North Georgia Mountains are known for their waterfalls. Many tourists visit these great treasures during their North Georgia Mountain vacation, which are located in national forests, state parks, wildlife management areas (WMA) and other public lands for everyone to enjoy. The Cherokee Indians called this North Georgia region the land of a 1000 waterfalls. Many of the waterfalls listed below are accessible, but vary by difficulty. For example, some are within parks and some require hiking in for access. So this information and coordinates are for approximate information and please exercise caution since many of these waterfalls are in a relatively wild state.
Fannin County
Sea Creek Falls (elevation 2220) is in the Cooper Creek scenic area. It’s an easy 1/10th of mile walk to the falls, but the drive may be difficult. The upper falls have several vertical cascades that empty into a brief drop. The lower falls has more vertical cascades and the waterfalls are an awesome sight in late winter and after summer rains.
GPS: N34º46.196, W84º05.706
From Blue Ridge begin at the McDonald’s restaurant at the intersection of GA Highway 515 and GA Highway 5 in Blue Ridge. Take GA Highway 515 east toward Blairsville approximately 4.5 miles GA Highway 60 traffic light junction. Then turn right on GA Highway 60 and travel roughly 17.7 miles to Cooper Creek Recreation Area and turnoff on left FS 4 (Forest Service). Continue on FS 4 for 3 miles to FS 264 on the left. Turn left and follow road 0.2 miles. Park and walk 1/10 of a mile to falls.
Noontootla Falls (elevation 2510) is on the small tributary of Noontootla Creek near the Three Forks Area in Fannin County. A few avid fly fishermen know about the technical trout waters of Noontootla Creek, but the Noontootla Falls are also a sight to see.
GPS: N34°41.2′, W84° 11.64′
From Blue Ridge, turn south on Aska Road and take to its end (approximately 13.8 miles). Then turn right on Newport Road and go 4.3 miles to the end. Turn left, cross over bridge and continue on the gravel road until you pass a cemetery and come to an intersection 0.6 mi. from the bridge. Turn right onto FS 58. Stay on FS 58 until you come to Three Forks which is approximately 4 to 6 miles and you’ll see a footbridge and trails markings. From the Three Forks area continue on FS 58 for 2.3 miles. The road was blocked by fallen trees 100+ yards before reaching the access trail to Noontootla Falls. The trail is on the right side of the road and ascends steeply about 150 yards alongside the small branch and staying to the right seems to be the easiest access route.
Long Creek Falls is located near the Appalachian Trail one mile north of the Three Forks area. The round trip hike to the falls from the parking area is 2 miles.
GPS: (TBD)
From Blue Ridge, turn south on Aska Road and take to its end (approximately 13.8 miles). Then turn right on Newport Road and go 4.3 miles to the end. Turn left, cross over bridge and continue on the gravel road until you pass a cemetery and come to an intersection 0.6 mi. from the bridge. Turn right onto FS 58 (forest service road). Stay on FS 58 until you come to Three Forks which is approximately 5-6 miles and you’ll see a footbridge and trails markings. Park here and follow the Appalachian Trail to the northeast. Take the 1.1 mile trail northeast from the parking area along the Appalachian Trail to a short side trail to Long Creek Falls.
Jacks River Falls (elevation 1500) is located in the Cohutta Wilderness Area which is popular with hikers and the largest wilderness east of the Mississippi.
GPS: N34º 58.29, W84º 34.37 (parking area location - N34º 59.44, W84º 35.28′)
Take GA Hwy 515 toward Ellijay. From Ellijay take Hwy 52 west to Chatsworth. From Chatsworth, go north on US 411 for 13 miles to Cisco. Turn right on Old Hwy 2. Continue on this road 10 miles to FS 62 on the right. Turn right on FS 62 and go 4.4 miles to the Beech Bottom Trailhead. The Forest Service fee parking area is to the left. The trail to the falls is 3.5 miles on an old railroad bed. Once you reach the river follow it downstream .5 mile to the falls. Hiking experience is recommended.
Little Rock Creek Falls is located in the Chattahoochee National Forest.
GPS: (TBD)
From Blue Ridge begin at the McDonald’s restaurant at the intersection of GA Highway 515 and GA Highway 5 in Blue Ridge. Take GA Highway 515 east toward Blairsville approximately 4.5 miles GA Highway 60 traffic light junction. Then turn right on GA Highway 60 and continue until taking a left on Rock Creek Road (FS 69) for 3.5 miles. Little Rock Creek flows beneath the road from the left. Park here and walk up the left side of the creek preferably on the side of the ridge for approximately 0.4 miles to the viewing area.