Thunder Dome Falls
Photo by Mark Oleg
Waterfall Info: This is the largest waterfall on Big Creek, as well as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Georgia (in my opinion), dropping through a unique slot canyon into a giant pool. It's known by various other monikers in addition to Thunder Dome Falls, such as Third Falls on Big Creek and Lower Big Creek Falls.
Landowner: Chattahoochee National Forest
Height: 70 Feet
Type: Cascades, Sheer Drop, & Free-Fall (Triple-Tier)
County: Rabun
Access Info: This waterfall is accessed via a short side path from the east side of the Big Creek Circuit. Access conditions have changed over the last several years due to storm damage, but as of 2023, a makeshift path exists to the base of the falls. The main path reaches a fresh landslide near the top of the falls. To reach the base, cross the top of the landslide and keep following the slim, narrow scramble path for about 300 feet. You will see a fake side path branching left; it shortly peters out in deadfall. Keep going straight and cross a pair of large fallen trees. In another 50 feet or so, look for the correct side path turning left and steeply down into an obscure gap in the rhododendron. The path shows signs of recent maintenance and goes to the base of the falls with minimal effort, aside from climbing over a few small trees.
Waterfall Location: 34.973496, -83.208380
Click here for Mark Oleg's report with detailed access information
Landowner: Chattahoochee National Forest
Height: 70 Feet
Type: Cascades, Sheer Drop, & Free-Fall (Triple-Tier)
County: Rabun
Access Info: This waterfall is accessed via a short side path from the east side of the Big Creek Circuit. Access conditions have changed over the last several years due to storm damage, but as of 2023, a makeshift path exists to the base of the falls. The main path reaches a fresh landslide near the top of the falls. To reach the base, cross the top of the landslide and keep following the slim, narrow scramble path for about 300 feet. You will see a fake side path branching left; it shortly peters out in deadfall. Keep going straight and cross a pair of large fallen trees. In another 50 feet or so, look for the correct side path turning left and steeply down into an obscure gap in the rhododendron. The path shows signs of recent maintenance and goes to the base of the falls with minimal effort, aside from climbing over a few small trees.
Waterfall Location: 34.973496, -83.208380
Click here for Mark Oleg's report with detailed access information