5 Easy Waterfall Hikes for Georgia Families
Add these five easy waterfall hikes to your family adventure list.
Anna Ruby Falls in Helen, Georgia. Photo by @jake.teki
Anna Ruby Falls in Helen
At Anna Ruby Falls in Helen, two falls are visible from the observation deck, merging into a beautiful creek. The paved walk (stroller-friendly) is lined with boulders and flowering shrubs. Bring change for the fish feeder just outside the visitor center; my kids could not get enough of the jumping trout. You’re adjacent to Unicoi State Park, offering hikes, a beach and canoe rental.
Amicalola Falls in Dawsonville, Georgia. Photo by @gcalebjones
Amicalola Falls in Dawsonville
Little legs will likely not enjoy a climb from bottom to top, but don’t let that stop you from visiting Amicalola Falls in Dawsonville. Drive to the middle of the falls and take a short walk to the bridge overlooking the falls. My son was about 4 years old before we decided to climb the stairs from the middle of the falls to the bottom and then back up. I carried the baby in a sling. Advanced hikers can also climb up from the middle falls.
Fall Branch Falls in Blue Ridge, Georgia
Fall Branch Falls in Blue Ridge
Fall Branch Falls is tucked away in Blue Ridge. The walk is wonderful, with towering trees and beautiful large stones greeting you. You’ll follow the creek to the lower falls and continue to the upper falls. Don’t miss the upper falls like I did. We visited the lower falls and played in the water, but we didn’t learn about the upper falls until we were back home.
Children at Helton Creek Falls in Blairsville, Georgia. Photo by @tfdecot
Helton Creek Falls in Blairsville
From the parking lot, you are only about 1/3 mile from the lower falls at Helton Creek Falls in Blairsville. Wear your bathing suit; there is a great water play area here. It is one of our favorite summer spots; we bring a picnic, books and shovels for a day of fun. Don’t miss a climb to the upper falls, also. I don’t recommend taking the kids out to the water in the upper falls area, but it is fun to view from the deck.
High Shoals Falls in Dallas
There is a High Shoals Falls near Helen that is lovely, but this waterfall selection is in Dallas (2030 High Shoals Road, Dallas, GA). Your GPS will take you to the parking lot of an old graveyard. Have no fear; just follow the trail about 0.25 miles to the falls. Have a picnic, play in the water and have a grand time. You can even climb to the top of the falls like we did!
