LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Noontootla Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Noontootla Falls
Noontootla Falls is a picturesque, multi-tiered waterfall located in the Chattahoochee National Forest in Georgia. It is known for its serene setting and lush surroundings, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
The Setting
Noontootla Falls sits at 2,543 feet within Chattahoochee National Forest, fed by the Toccoa River, in the hills of Georgia.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Amicalola Falls, the tallest waterfall in Georgia at 729 feet, lies 8.8 miles to the south. Also nearby: Cochrans Falls (600 ft, 7.4 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Benton Mackaye (#2), a 0.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
BENTON MACKAYE #2
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
1.31 miTrail Description
The trail to Noontootla Falls is a short and relatively easy walk through a forested area. The path is unmarked but well-trodden, leading to the base of the falls. Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall.
What to Expect
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 Noontootla Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Noontootla Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a quieter experience.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with Chattahoochee National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Visitors should exercise caution on the trail, especially near the waterfall, as rocks can be slippery. Be aware of changing weather conditions and avoid visiting during heavy rain or storms.
Current Water Conditions
167 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 93 years of record
0.96 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 TOCCOA RIVER NEAR DIAL, GA (12 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
167 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
168 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
160 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
164 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
161 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
171 cfs
3/10Sat
Low
177 cfs
4/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to early May, 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 Morganton 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 284 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 2,571 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 49 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 284 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 2,571 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 284 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Noontootla Falls is located off Forest Service Road 58, near the town of Blue Ridge, Georgia. The falls are accessible via a short hike from the road, but the forest road may require a high-clearance vehicle, especially after heavy rains.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Limited roadside parking is available near the trailhead on Forest Service Road 58. Visitors should ensure they park safely without blocking the road.
Elevation
2,543 feet above sea level
Coordinates
34.685921° N, -84.193805° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail can be muddy or slippery, especially after rain. Bring insect repellent during warmer months, and consider visiting early in the day to avoid crowds.
Where to Stay
Crabapple-Secluded cabin with pond creek access, hot tube, fire pit in Blue Ridge
Incredible Views! - Pet Friendly - Aska Adventure Area - Bearfoot Bungalow
Bearly Behavin
Eagles Landing
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
Frank Gross Campground
2.7 miles away · 8 sites
Overview Frank Gross is a U.S. Forest Service Campground located approximately 2 hours north of Atlanta in the North Georgia Mountains of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Frank Gross Campground offers visitors year-round recreation opportunities such as camping, fishing, picnicking, and hiking. Trout fishing is popular here in North Georgia so having a campsite such as Frank Gross adjacent to the Rock Creek is an amazing opportunity for avid fisherman. Eight campsites are neatly arranged for pr
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Appalachian Trail, Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, and the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of snakes and other forest creatures.
Cities near Noontootla Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Writing about Noontootla Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.