep and can get muddy, so wear shoes you don’t mind getting messy.
It’s a place where you’ll want to kick off your shoes, splash around, and maybe stay way longer than you planned.
5. Lake Chatuge
Next is Lake Chatuge, a massive 7,000-acre lake straddling the Georgia–North Carolina border, known for its stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains.
With 132 miles of shoreline, there’s plenty of room for boating, wakeboarding, fishing, or simply finding the perfect picnic spot.
You’ll also find Towns County Recreational Beach—a favorite for swimming, with a short trail nearby that loops through scenic pine and hardwood forests.
Fun fact: The lake was created in 1942 by the Chatuge Dam, and locals call it the “Jewel Of The Mountains”—to be honest, they’re not wrong.
6. Anna Ruby Falls
Just outside the alpine-style town of Helen, Anna Ruby Falls delivers incredible views with not one, but two gorgeous waterfalls.
It’s where two separate creeks—Curtis and York—team up, forming twin waterfalls that drop 153 feet and 50 feet next to each other.
The paved trail is just 0.8 miles round trip and very easy to tackle, even if you’ve already done some hiking earlier in the day.
There’s also a visitor center near the entrance with snacks, gifts, and lots of interesting tidbits about the area if you’re into forest trivia.
7. Lake Burton
Right when you think the lake views can’t get any better, Lake Burton shows up ready to impress.
Spanning 2,775 acres, this lake is a local go-to for wake surfing, jet skiing, and laid-back pontoon rides with incredible mountain views.
Moccasin Creek State Park sits right on the shoreline and has a fishing dock, boat ramp, and a flat trail that loops through the woods and along the water.
Lake Burton is also home to LaPrade’s Marina, where you can rent a boat or enjoy lakeside dining.
8. Minnehaha Falls
After Lake Burton, head over to Minnehaha Falls, a beautiful spot that you can’t afford to miss.
The waterfall spills over a wide rock wall in several tiers, dropping about 100 feet in total and fanning out like a curtain of white water.
It’s a short 0.4-mile round-trip hike, made even better in spring and summer by blooming wildflowers and rhododendrons.
9. Tallulah Falls at Tallulah Gorge State Park
If you’re chasing a bold grand finale, Tallulah Falls at Tallulah Gorge State Park brings the drama with big views in one of the most iconic state parks in Georgia.
The gorge itself is nearly 1,000 feet deep and two miles long, with six dramatic waterfalls crashing through the rocky canyon below.
You can hike the North and South Rim Trails for jaw-dropping overlooks, and there’s a suspension bridge 80 feet above the river that’s guaranteed to give you butterflies.
Or if you’re feeling more adventurous, then snag a free permit and head down more than 1,000 steps to the gorge floor.
This place is wild, loud, and totally unforgettable.
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