Emerald Falls is the upper of two waterfalls found along a southern tributary in the headwaters of Holcomb Creek, several miles upstream from Holcomb Creek. Interestingly, the tributary is not shown on topographic maps despite being pretty sizable. This stairstepping 60-foot waterfall lies in a small, clifty amphitheater hidden away in the dense forest. 

Accessing Emerald Falls requires a tough off-trail bushwhack from Hale Ridge Road (FR 7). It is recommended to follow a faint fishermens' path down to Holcomb Creek, ford the creek, and then head toward Jewel Falls (located downstream) from a dry ridge to the east. The woods are more open here than what you'd encounter if you tried to follow the creek directly. You will then locate traces of old scramble paths along the east side of the stream between Jewel Falls and Emerald Falls, but the area is very overgrown.

For detailed directions, see page 359 in Mark Ozboyd's "Waterfalls of Georgia" guidebook.