Allatoona Falls (Toonigh Creek Falls, Hause Shoals)
Photo by Mark Oleg
Waterfall Info: This is a scenic waterfall near the mouth of Toonigh Creek, where it drains into Lake Allatoona. The falls isn't large, but it remains quite impressive for its location within the Atlanta metro area. The historical name of the falls is Hause Shoals. More recently, it's been called Toonigh Creek Falls and Allatoona Falls.
Landowner: US Army Corps of Engineers (Lake Allatoona)
Height: 20 Feet
Type: Sheer Drop & Sliding Cascade (Double-Tier)
County: Cherokee
Access Info: The waterfall is reached by an unofficial trail from Old Rope Mill Park. First, cross the bridge across Little River in the park center and follow the multi-use hike/bike trail north for about 0.3 mile. Then, turn left onto a broad road and follow it under the I-575 overpass to a sand dredging area. Note that this is an active construction site on public land, and the area may be busy at times. Go as far to the left as you can - the road you want closely follows the Little River and reaches a turnaround soon after exiting the sand dredging area. From here on, follow a narrow but well-worn path along Little River that eventually rises to a ridge sticking out between two fingers of Lake Allatoona. Turn right and follow the obvious trail to the waterfall. The total hiking distance one way is about 1.5 miles one way. People also really enjoy kayaking the placid Little River and a finger of Lake Allatoona directly to the waterfall. Note: do not leave the main trail to Allatoona Falls, as the falls is almost entirely surrounded by private residential neighborhoods.
Waterfall Location: 34.143647, -84.530849
Landowner: US Army Corps of Engineers (Lake Allatoona)
Height: 20 Feet
Type: Sheer Drop & Sliding Cascade (Double-Tier)
County: Cherokee
Access Info: The waterfall is reached by an unofficial trail from Old Rope Mill Park. First, cross the bridge across Little River in the park center and follow the multi-use hike/bike trail north for about 0.3 mile. Then, turn left onto a broad road and follow it under the I-575 overpass to a sand dredging area. Note that this is an active construction site on public land, and the area may be busy at times. Go as far to the left as you can - the road you want closely follows the Little River and reaches a turnaround soon after exiting the sand dredging area. From here on, follow a narrow but well-worn path along Little River that eventually rises to a ridge sticking out between two fingers of Lake Allatoona. Turn right and follow the obvious trail to the waterfall. The total hiking distance one way is about 1.5 miles one way. People also really enjoy kayaking the placid Little River and a finger of Lake Allatoona directly to the waterfall. Note: do not leave the main trail to Allatoona Falls, as the falls is almost entirely surrounded by private residential neighborhoods.
Waterfall Location: 34.143647, -84.530849