THE LAKE TEAM BLOG

Local Places to Explore

In celebration of Spring, we’ve decided to share information about some of our most favorite waterfall hikes in the area.

Minnehaha Falls – Considered one of the most beautiful cascades in the North Georgia mountains, Minnehaha Falls is a 100-foot cascade surrounded by lush rhododendron and mountain laurel. The hike is short and easy at only a .4 mile distance. You may want to consider packing a picnic for this journey. There is a perfectly flat rock that is a great place to hang for a while at the waterfall base.

GPS: N 34.7473° W 83.48033°

DISTANCE: .8 miles round trip

DIFFICULTY: Easy

Angel and Panther Falls – The trailhead for this two waterfall journey begins at the Rabun Beach Campground just across the road from the Lake Rabun public beach access area. This is also a great spot to enjoy a picnic either before or after your hike! The trail follows closely alongside Joe’s Creek. The moderate uphill climb offers views of lush rhododendron, fern and a variety of wildflowers and plants to enjoy.

GPS: N 34.76822° W 83.47716°

DISTANCE: 1.5-2 miles round trip

DIFFICULTY: Moderate

Hemlock Falls – Located in Moccasin Creek State Park and within close proximity to Lake Burton, the Hemlock Falls trail is an easy to moderate 3-4 mile hike. Enjoy a shady, moss-filled journey as the trail meanders alongside Moccasin Creek crossing the creek at least once on a wooden footbridge. There are many smaller cascades along the way and once you reach the end, Hemlock Falls spills into a beautiful swimming pool surrounded by large boulders.

GPS:  N 34.84773° W 83.59677°

DISTANCE: 3.5-4 miles round trip

DIFFICULTY: Easy to Moderate

Dick’s Creek Falls (Chattooga River)  – A personal favorite, you can plan to make a full day of the Dick’s Creek Falls hike! Not to be mistaken for the ‘other’ Dick’s Creek Falls trail and hike located closer to Lake Burton, this 1-1.5 mile trek is easy and dog-friendly. Much of the hike follows alongside Dick’s Creek, a tributary of the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River. Once you reach the trails end, enjoy views of this 60-70 foot cascade spilling gracefully into the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River. This is an ideal spot to spend a day swimming, exploring and simply enjoying the sites and sounds of river life!

GPS: 34.870633, -83.252950  N34 52.238 W83 15.177

DISTANCE: 1.2-1.5 miles round trip

DIFFICULTY: Easy

Panther Creek Falls – Located just South of Tallulah Gorge State Park, the Panther Creek Falls trail is one of the more popular (and more heavily visited) hikes in the area. At 7 miles, the trek is a long and moderately difficult one but the rewards are worth the journey when you reach the falls at the end! Note that there are areas of this trail that are not for the faint of heart. You may want to bring a safety rope just in case especially after heavy rains.

GPS: N 34.67811° W 83.39226°

DISTANCE: 7 miles round trip

DIFFICULTY: Moderate to Difficult

For information about these and other amazing hikes, visit our friends at Wander North Georgia! They have a beautiful website and storefront along Main Street in Downtown Clayton!