North Georgia is hiding some seriously wild stuff.
We’re talking massive waterfalls crashing down into secret swimming holes, caves so deep they’ll make your stomach flip, and forest trails that lead to places that feel totally unreal.
And this north Georgia caves and waterfalls road trip is going to uncover the best spots that you need to see.
Some places need a little hike to get there, and a few might even make your legs shake, but every single one is worth it.
1. Cloudland Canyon State Park
Cloudland Canyon State Park is in northwest Georgia, right on the edge of Lookout Mountain, and it’s packed with jaw-dropping views, deep gorges, and two amazing waterfalls.
The park’s biggest stars are Cherokee Falls and Hemlock Falls.
They’re both around 60 feet tall and reachable by the 2-mile Waterfalls Trail, which has 600 stairs, so yes, your legs are gonna feel it.
You’ll also find crazy cool caves nearby like Sitton’s Cave, a wild limestone cave you can explore on a guided tour with helmets and headlamps.
With over 64 miles of trails, from easy rim walks to the super steep 6-mile Sitton’s Gulch Trail, this place is perfect if you’re into hiking, exploring caves, or just chasing waterfalls.
2. Lula Falls
Just a short drive from Cloudland Canyon, Lula Falls feels like one of North Georgia’s best-kept secrets and is 100% worth the trip.
As the name suggests, the main event here is Lula Falls, a stunning 120-foot waterfall that crashes down into a rocky canyon, and yes, it’s as epic as it sounds.
You’ll hike about 4.2 miles round-trip on the Lula Lake Land Trust trail to reach it, passing a smaller waterfall and a sparkling lake along the way.
The catch?
It’s only open to the public on select weekends, so snag a reservation online before you go or risk some serious waterfall FOMO.
3. Ellison’s Cave / Pettyjohn’s Cave
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, Ellison’s Cave and Pettyjohn’s Cave take things way underground—literally.
Ellison’s Cave is one of the deepest caves in the U.S., with a drop called Fantastic Pit that’s 586 feet straight down!
Pettyjohn’s Cave is a bit more beginner-friendly, with about 6.5 miles of mapped passageways full of tight squeezes, cool rock formations, and total darkness if you turn off your headlamp.
Both are located on Lookout Mountain near LaFayette, Georgia, and while Ellison’s is for serious cavers only, Pettyjohn’s is popular with casual explorers.
4. Amicalola Falls
And if you’re chasing the biggest waterfall in Georgia, Amicalola Falls is where you need to be.
This beast drops 729 feet down the mountainside in a series of cascades, and you can see it up close by climbing a heart-pounding staircase with over 600 steps.
It’s located in Amicalola Falls State Park near Ellijay, and also marks the official start of the 8.5-mile Approach Trail to the Appalachian Trail.
Whether you’re hiking, snapping pics from the bridge, or just standing at the bottom staring up in awe, this place is straight-up legendary.
5. Raven Cliff Falls
For a waterfall with serious fairytale vibes (minus the dragons), head to Raven Cliff Falls near Helen.
The 5-mile round-trip trail takes you deep into a shady forest, with creek crossings, moss-covered rocks, and mini waterfalls teasing you the whole way.
At the end, you’ll find a wild multi-tiered 100-foot waterfall that gushes through a dramatic split in a cliff—it literally looks like the rock cracked open just to let the water through.
It’s one of North Georgia’s most loved hikes, and if you go in spring, the wildflowers along the trail totally steal the show.
6. Anna Ruby Falls
If you want a waterfall that’s super impressive and super easy to get to, Anna Ruby Falls is a total win.
Located just outside Helen in the Chattahoochee National Forest, this double waterfall is where two creeks—Curtis and York—drop 153 feet and 50 feet side by side.
The paved trail to the falls is only 0.8 miles round-trip, so it’s perfect if you’ve got kids, tired legs, or just want max views with minimal effort.
Plus, the whole area is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, so there’s a visitor center, clean restrooms, and even benches along the trail for snack breaks or just soaking up the sounds of rushing water.
7. Panther Creek Falls
If you’re more into forests and swimming holes, Panther Creek Falls is perfect for you.
This 7-mile round-trip hike near Clarkesville winds through mossy woods, bridges, and rocky cliffs before dropping you at a wide, 80-foot waterfall that spills into a crystal-clear pool.
The base of the falls is perfect for cooling off, so bring water shoes and a packed lunch because you’ll want to stay a while after that hike.
It’s part of the Chattahoochee National Forest, and while the trail gets steep and rooty in spots, the waterfall payoff is totally worth every muddy step.
8. Tallulah Falls
And to end on a total showstopper, Tallulah Falls brings the drama in the best way possible.
This isn’t just one waterfall, it’s a series of six major drops inside a 1,000-foot-deep gorge that’ll make your jaw hit the trail.
You can hike the 2-mile Hurricane Falls Loop Trail, cross a swaying suspension bridge 80 feet above the river, and then climb a brutal 1,099 stairs if you’re up for the full experience.
It’s all part of Tallulah Gorge State Park, where permits are required to go onto the gorge floor, but trust me, the views from the rim are just as wild.
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