When the outside temperature hits 90 degrees, your everyday worries wash away the moment that you immerse in the chilly waters of a crystal-clear Blue Ridge Mountain creek. As you explore this selection of North Georgia's best waterfall swimming holes, you'll find that some are just a short hike from the road and always popular with summer recreationists. Others are secluded deep in the wilderness and require a challenging trek, but the reward is a pristine swimming hole that you'll have all to yourself.
1. Sea Creek Falls
|
Located just south of Lake Blue Ridge in the Coopers Creek Wildlife Management Area, Sea Creek Falls is a terrific waterfall to take the whole family. Kids will love an afternoon of playing and wading in the shallow pebble-strewn pool below the 40-foot falls. Coopers Creek, a beloved trout fishing stream, lies nearby.
|
2. Mill Creek Falls
|
A local favorite in Georgia's Cohutta Mountains, Mill Creek Falls can be reached via an unmarked trail heading out of Hickey Gap Campground. A rope swing adorns the remarkably symmetrical and round pool at this 50-foot waterfall's base. The rock scramble to the bottom adds a fun challenge while keeping the hike quick.
|
3. Dicks Creek Falls
|
Look no further than Dicks Creek Falls for a refreshing swimming hole with effortless access from the side of a dirt road. Take a leisurely drive down Dicks Creek Road to spot this waterfall with its 10-foot-deep pool from the car window. Dicks Creek Falls is a popular summer destination for Atlanta tourists, so go on a weekday for the best chance of solitude.
|
4. Bridal Veil Falls (The Sliding Rock)
|
One of the Seven Wonders of Georgia, the striking Tallulah Gorge is home to the region's most cult classic swimming hole. Upon crossing the waist-deep Tallulah River and tackling the Gorge Floor's many demanding rock scrambles, your reward is an opportunity to take an exhilarating slide down the smooth bedrock of Bridal Veil Falls. Access to this esteemed spot is limited to 100 Gorge Floor Permits per day.
|
5. Blue Hole Falls
|
With a deep turquoise pool sparkling in the sun, Blue Hole Falls lives up to its lustrous name. Beginner hikers will enjoy the trail to this 20-foot waterfall as it follows a gradual, winding descent into the High Shoals Creek valley. For more sightseeing, keep following the trail downstream to the magnificent 120-foot High Shoals Falls, where swimming is not an option.
|
6. Clear Creek Falls
|
Located atop Blackberry Mountain, the swimming hole of Clear Creek Falls is a hidden gem and local favorite just outside Ellijay. Kids and adults alike enjoy riding their inner tubes down this series of gently cascading waterfalls. Visitors often extend their hike to the Cartecay River, a rolling mountain waterway bound by towering hemlock trees and deep blue skies. Access requires a WMA Lands Pass or Fishing License.
|
7. Singley's Falls
|
Take a dip at the same waterfall that extreme whitewater boater Alan Singley fearlessly paddled across solo in his single-seat kayak in 1976. Swimming holes are galore along Overflow Creek, which forms the West Fork Chattooga River at nearby Three Forks. Those who are down for an uncharted trip into this seldom-visited backwoods area will find the creeks of Three Forks tough to beat on a hot summer day.
|
8. Jacks River Falls
|
With a 45-minute drive down winding dirt roads and over nine miles of hiking, Jacks River Falls is as remote as it gets, but the many hikers who come to swim and sunbathe here every summer say "challenge accepted." Alternatively, seasoned backpackers love accessing the falls along the Jacks River Trail, known for its 42 river crossings and countless swimming holes.
|
9. Darnell Creek Falls
|
Tumbling through a slim canyon, Darnell Creek Falls forms a small but deep swimming hole at its base. This dynamic 25-foot waterfall is now open to the public thanks to local trout fisherman Bill Kelly, who helped ensure preservation of this outstanding trout habitat. This quick walk is great for sightseers of any skill level. Intrepid hikers with high-clearance vehicles, don't miss the four more beautiful waterfalls located upstream.
|
|
|
10. David's Falls
|
The most strenuous waterfall on this list, David's Falls rewards seasoned hikers with an enormous swimming hole well off the beaten path. The pool at the foot of David's Falls is 100 feet long by 70 feet wide, and solitude is all but guaranteed in the deep and rugged gorge of Davidson Creek. If a vigorous climb on all fours down the steep gorge slope sounds enticing, this is the swimming hole for you.
|
Looking for more Georgia waterfalls to take a refreshing swim at? Click here to get Mark's comprehensive guidebook "Waterfalls of Georgia." The first ever definitive guide to its subject, Waterfalls of Georgia features 735 total waterfalls with step-by-step directions, detailed hiking maps, and hundreds of full-color photos.
First in Georgia!
Get Mark's brand new
guidebook to 700+ falls.
