High Shoals Falls
Adventure Destination

High Shoals Falls

Explore the beautiful High Shoals Falls in Hiawassee, GA, featuring a moderate hike through lush flora. Ideal for photographers and nature lovers, this serene location offers stunning views, especially in spring and fall.

Hiking8.5/10Moderate
Photo Gallery

Category

Hiking

Typical Duration

2-4 hours

Difficulty

Moderate

About This Adventure Destination

High Shoals Falls is a striking natural attraction located in the Chattahoochee National Forest near Hiawassee, Georgia. This waterfall stands out for its impressive multi-tiered cascade, dropping over 50 feet into a clear swimming pool below. The area surrounding the falls is lush and vibrant, featuring an abundance of rhododendron and mountain laurel that change color with the seasons. Its scenic beauty makes it one of the region’s favorite outdoor destinations, offering visitors a refreshing contrast to the bustling city life nearby.

The waterfall itself is carved through rugged rock formations that create picturesque ledges and pools. Visitors can admire the interplay of rushing water and granite cliffs, a geological treat that contributes to the area’s natural charm. Two sets of falls along the trail provide rewarding views and excellent photo opportunities. High Shoals Falls also holds cultural value as part of the longstanding recreational spaces within the Chattahoochee National Forest, where locals and visitors alike have enjoyed the peaceful setting for decades.

The trail leading to High Shoals Falls is well-marked and moderately challenging, winding through a forest rich with native plants and wildlife. Along the route, hikers encounter a creek crossing and occasionally steep stretches that add to the experience. The peaceful atmosphere, combined with the sound of cascading water, invites visitors to pause and enjoy the surroundings. High Shoals Falls is a must-see for anyone visiting the Hiawassee region who appreciates natural beauty and accessible outdoor adventure.

Editorial Assessment

The falls are a hidden gem, appreciated for their beauty and tranquility. Their value lies in offering a serene natural experience with easy accessibility. However, in terms of global recognition, High Shoals Falls remains a lesser-known treasure, holding a special appeal for those who discover it.## Tags#Waterfalls #Georgia #ChattahoocheeNationalForest #Hiking #OutdoorAdventure #NaturePhotography

High Shoals Falls

Adventure Guide to High Shoals Falls

1

1. High Shoals Waterfall Hike

  • Location: Chattahoochee National Forest near Hiawassee, GA
  • What Makes It Special: This 3-mile round-trip trail leads hikers past two beautiful waterfalls, including the main High Shoals Falls with its deep swimming hole.
  • Key Features: Well-marked trail with viewing platforms at both falls, forest scenery, and a creek crossing. The hike is moderately steep, especially on the return trip, with some sections requiring careful footing.
  • Local Insights: The trail is a local favorite for families and nature lovers. After rainfall or during hurricane season, the waterfall swells to an even more spectacular volume but watch for slippery rocks and fallen trees.
  • Visitor Tips:
  • Details: Best visited late spring to early fall for warmer weather and safer water swimming.
  • Details: Bring sturdy hiking shoes, insect repellent, and swimwear if you plan to dip in the pool.
  • Details: The access road includes a gravel section and a shallow creek crossing; higher clearance vehicles are recommended.
  • Details: From Hiawassee, allow about 30 minutes driving south via GA-17/75 and be prepared for slow travel on the rough gravel road.
2

2. Swimming & Relaxing at Waterfall Pool

  • Location: Base of High Shoals Falls
  • What Makes It Special: The deep, cool pool offers a refreshing spot for summer swimming after the hike, a rare treat in the mountainous region.
  • Key Features: Natural swimming hole with clear, cold water surrounded by large boulders for sunbathing or resting. Dogs also enjoy the water here.
  • Visitor Tips: Always assess water conditions before swimming as currents vary with rainfall. Avoid swimming during or immediately after heavy rains for safety.
3

3. Wildlife Observation & Photography

  • Location: Along the High Shoals Falls Trail
  • What Makes It Special: The trail passes through rich habitats where visitors can spot native birds, squirrels, and seasonal wildflowers.
  • Key Features: Rhododendrons and mountain laurels provide stunning backdrops, especially in spring bloom or fall color changes.
  • Visitor Tips: Bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens. Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light and quieter wildlife activity. --- High Shoals Falls offers a memorable outdoor experience combining hiking, nature appreciation, and swimming in one of Georgia’s most picturesque forest locations.

Reviews

M
Marc Guidoin the last week

A gorgeous trail! This moderate route covers a little bit more than 2.5 miles round trip under a dense canopy of hemlocks, hardwoods, and rhododendrons, with a total elevation loss of around 500 feet descending into the gorge on the way in. There are a couple of really nice looking backpacking campsites along High Shoals Creek on the way in. Located at approximately the 0.9-mile mark, an unmarked side trail branches off to the left and leads to an observation platform overlooking Blue Hole Falls, a 20 to 30-foot drop that plunges directly into a deep, clear mountain pool with vibrant turquoise hues. Continuing roughly 0.3 miles further down the main trail brings you to the second waterfall, High Shoal Falls. Here, a dramatic 50-foot cascade spills down layered rock faces. An expansive wooden viewing platform at the end of the trail provides clear sightlines and catches the mist coming off the falls. Of course, what once came down, must go back up... the entire way! Beware the Forest Service road coming in to the trailhead off GA-17. There's a shallow ford across Upper Hiawassee Creek near the start, and above that the unpaved road is steep, winding, and heavily eroded in spots. A high clearance 4WD comes in handy, although most sedan drivers can make it if they choose their line through the tough spots very carefully.

B
Bonnie Bluein the last week

The falls themselves are stunning! Perfect really. There is a viewing deck but easy access to get to the falls themselves. Plenty of rocks to climb around on and shallow pools to play in. The hike to the falls is relatively short and easy. About 1.5 miles of downhill or flat past lots of people camping, the popular Blue Hole swimming area to the falls. The signage is not great anymore so park at trailhead, take the first right at the post, left at the base of the square wood stairs past Blue Hole. I am highly disappointed in how dirty the trail was as this is a very popular spot. We plan to bring a trash bag next time so we can pick up the ridiculous amount of trash and litter people have left all through the trails and especially at the 2 falls. Be better, y’all!

E
Estevan Rodriguez2 weeks ago

It's a bit challenging due to roots and rocks and sometimes slippery spots but that's what makes it fun. Makes you stop and look around

D
Debbie Dolan2 weeks ago

I don't think the reviews stress enough how difficult it is to get to the trail in a regular SUV. We didn't make it to the trail , we turned around about 1/2 way - at the area where we felt our vehicle might get in a hole and get stuck. I'm sure it's beautiful once you do the hike.

T
Tiffany4 weeks ago

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

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