Nottely Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
About Nottely Falls
Nottely Falls is a small, picturesque cascade on the Nottely River just outside Blairsville, Georgia. Framed by lush green forest, the falls make a peaceful stop for hikers and photographers — a compact natural retreat where the steady rush of water and the surrounding canopy create a quietly scenic setting. If you’re camping, the Desoto Falls Recreation Area is conveniently nearby (about 4.14 km away), so you can easily combine an overnight stay with an early-morning or late-afternoon visit to the falls.
The Setting
Nottely Falls sits at 2,953 feet along the Nottely River, in the hills of Georgia.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Dukes Creek Falls (150 ft) lies 7.9 miles to the east. Also nearby: DeSoto Falls (120 ft, 1.8 mi) and Helton Creek Falls (100 ft, 1.6 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Trail type: out-and-back. Distance: ~2.4 miles (total). Difficulty: moderate. Available trail data do not specify a USFS trail name/number, surface, grade, or technical class; plan for typical forest hiking conditions and check local sources or maps before you go.
What to Expect
Expect a peaceful and scenic waterfall surrounded by natural beauty. The area may be less developed, so visitors should prepare for uneven terrain and limited facilities.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available. The area may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Nottely Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Nottely Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are typically the best times to visit, as the water flow is often stronger, and the surrounding foliage is vibrant.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Be cautious of slippery rocks and uneven terrain near the falls. Always check weather conditions before visiting, as heavy rain can make the area hazardous.
Current Water Conditions
38 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
1.49 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 (11 km away).
Today
Low
41 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Low
41 cfs
6/10Wed
Low
38 cfs
6/10Thu
Low
42 cfs
4/10Fri
Moderate
45 cfs
4/10Sat
Moderate
43 cfs
5/10Sun
Low
42 cfs
6/10Best window: Tomorrow — low flow, partly sunny (trip score 6/10).
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.
Is Nottely Falls Frozen?
Updated about 16 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Nottely Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 61°F to 51°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 37 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 bare-earth surface loses about 103 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 2,950 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 94 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 135 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 2,950 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 103 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Nottely Falls is located near Blairsville, Georgia, and can be accessed via local roads. Specific directions may vary depending on your starting point, so using a GPS or map is recommended.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear, but there may be roadside parking or small parking areas nearby. Visitors should plan accordingly and avoid blocking any private property or roadways.
Elevation
2,953 feet above sea level
Coordinates
34.742591° N, -83.920743° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring sturdy footwear and be cautious of slippery rocks near the falls. Check local conditions before visiting, as access may vary depending on weather or other factors.
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
2.6 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, Brasstown Bald, and the Appalachian Trail.
Wildlife
The area around Nottely Falls may feature common wildlife such as birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should also be aware of potential encounters with snakes or insects.
Cities near Nottely Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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