High Water Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (4)
Trail Length
0.7 miles
About High Water Falls
High Water Falls sits within the Chattahoochee National Forest and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, offering a peaceful cascade framed by mature hardwoods. The waterfall is accessed via the USFS Byron Herbert Reece Trail (Trail #112), and the route to the falls is a pleasant moderate outing—about 2.4 miles round trip with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain—making it a rewarding choice for day hikers looking for a relatively short but scenic forest hike. The Byron Herbert Reece Trail is maintained by the USFS and is recorded in USFS GIS as 0.68 miles for the managed trail segment; the full hiking route is typically done as an out-and-back. If you plan to camp nearby, the DeSoto Falls Recreation Area is just over 2 km (2.01 km) away, providing convenient access to overnight options before or after your hike. The tone of the trail is inviting yet natural—expect native tread and moderate grades as you approach the falls.
The Setting
High Water Falls sits at 2,680 feet within Chattahoochee National Forest, fed by the Nottely River, in the hills of Georgia.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Dukes Creek Falls (150 ft) lies 7.5 miles to the east. Also nearby: DeSoto Falls (120 ft, 0.4 mi) and Helton Creek Falls (100 ft, 2.5 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Byron Herbert Reece (#112), a 0.7-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
BYRON HERBERT REECE #112
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.68 miTrail Description
Trail: Byron Herbert Reece (USFS Trail #112). Trail type: out-and-back; total route distance commonly reported as 2.4 miles with approximately 350 ft of elevation gain and rated moderate. USFS GIS lists the managed trail segment at 0.68 miles. Surface: NAT (native material). Typical grade: 12–20%. USFS class: 3. Hikers should be prepared for natural, uneven tread and sustained uphill sections on the approach; appropriate footwear and basic trail navigation are recommended.
What to Expect
Expect a peaceful natural setting with the potential for scenic views of the waterfall. Trail conditions and accessibility may vary.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at High Water Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at High Water Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are typically the best times to visit, as the weather is mild and the waterfall may have a stronger flow.
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
Trail conditions may be uneven or slippery, especially after rain. Visitors should exercise caution and stay on marked paths. Cell service may be limited in the area.
Current Water Conditions
47 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 58 years of record
1.53 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual 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 (13 km away).
Today
Low
53 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Low
52 cfs
3/10Mon
Low
51 cfs
4/10Tue
Barely Flowing
46 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
45 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
47 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
49 cfs
5/10Best window: Tue — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
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 Blairsville 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.
1-meter lidar measures about 222 feet of descent through High Water Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 2,668 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 187 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 81 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southeast and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 2,668 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 222 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
The exact location of High Water Falls is not well-documented. Visitors are advised to consult local maps or guides for directions.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear. It is recommended to check with local resources or visitor centers for parking options.
Elevation
2,680 feet above sea level
Coordinates
34.723297° N, -83.920195° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy footwear and bring plenty of water. Check weather conditions before visiting and be prepared for uneven terrain.
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
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
Desoto Falls Recreation Area
1.2 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 are not well-documented. Visitors may explore other natural areas or parks in Georgia.
Wildlife
The area may feature typical Georgia wildlife such as birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of snakes and other potentially hazardous animals.
Cities near High Water Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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