Amicalola Falls

Trees line Amicalola Falls in Dawsonville, Georgia

Top 5 Waterfalls Near Blue Ridge

Get to know the best of Blue Ridge, 90 minutes north of Atlanta. Chase waterfalls with the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce’s recommendations for easy access to some of nature’s finest accomplishments.

Hike along an easy 2-mile stretch of the Appalachian and Benton MacKaye Trails to Long Creek Falls in Ellijay, Georgia. - Candy Cook
Hike along an easy 2-mile stretch of the Appalachian and Benton MacKaye Trails to Long Creek Falls in Ellijay, Georgia. - Candy Cook

Long Creek Falls

The most popular of the waterfalls in Fannin County is Long Creek Falls, which can be seen by hiking down a short side trail from the combined Appalachian/Benton MacKaye Trail. These falls total about 50 feet in two distinct drops. A leisurely 30 minute hike to the falls is uphill on the way in, downhill on the way out.

Fall Branch Falls

Fall Branch Falls

The upper portion of Fall Branch Falls is a series of cascades that lead to a single major drop of some 30 feet, with the water plunging into a deep pool at the base of the falls. These falls, along the Benton MacKaye Trail, west of Aska Road, are a shorter, although a bit harder walk than Long Creek Falls.

Photo Credit: Michael Schuier
Sea Creek Falls. Photo Credit: Michael Schuier

Sea Creek Falls

Located in the Cooper's Creek Recreation & Wildlife Management Area, Sea Creek Falls are an easy walk of less than 0.1 mile. The first, or upper falls, are a series of steep cascades ending in a brief drop. The second falls are also a series of steep cascades. When the water flow is heavy either in late winter or spring, or after a summer rain, these are a remarkable sight.

Amicalola Falls State Park in Dawsonville, Georgia. Photo by @karenlisa. Submitted via Instagram.
Amicalola Falls State Park in Dawsonville, Georgia. Photo by @karenlisa. Submitted via Instagram.

Amicalola Falls

About 21 miles from Ellijay on Hwy 52 is the spectacular 729-foot Amicalola Falls, the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. Also, a strenuous 8.5-mile approach trail leads from the park to Springer Mountain, the start of the famous Appalachian Trail.

JMC Artistic Photography
Helton Creek Falls. Photo by JMC Artistic Photography

Helton Creek Falls 

There are two falls on Helton Creek near Blairsville. A short trail descends to the first waterfall then climbs to the second larger waterfall. Beware – the rocks are slippery.

From Blue Ridge, take Hwy 515 north to Blairsville. In Blairsville, take US 19/129 south about 11 miles. Turn left onto Helton Creek Road, the first road past the entrance to Vogel State Park. Go 2.2 miles; the road turns to gravel. There will be a small parking lot on the right in a curve, and the trail is marked.

Trip Planning Resources

Insider tip:
Visit the Self-guided Tours page on www.BlueRidgeMountains.com for complete descriptions and driving directions.

If you go:
From lake-view with a mountain vista and room for 20 to cabins hidden away and built only for two (hot tub included!), find links to cabin rental companies at www.BlueRidgeMountains.com.

Published: March 2024
Written by: Katie Reeder
Scroll To Top