DeSoto Falls
Georgia • 120 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (4)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
2.2 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
150 ft
About DeSoto Falls
DeSoto Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Chattahoochee National Forest in northern Georgia. It is named after the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, who is believed to have passed through the area in the 1500s. The site features two main waterfalls: the Upper Falls and the Lower Falls, both accessible via a short hike.
The Setting
DeSoto Falls sits at 2,559 feet within Chattahoochee National Forest, fed by the Nottely River, in the hills of Georgia. At 120 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Georgia.
Height: 120 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Dukes Creek Falls (150 ft) lies 7.3 miles to the east. Also nearby: Helton Creek Falls (100 ft, 2.8 mi) and Horsetrough Falls (70 ft, 9.2 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Desoto Falls (#18), a 2.2-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 150 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is highly developed (Class 4).
USFS Trail
DESOTO FALLS #18
Trail Class
Highly Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.97 miTrail Description
The trail to DeSoto Falls is well-maintained and features a gentle incline, making it suitable for most visitors. The path leads to two viewing areas: the Lower Falls, which is about 0.3 miles from the trailhead, and the Upper Falls, located approximately 1 mile from the trailhead. Both falls are surrounded by lush forest, offering scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 120 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at DeSoto Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $5.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at DeSoto Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are the best times to visit due to pleasant weather and vibrant foliage. Summer is also popular, but the trail may be busier.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Chattahoochee National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the waterfalls as rocks can be slippery. Avoid visiting during heavy rain or storms as the trail may become hazardous.
Current Water Conditions
57 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 58 years of record
1.60 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge NOTTELY RIVER NEAR BLAIRSVILLE, GA (14 km away).
Today
Moderate
57 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Moderate
61 cfs
6/10Thu
Moderate
57 cfs
6/10Fri
Moderate
55 cfs
8/10Sat
Moderate
53 cfs
8/10Sun
Moderate
53 cfs
8/10Mon
Moderate
57 cfs
8/10Best window: Fri — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to late April, peaking in April.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Helen hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
The ground through the falls loses about 207 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 120 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 2,586 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 108 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 152 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 2,586 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 207 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
DeSoto Falls is located off US Highway 129 near Cleveland, Georgia. The trailhead is accessible via a well-marked parking area at the DeSoto Falls Recreation Area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area at the DeSoto Falls Recreation Area. A small fee may be required for parking.
Elevation
2,559 feet above sea level
Coordinates
34.717036° N, -83.919354° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during weekends or peak seasons to secure parking. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail can be muddy after rain. Bring water and snacks, especially if you plan to spend time enjoying the falls.
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This easy 2.2 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
Dahlonega Resort and Vineyard
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Helen by IHG
Ferny Creek Cottage
Quality Inn Dahlonega Near University
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Desoto Falls Recreation Area
0.8 miles away · 23 sites
Overview Desoto Falls Recreation Area is a U.S. Forest Service Campground located approximately 2 hours North of Atlanta in the North Georgia mountains of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Desoto Falls offers visitors year-round recreation opportunities including camping, fishing, picnicking, and beautiful hikes to our nearby waterfalls. The campground is situated along Frogtown Creek with at an elevation of 2,080 feet above sea level, under a dense forest of deciduous and evergreen trees. 23
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Vogel State Park, Blood Mountain, and the Appalachian Trail.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Be cautious of snakes during warmer months.
Cities near DeSoto Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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