Horsetrough Falls
Georgia • 70 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (2)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.4 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Horsetrough Falls
Horsetrough Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Chattahoochee National Forest in Georgia. It is part of the headwaters of the Chattahoochee River and is surrounded by lush forest, making it a serene and scenic destination.
The Setting
Horsetrough Falls sits at 2,562 feet within Chattahoochee National Forest, in the hills of Georgia. The falls drop 70 feet.
Height: 70 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Anna Ruby Falls (153 ft) lies 4.8 miles to the southeast. Also nearby: Dukes Creek Falls (150 ft, 6.4 mi) and Helton Creek Falls (100 ft, 6.8 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Appalachian Trail (#1), a 0.4-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
APPALACHIAN TRAIL #1
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.06 miTrail Description
The trail to Horsetrough Falls is short and well-maintained, making it accessible for most visitors. It follows a gentle path through the forest and includes a wooden boardwalk leading to a viewing platform near the base of the falls.
What to Expect
The falls drop 70 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Horsetrough Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $5.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Horsetrough Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Horsetrough Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons.
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
The road to the trailhead may be rough and require a high-clearance vehicle. Exercise caution on wet or slippery surfaces near the falls.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Hiwassee River, 7.2 miles away, not on Horsetrough Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
104 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 19 years of record
3.14 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing higher 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 HIWASSEE RIVER AT RIVERSIDE DR, NR HIAWASSEE, GA (12 km away).
Today
Strong
104 cfs
10/10Tomorrow
Strong
95 cfs
10/10Sun
Strong
93 cfs
10/10Mon
Strong
89 cfs
10/10Tue
Strong
89 cfs
10/10Wed
Strong
88 cfs
10/10Thu
Strong
88 cfs
10/10Best window: Today — strong flow, sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to early April, peaking in February.
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.
Is Horsetrough Falls Frozen?
Updated about 19 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Horsetrough Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 63°F to 56°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 153 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.
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 213 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 70 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 2,575 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 70 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 146 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northeast, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 2,575 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 213 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Horsetrough Falls is located near Helen, Georgia, and can be accessed via the Horsetrough Falls Trail, which begins at the Upper Chattahoochee Campground. The campground is accessible via Forest Service Road 44, which may be rough and require a high-clearance vehicle.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Upper Chattahoochee Campground, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
2,562 feet above sea level
Coordinates
34.795093° N, -83.788235° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and ensure parking availability. Check road conditions before heading out, especially during winter or after heavy rains.
Where to Stay
Eagles Landing
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Helen by IHG
Crabapple-Secluded cabin with pond creek access, hot tube, fire pit in Blue Ridge
Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa
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
Upper Chattahoochee River Campground
0.6 miles away · 19 sites
Overview The drive up through the winding misty roads of North Georgia leading to this 19-site, developed campground is almost as breath-taking as the site itself. Although the drive leaves one feeling as if civilization has been left far, far behind, the ever-popular and beloved alpine village of Helen, Georgia is less than an hour away. Camping here, visitors can enjoy the pleasure of Georgia's number one vacation spot with shopping, dining, and entertainment in the City of Helen and many recre
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
The nearby town of Helen, Georgia, offers a variety of attractions, including shops, restaurants, and the Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of snakes and other potentially hazardous animals.
Cities near Horsetrough Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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