Waterfall Hikes Near Atlanta, GA

5,180,179 residents

New York Time Zone

4 Waterfalls

within 50 miles

Atlanta's four listed falls cluster up in Dawson County where the Blue Ridge begins. Amicalola Falls is the famous one, 729 feet of cascading water, the tallest in Georgia, reached by a 2.1-mile trail that gains 600 feet. One valley over, Cochrans Falls drops 600 feet and stays lonely because the approach runs a hard 4.2 miles with 1,200 feet of climbing. Padgett Falls covers a mile round trip. Dogs are welcome on all three of those trails.

Located at 33.7628°N, -84.4220°W

Map of Waterfalls Near Atlanta

Pins are within 50 miles; hollow circles are day trips 50–100 miles out.

Today's Conditions

Live data from USGS gauges & National Weather Service

Water Flow

4 of 4 gauged

4 waterfalls near Atlanta have live flow data today

Amicalola Falls Barely Flowing Cochrans Falls Barely Flowing Hightower Falls Barely Flowing Padgett Falls Barely Flowing

Updated about 1 hour ago via USGS

Best Day to Hike

This Afternoon

Sunny · 81°F

Aft 81°F Sunny Best

Tue 84°F Sunny

Wed 87°F Sunny

Thu 87°F Sunny

Fri 86°F Chance Rain Showers

Sat 83°F Chance Rain Showers

Sun 75°F Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

Flowing best right now near Atlanta

Updated about 1 hour ago

Ranked by live stream-gauge flow versus each waterfall's seasonal normal.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Atlanta hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Find waterfalls to hike near Atlanta

See All Georgia Waterfall Hikes

Have your own travel site? Embed these waterfalls for free.

🚗 Easy Waterfall Hikes Near Atlanta (1 waterfall)

Easy access waterfalls are drive-up or short-walk friendly. Perfect for families, casual visitors, or anyone who loves waterfalls but is "so-so" about hiking.

LiDAR

Padgett Falls

35.6 miles away

Georgia

Easy

1.0 miles Unknown

🐕 Dog-Friendly Waterfall Hikes Around Atlanta (3 waterfalls)

Bring your four-legged friend along! These waterfalls welcome dogs on their trails.

Amicalola Falls

46.9 miles away

Georgia

Moderate

2.1 miles 600 ft

Cochrans Falls

48.7 miles away

Georgia

Hard

4.2 miles 1,200 ft

All 4 Waterfalls Near Atlanta

LiDAR

Padgett Falls

35.6 miles away

Georgia

Easy

1.0 miles Unknown

Hightower Falls

38.9 miles away

Georgia

Unknown

Unknown Unknown

Amicalola Falls

46.9 miles away

Georgia

Moderate

2.1 miles 600 ft

Cochrans Falls

48.7 miles away

Georgia

Hard

4.2 miles 1,200 ft

🧭 Day Trips From Atlanta (45 waterfalls, 50–100 miles away)

Everything listed above is within 50 miles of Atlanta. Make a day of it and 45 more are within 100 miles. The closest is Noontootla Falls, about 55 miles away, and the tallest is Toccoa Falls at 186 ft. They're spread across Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina.

Distances are approximate, measured from the center of Atlanta; the drive is usually longer.

LiDAR

Noontootla Falls

54.8 miles away

Georgia

Easy

0.5 miles Unknown

Helton Creek Falls

70.6 miles away

Georgia

Easy

0.3 miles Unknown

Showing the 12 closest of 45. For the rest, browse Georgia waterfalls, Alabama waterfalls, and North Carolina waterfalls.

Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Near Atlanta

Are there free waterfalls near Atlanta?

There are 2 free waterfalls near Atlanta, including Cochrans Falls.

Are there easy waterfall hikes near Atlanta?

There is 1 easy waterfall hike near Atlanta, including Padgett Falls.

Are there dog friendly waterfalls in Atlanta?

There are 3 dog-friendly waterfalls near Atlanta, including Amicalola Falls.

Are there kid-friendly waterfalls near Atlanta?

There are 3 kid-friendly waterfalls near Atlanta, including Amicalola Falls.

What is the shortest waterfall hike near Atlanta?

The shortest waterfall hike near Atlanta is Amicalola Falls at 1.0 miles round trip.

How tall are the waterfalls near Atlanta?

The tallest waterfall near Atlanta is Amicalola Falls at 729 feet.

Do any waterfalls near Atlanta require permits?

Yes, 1 waterfall near Atlanta requires a permit. Check individual trail pages for current permit details.

Can I camp near the waterfalls around Atlanta?

Yes, 3 waterfalls near Atlanta have nearby campgrounds.

What is the closest waterfall to Atlanta?

The closest waterfall to Atlanta is Padgett Falls, approximately 35.6 miles away.

What waterfalls are within a day trip of Atlanta?

Beyond the 4 waterfalls within 50 miles, 45 more are between 50 and 100 miles from Atlanta. The closest of those is Noontootla Falls, approximately 54.8 miles away.