Stekoa Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Stekoa Falls
Stekoa Falls tumbles along Stekoa Creek just outside Clayton in Rabun County, Georgia, offering a peaceful forest setting framed by rhododendron and hardwoods. Rabun County is the northeasternmost county in the state (population 16,883 as of 2020) and is known for its abundant precipitation — averaging more than 70 inches of rain a year — which helps keep Stekoa’s cascades and surrounding greenery lush through much of the year. The falls are compact but scenic, a rewarding stop for hikers and photographers exploring the headwaters and hollows of this rainy corner of Georgia. The site is an easy add-on to a day in the Rabun County mountains; camping is available nearby, with the Chattooga River District campground roughly 9.5 km from the falls for those wanting an overnight stay. Seasonal flows vary with rainfall, so check conditions before heading out, but visitors will typically find the falls accessible and framed by the county’s famously verdant forestlands.
The Setting
Stekoa Falls sits at 1,834 feet along the Tiger Creek, in the hills of Georgia.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Trail stats: 2.4 miles round-trip (out-and-back), approximately 350 feet elevation gain, rated moderate. The route follows a wooded path from the trailhead to the base of the falls and is generally straightforward, but the moderate rating reflects the total distance and some short uphill pitches rather than sustained steep climbing. Expect a forest footpath that can be narrow in places and may be slick after heavy rain — Rabun County receives over 70 inches of precipitation annually — so good footwear and caution on wet roots and rocks are advised. Surface type and any USFS trail number/class were not specified in the available data; the trail is typically described as a single woodland path leading to the falls.
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 Stekoa Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Stekoa Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Stekoa Falls, as the water flow is typically stronger during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Exercise caution on the trail, especially after rain, as it may be slippery. Be aware of potential wildlife encounters and avoid venturing too close to the water's edge.
Current Water Conditions
20 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 6 years of record
0.28 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge TIGER CREEK NEAR LAKEMONT, GA (6 km away).
Today
Low
20 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Low
19 cfs
6/10Tue
Low
18 cfs
6/10Wed
Low
18 cfs
6/10Thu
Moderate
18 cfs
5/10Fri
Moderate
18 cfs
5/10Sat
Moderate
17 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to early 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 Tiger 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 shows Stekoa Falls dropping about 265 feet in a single sheer step. The brink sits at about 1,817 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 81 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 74 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,817 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 265 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Stekoa Falls is located near Clayton, Georgia, and can be accessed via a short drive from the town. The falls are situated near Highway 441, making them relatively easy to locate.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is limited parking available near the falls. Visitors may need to park along the roadside or in nearby designated areas.
Elevation
1,834 feet above sea level
Coordinates
34.838426° N, -83.398495° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be uneven in places. Visit during the spring or after rainfall for the best water flow. Be mindful of limited parking and plan your visit during off-peak hours if possible.
Where to Stay
Mountain Aire Cottages, Inn & Glamping
Quality Inn & Suites Mt Chalet
Cute n Chic in Clayton
Dahlonega Resort and Vineyard
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
Chattooga River District
5.9 miles away · 0 sites
The Chattooga River Ranger District covers 261,035 acres in the northeast part of Georgia. Terrain ranges from the Piedmont in the southern part of the district to Georgia's second highest mountain, Rabun Bald at 4,696 feet above sea level. To the east is the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River. In the central part of the district are Lake Burton, Seed Lake, and Lake Rabun where you'll find the Rabun Beach Campground. In the western part of the district are the headwaters of the Chattahoochee River a
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Black Rock Mountain State Park and Tallulah Gorge State Park, both offering additional hiking and scenic views.
Wildlife
The area around Stekoa Falls is home to various bird species, small mammals, and native plants. Visitors may spot wildlife along the trail.
Cities near Stekoa Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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