Must visit Waterfalls Near Blue Ridge, GA: A Family Guide to Easy & Scenic Hikes

Looking for a little adventure beyond downtown Blue Ridge? From kid-friendly strolls to scenic trails tucked in the Chattahoochee National Forest, these must visit waterfalls near Blue Ridge GA, are the perfect excuse to pack a picnic, lace up your sneakers, and get outside as a family.

Kid Friendly hike in Blue Ridge, Georgia

Why Blue Ridge Is a Waterfall Lover’s Dream

Tucked in the North Georgia mountains, Blue Ridge is surrounded by lush forests, winding rivers, and gentle mountain terrain that make it easy to find waterfalls without hours of hiking.

Whether you want to chase waterfalls with young kids or challenge older ones with a moderate climb, you’ll find a little bit of everything here — and most trails are within a 30- to 45-minute drive from downtown.

Grab your camera (and maybe a swimsuit in warmer months), because these cascades are pure mountain magic.

Must visit Waterfalls Near Blue Ridge, GA

1. Fall Branch Falls

Location: Stanley Creek Road, Cherry Log, GA 30522

Distance from Blue Ridge: ~20 minutes

Trail Length: 0.6 miles round trip

Difficulty: Easy

Parking: Small gravel lot off Stanley Creek Rd near the Benton MacKaye Trailhead

Fall Branch Falls is one of the most accessible waterfalls near Blue Ridge and a favorite for families with young kids. The short but scenic trail winds through towering hardwoods before revealing a beautiful double-cascade waterfall. Wooden steps and railings make the path easy to navigate, though it can get muddy after rain.

Family Tip: Bring water shoes for little ones who like to splash — the lower pool is shallow and perfect for dipping your toes.

ALSO READ: Top 23 Things to Do in Blue Ridge in Winter

2. Long Creek Falls

Location: Three Forks Trailhead, Blue Ridge, GA 30513

Trail Length: 2 miles round trip

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Parking: Small lot at the end of Forest Service Road 58

Nestled along the Appalachian Trail, Long Creek Falls is the kind of spot that makes you feel worlds away from city life. The 50 -foot waterfall tumbles into a quiet gorge surrounded by mossy rocks and tall hemlocks — an ideal picnic spot for families.

The trail is mostly shaded and well-marked, with gentle elevation.

Family Tip: This is a great intro hike for kids who can handle a little distance. Bring snacks and bug spray!

3. Sea Creek Falls

Location: Cooper Creek Road, Suches, GA 30572

Distance from Blue Ridge: ~40 minutes

Trail Length: 0.5 miles round trip

Difficulty: Easy

Parking: Small roadside lot along Cooper Creek Rd (look for the wooden sign)

Sea Creek Falls is one of those hidden gems that locals love — easy to reach, rarely crowded, and surrounded by peaceful forest. The trail is short and flat, ending in a lovely two-tiered waterfall. It’s especially pretty in spring when the wildflowers bloom and in fall when the leaves light up the valley.

Family Tip: The rocks can get slick, so sneakers with grip are better than flip-flops.

4. Amicalola Falls

Location: 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534

Distance from Blue Ridge: ~1 hour

Trail Length: Multiple options (0.3 to 2 miles round trip)

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Parking: Large paved lot at the State Park Visitor Center (fee required)

Technically just outside Blue Ridge, Amicalola Falls is Georgia’s tallest waterfall and an absolute must-see. Families can take the accessible path to the base or climb the series of wooden stairs for incredible top-down views. For younger kids, stop at the base viewing platform; for adventurous families, hike the full trail to the top.

Family Tip: Bring quarters for the fish food machines near the trout pond — kids love it!

Fall Branch Falls Waterfall during winter

5. Helton Creek Falls

Location: Helton Creek Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512

Distance from Blue Ridge: ~50 minutes

Trail Length: 0.6 miles round trip

Difficulty: Easy

Parking: Gravel pull-off area at the end of Helton Creek Rd

Helton Creek Falls offers a double reward — two waterfalls within a short, shaded hike. The lower falls are great for kids to splash around, while the upper falls are taller and more dramatic.

It’s one of the most photogenic spots in North Georgia and perfect for families looking for an easy, quick adventure.

Family Tip: Arrive early — parking is limited and fills fast on weekends.

6. Toccoa Falls (Bonus!)

Location: 107 Kincaid Dr, Toccoa Falls, GA 30577

Distance from Blue Ridge: ~1 hour 20 minutes

Trail Length: 0.2 milesDifficulty: Very Easy (stroller accessible)

Parking: Toccoa Falls College visitor lot (small admission fee)

At 186 feet tall, Toccoa Falls is breathtaking — and yet incredibly easy to access. Located on the campus of Toccoa Falls College, this is one of the tallest free-fall waterfalls east of the Mississippi.

The short, paved path makes it ideal for strollers, grandparents, and anyone wanting a big payoff with minimal effort.

Family Tip: The on-site gift shop sells snacks and souvenirs — a fun stop before heading back to Blue Ridge.

Tips for Visiting Waterfalls in Blue Ridge with Kids

• Pack the essentials: Reusable water bottles, bug spray, sunscreen, and light rain jackets.

• Wear sturdy shoes: Trails can get muddy or slick.

• Bring snacks and a picnic blanket: Many of these waterfalls have beautiful areas to sit and relax.

• Check road conditions: Forest roads can be gravel or closed after heavy rain.

• Leave no trace: Teach kids to respect nature and pack out all trash.

Make It a Weekend: Pair Waterfalls with More Family Fun

After a day of hiking, refuel in downtown Blue Ridge with homemade fudge, local pizza, or a stop at Mercier Orchards for apple cider donuts. If you’re visiting in winter, combine your waterfall trip with cozy cabin time or a scenic drive through the mountains.

Chasing waterfalls around Blue Ridge, GA, is more than just a day outdoors — it’s a chance to slow down, unplug, and share the kind of moments your kids will actually remember. Whether it’s watching little feet splash at Fall Branch Falls or conquering the climb to Amicalola, every trail leads to a memory worth keeping.

So pack the snacks, load the playlist, and hit the mountain roads — adventure is calling.