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Georgia's Trusted Local Source for Waterfall Explorations Since 2018

Lower Trailside Falls

Chattahoochee National Forest

Habersham County
Cornelia, GA

GPS Location:

34.50408, -83.49461

Waterfall Height:

8 feet

Lower Trailside Falls is the first waterfall found along the relaxing Rhododendron Trail near Lake Russell. It lies down a brief side path to the left after an easy and flat 0.35-mile hike from Lake Russell Road. Although this 8-foot drop hardly qualifies as a true waterfall, it lies in a scenic setting with an attractive and surprisingly deep wading pool. The waterfall lies on an unnamed creek draining into Lake Russell. 


Lower Trailside Falls is well worth the easy walk on its own despite the small size. It can also be enjoyed as a short side trip along the more difficult hike to Chenocetah Mountain or Rhododendron Falls. 


For detailed directions, see page 229 in Mark Ozboyd's "Waterfalls of Georgia" guidebook. 

Photo credit: Robert Shaw

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