Think you’ve seen all the best waterfalls near Atlanta?
Think again.
Within two hours of the city, there are dreamy falls tucked away on quiet trails and back roads.
We’re talking secret swimming holes, peaceful forest paths, and jaw-dropping views that’ll have you wondering how they’re not more famous.
So if you’re craving some nature without the crowds, grab your sneakers and let’s chase the waterfalls nobody’s talking about (yet).
1. Helton Creek Falls
Helton Creek Falls is a double waterfall in the Chattahoochee National Forest, just about 1 hour and 50 minutes from Atlanta.
To get there, park at the Helton Creek Falls Trailhead off Helton Creek Road (just be ready for a bumpy gravel road!) and take the short 0.3-mile trail to the falls.
The upper fall drops around 50 feet and the lower about 30 feet, with both crashing into a shallow pool that’s perfect for wading on a hot day.
Plan your visit in spring or early summer, when the water’s flowing strong, wildflowers are blooming, and the whole forest smells like fresh mountain air.
2. Toccoa Falls
If big, bold waterfalls are your thing, Toccoa Falls delivers with a 186-foot plunge that’s even taller than Niagara.
It’s located on the campus of Toccoa Falls College, about 90 minutes from Atlanta, and getting there is easy with a 100-yard walk from the visitor center.
What makes this waterfall stand out isn’t just its height, but the peaceful vibe and the steady crash of water like a curtain of white noise.
Go in the fall for fiery leaves and fewer crowds, or swing by after a good rain when the falls roar like a thunderstorm.
3. Cascade Springs Nature Preserve
For a waterfall adventure without the drive, Cascade Springs Nature Preserve is a hidden gem within the Atlanta city limits.
Set in the southwest area, the 1.9‑mile loop takes you past moss-covered Civil War earthworks and a historic springhouse before arriving at a pretty little cascade.
It flows gently over rock ledges rather than plunging down, but it’s incredibly peaceful and great for a relaxing afternoon walk.
For the best experience, visit in spring when everything’s lush, the water flows strong, and the preserve feels like your own private escape.
4. Minnehaha Falls
Minnehaha Falls is a great pick when you’re up for a quick hike with a major payoff.
It’s roughly 2 hours from Atlanta near Lake Rabun, and the 0.4-mile trail from the Bear Gap Road parking area is short, shady, and lined with rhododendrons.
This waterfall fans out over layered rock like a giant natural staircase, tumbling about 100 feet.
It’s best in late spring or early summer when the forest comes alive with color and the whole scene looks like something out of a storybook.
5. High Shoals Falls
High Shoals Falls rewards the effort with serious views, located deep in the forest near Hiawassee, around 2 hours from Atlanta.
The 2.4-mile round-trip hike from the High Shoals Falls Trailhead has a bit of a climb and a bunch of stairs, but it takes you past not one but two waterfalls.
Blue Hole Falls comes first with a 20-foot drop into a turquoise pool, followed by the 50-foot High Shoals Falls that crashes into a rocky gorge.
Visit in early fall for cooler temps, colorful leaves, and way fewer people on the trail.
6. Amicalola Falls
Next up is the stunning Amicalola Falls, a 729-foot giant that’s not only Georgia’s tallest waterfall but also loud enough to hear before you even see it.
Located in Amicalola Falls State Park near Dawsonville, the falls can be reached in a few different ways, including a 604-step staircase right next to the water.
If stairs aren’t your thing, a shorter paved path leads to a viewing platform that still offers a gorgeous view without the workout.
Time your visit in spring or early fall, when the waterfall is at full force and the mountain vistas from the top are next-level.
7. High Falls
If a roaring waterfall is what you’re after, head south of Atlanta to High Falls in High Falls State Park.
This one crashes over giant rocks along the Towaliga River with a wide, thunderous flow that makes up for its modest height.
To take it all in, hike the 1.5-mile Falls View Trail with great photo ops and a river overlook that will make you want to stop for a while.
The best time to go is spring and fall, when the water’s wild and the summer crowds aren’t around.
8. Little River Falls (Alabama)
Just across the Georgia line in Alabama, Little River Falls is worth the 2 hour drive that rewards you with a 45-foot drop straight into a deep canyon, and yes, it’s as dramatic as it sounds.
It’s part of Little River Canyon National Preserve near Fort Payne, and the best part is you can see the falls just steps from the main parking lot off Highway 35.
During summer, the water is calm enough for wading and splashing, but after a heavy rain in spring or fall, it turns into a powerful wall of water.
There’s also a short boardwalk for easy views or a longer trail that leads you down into the canyon if you’re feeling adventurous.
9. Riley Moore Falls (South Carolina)
Riley Moore Falls in South Carolina is one of those spots that feels like a secret swimming hole with a bonus waterfall.
Located in Westminster, this 12-foot-high waterfall pours over a rocky ledge into a shallow, splash-friendly pool.
To get there, you’ll hike a forested trail that starts from the gravel parking area off Spy Rock Road.
Summer is the sweet spot for this one, bring water shoes, pack a picnic, and get ready to spend the afternoon chilling right by the falls.
10. Brasstown Falls (South Carolina)
Not far from Riley Moore, Brasstown Falls gives you not one, not two, but three waterfalls on a single short trail.
Tucked away in the Sumter National Forest, the whole hike is only about 1 mile round-trip with some steep and rooty spots.
You’ll reach the 60-foot Upper Falls first, then the 20-foot middle tier, and finally the 25-foot Lower Falls that spills into a wide pool.
Go in spring or early summer when the leaves are thick, the water’s high, and the whole trail feels like a jungle adventure.
(As of February 2025 the lower part of the Brasstown Falls Trail was temporarily closed due to damage from Hurricane Helene, so check online before planning your visit.)
11. DeSoto Falls (Alabama)
If nature could drop the mic, it would be DeSoto Falls in Alabama because it plunges 104 feet into a rocky canyon below.
It’s located in DeSoto State Park near Mentone, and you can get jaw-dropping views just a few minutes from the parking area off DeSoto Parkway.
If you want more waterfall action, the park also has a few smaller falls, like the Laurel Falls and the Azalea Cascade.
The best time to go is late winter through spring, when the water’s gushing and the mist in the air makes the whole place feel cinematic.
12. Vickery Creek Falls
Wrapping up the list is Vickery Creek Falls in Roswell, which is still within metro Atlanta, yet it feels like you’re deep in the woods.
This waterfall crashes beside the ruins of an old textile mill, and you can reach it from the trailhead at the Old Mill Park parking lot on Mill Street.
From there, the trails wind through the forest, across a wooden covered bridge, and past creeks and Civil War history.
It’s a solid year-round pick, but late spring is extra pretty with blooming trees.
(Note: As of August 16, 2024, water access at the Vickery Creek/Old Mill Park Waterfall was suspended for environmental recovery. You can enjoy the views from designated trails and viewing areas only.)
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