Wells Shoals Falls is among my top ten favorite waterfalls in Georgia. Located on the Middle Fork Broad River near Toccoa, this 35-foot waterfall drops into a spectacular rock amphitheater with the largest beach I've ever seen at any Georgia waterfall. The vast sandy beach, crescent-shaped pool, and semicircular cliffs lying beneath a deep blue sky are all incredibly gorgeous. 

Wells Shoals Falls lies on a thin sliver of private land extending up the river from Reservoir No. 44, a flood control impoundment built on the Middle Fork Broad River many decades ago. The waterfall is surrounded by the Lake Russell Wildlife Management Area on three sides and lies only a few hundred feet from the National Forest boundary. To the best of my knowledge, Wells Shoals Falls has been frequented by locals and waterfall enthusiasts over the years. It appears to be a local party spot and I have seen signs of trash around the falls. During three visits in 2019, 2023, and 2026, I have found no private property signage along the property boundary. However, anecdotally I've heard the property owners may be frustrated with the trash being left behind at the falls. 

An established 1-mile trail descends to Wells Shoals Falls from Wells Mountain and Post Oak Corner Road (FR 193). Keep in mind Post Oak Corner Road is a rough, dead-end 4WD road branching from Red Root Road. The trail clearly shows lots of signs of use from foot traffic, horses, and even illegal off-road vehicles. The trail begins in the Lake Russell WMA and stays in public land for nearly its entire length except for the last few hundred feet along the river. 

Although I am not currently aware of access issues at Wells Shoals Falls, this could always change due to the waterfall being on private land. I strongly encourage anybody who decides to visit here to respect the property and leave the falls cleaner than they found it. It might be wishful thinking, but I would love to see a group of volunteers adopting this gorgeous place and cleaning it at regular intervals. 

In my opinion, Wells Shoals Falls should be a top conservation priority for the state of Georgia. It's among the state's most outstanding private waterfalls and would make for a fantastic addition to the adjacent Lake Russell WMA. 

To learn about more waterfalls in the Toccoa area, see chapter 8 in Mark Ozboyd's "Waterfalls of Georgia" guidebook.