Wood Booger Top 5: Georgia Waterfalls

I love waterfalls, I have even written two blogs (here and here) recently, so why not another one. As waterfalls go, not many states east of the Mississippi River are any better than Georgia. Because of the geography of the Peach State, being on the edge of the Appalachian Mountains, this makes it an ideal place for cascading waters. While I haven’t have been to them all I have been too close to 30 different waterfalls. So with that said here are my Top 5 Georgia Waterfalls.

Honorable Mention:  Dukes Creek Falls. This was a tough one because this one easily could be in the Top 5. There are a couple of things about Dukes Creek. First the falls are not on Dukes Creek, it forms at the base. Second there are not one but two waterfalls here. The first one called Dukes Creek Falls is the more famous one. It is a 300-foot giant (on Davis Creek) that can be viewed from an observation deck at the parking area or at its base. But there is a second which is to the right on the large footbridge called Lower Dodd Creek Falls. This one is a 35-foot cascade. There is even a third falls on the hike down to these two which can be seen through the trees on Dodd Creek.

Number 5: Toccoa Falls. While this is not the largest free falling waterfall in the eastern U.S. as some claim it is an impressive 186 feet. As I have already talked about before this waterfall has a dark past. In 1977 the Kelly Barnes Lake above the falls failed and the resulting flash flood killed 39 people at Toccoa Falls College, where the falls reside. On the short path that leads to the falls one will see a monument to those who lost their lives. It is hard to imaging such beauty causing such pain.

Number 4: Hurricane Falls at Tallulah Gorge. The Georgia State Park at Tallulah Gorge boast seven waterfalls, but the center piece is Hurricane Falls. This 96 footer sits in the middle of the gorge and is unique because it can be viewed from a number of different locations. It can be seen from the rim trail or the footbridge that crosses over the falls, but the best view is from it base in the gorge. One can walk down the stairs to an overlook that gives a good view. However, the best is from the rocks, but you will need one of a 100 floor permits, so get to the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center early.

Number 3: Cane Creek Falls. When you think of waterfalls one
thinks of the North Georgia Mountains, not five-minutes from downtown Dahlonega, well that is exactly where number three on this list resides. Cane Creek Falls are on the grounds of Glisson Camp and Retreat Center. This waterfall might only be 40-foot, but while it is not be the tallest it makes up for that in water flow. It can be viewed from the top on both sides and from the base. However, remember it not open on weekends or during the summer (June-to-August) as camp is in session. Like I said before, this is a Jewel Hidden in Plain Sight.

Number 2: Anna Ruby Falls. I just blogged about these falls here, but this double waterfall is located near Helen. The half to the right flows off York Creek 50 feet down while the larger half is part of Curtis Creek, which cascades 153 feet to the bottom to form Smith Creek at the falls base. Like I said before you can either drive to the falls and walk up the half-mile paved path or hike five miles in from Unicoi State Park. Either way this waterfall is well worth ones time.  This is the queen of waterfalls. 

Number 1: Amicalola Falls. Every queen needs a king and Georgia has one in Amicalola Falls. The largest waterfall in the state is also it greatest. Tumbling 729 feet this waterfall is one of the  Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia.  I have visited it on five separate occasions and I am impressed every time. This waterfall can be viewed from four different spots the reflecting pool, the lower overlook, the middle overlook and the Top of the Falls. One can hike to the top, either by the 600 steps on the staircase or the one-mile East Ridge Trail; both of these are approach trails for the Appalachian Trail. Or if you don’t feel like a lot of hiking each level is accessible on short trails from parking areas. However you get to view these falls Amicalola is a must see destination, which makes it number one.