Chasing Waterfalls in North Georgia: 5 Hikes Under a Mile
I’m not a “hike for the workout” kind of person. I hike to breathe different air. To slow down. To be present.
Lately, I’ve been looking for shorter trails. Not because I don’t love a long hike, but because my senior dog, Carly, can’t do those anymore. She still loves mountain drives and trompin' through the water like she’s got somewhere to be. And I want her to experience as much of it as she can, for as long as she can.
So I’ve been finding spots that are easier for her but still have something really cool to see. They all lead to waterfalls, they’re all under a mile, and they’re absolutely worth it.
Perfect for dogs, families, slow mornings, or anyone who wants to get outside and see something pretty.
The Waterfall Lineup (All Under a Mile):
Anna Ruby Falls – Helen, GA
Minnehaha Falls – Lakemont, GA
Helton Creek Falls – Blairsville, GA
Toccoa Falls – Toccoa, GA
Shirley Miller Wildflower Trail – Near LaFayette, GA
Anna Ruby Falls
📍 Helen, GA | 🧶 0.9 miles round trip | 💦 Double waterfall
Okay, yes. This one’s popular. You probably won’t be alone unless it’s early or raining, but it’s one of those places that still feels peaceful, even with other people around.
The trail is paved and beautiful. You walk next to the creek almost the whole way, surrounded by trees and big mossy rocks. And at the top, two waterfalls come crashing down side by side. I always get a little lost just standing there watching them. They are steady and honestly kind of mesmerizing.
It’s not the easiest spot for Carly to get in the water, but she still loves the walk. And if you’re already that far up in the mountains, go into Helen afterward. It’s weird and touristy in the best way, and the people-watching is top tier. Maggie and I always stop at Alpine Dispensary for a THC drink to go with the show. Grab a pretzel, sit outside by the river, and watch people float by. One of my favorite pastimes. Make the most of it. There’s so much to see.
Minnehaha Falls
📍 Lakemont, GA | 🧶 0.4 miles round trip | 💦 Tiered waterfall
Getting to this one feels like you’re driving into the middle of nowhere. You lose service pretty early, the road gets narrow, and it kind of feels like you missed a turn—but you didn’t. Just keep going. And seriously, download the directions before you leave the house.
The drive takes you around a beautiful lake, and it’s easy to fall in love with the whole thing. Quiet water, winding roads, and just enough of that “where even are we?” feeling to make it fun.
The trail itself is short, shady, and follows a quiet little creek most of the way. You climb a few natural steps and then suddenly you’re standing in front of this wide, tiered waterfall tucked into the woods. It feels calm. Soft. The kind of place you want to sit with for a while.
Carly loves this one. The trail is gentle, there’s plenty to sniff, and the water is easy for her to wade into. She usually stomps around while I sit on a rock and zone out watching the falls.
It’s a quick walk, but the whole place feels like a little world of its own.
Helton Creek Falls
📍 Blairsville, GA | 🧶 0.6 miles round trip | 💦 Double waterfall
This one starts with a gravel road. A little bumpy, a little out there, but nothing wild. You definitely do not need a 4x4. Just be careful, especially if it has rained recently. You will lose service, so download directions before you go. I love drives like this. There is something special about winding through the forest on a dirt road. It slows you down in a good way.
The trail is short and shaded. There are a few wooden stairs, and it is usually muddy in spots. It is not a hard hike. It can just be a little messy.
There are two waterfalls on this short trail, and you can get in the water at both. Each one has a little deck, but most people step off and make their way down to the rocks. It is a really peaceful spot to slow down for a bit.
This was the first hike Maggie and I ever did together. She had never really seen North Georgia, so I spent the day taking her to as many of my favorite places as I could. We didn’t have a plan, just a full tank of gas and a lot to talk about. Sitting in front of the waterfall felt quiet and steady. There is something so grounding about being near moving water. It was just a really good day.
Toccoa Falls
📍 Toccoa, GA | 🧶 0.2 miles round trip | 💦 186-foot waterfall | 💵 There is a small entry fee
This is one of the tallest free-falling waterfalls east of the Mississippi, and it is just a few minutes from the parking lot. Your GPS will take you to Toccoa Falls College, and yes, you are going the right way. This waterfall is literally on a college campus. You will park near the back, walk through a cute little gift shop, and follow a short, flat path straight to the base of the falls.
Toccoa Falls is 186 feet tall, and when you see it in person, it really does stop you for a second. The way it drops straight down into the rocks is just cool to watch. It is surrounded by trees with plenty of rocks to sit on and shaded spots if you want to hang out for a while. The path is flat and fully accessible, so it is a great option for just about anyone.
It is not really a hike, but if you are in the area, it is an easy and beautiful stop you will be glad you made. Just be sure to check their website before you go, since hours can change depending on campus events or weather.
Shirley Miller Wildflower Trail
📍 Pocket Loop Trail, near LaFayette, GA | 🧶 0.9 miles round trip | 💦 Unique waterfall at the end
Northwest Georgia does not get the credit it deserves. This trail is short, flat, and somehow still feels like you wandered into a forest from a fairytale. There’s a long boardwalk through the trees, and in early spring, wildflowers take over the entire forest floor. Everything is so green and alive, especially after a good rain. I romanticize this trail like crazy. And I stand by it.
The boardwalk ends, and if you keep walking, the trail leads you straight to a little waterfall tucked into a rock wall. Nothing wild, but definitely worth showing up for. You can walk right up to the water, and it’s a great place to slow down and stay a minute, put up a hammock, and chill.
I don’t really gatekeep trails, but if I did… this one might be on the list.
So Here’s the Thing…
I don’t know what it is about waterfalls, but they get me every time. Maybe it’s the movement. Maybe it’s the sound. Either way, these hikes are short, easy, and still manage to shut my brain up in the best way. Go see one. Or all of them. Stare at it too long. You’ll get it.