Best Fall Waterfall Hikes Near Blue Ridge
There is nothing quite like the spectacular mountain views combined with brilliant fall foliage of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the fall. On a bright sunny day without a cloud in the sky, there is no better activity than putting on your hiking boots and heading to the trails. Cooler autumn temperatures combined with refreshing breezes make autumn the perfect time of year to go explore our beautiful section of the country! There is no better place to experience gorgeous Georgia autumn than on these beautiful waterfall hikes near Blue Ridge, complete with dazzling fall foliage and picturesque waterfalls.
Appalachian Trail
The iconic Appalachian Trail begins right here in Fannin County at the top of Springer Mountain and spans over 2,000 miles all the way to Maine. A 2-mile round-trip journey filled with colorful trees and stunning views to the top of Springer Mountain is a popular hike — or try some longer and more challenging hikes within the trail’s 80-mile journey through Georgia. For example, Three Forks trail includes a 5.3-mile drive into the forest, a hike along Noontootla Creek, and brilliant foliage views. The trail ends at Long Creek Falls, a spectacular cascading waterfall with two drops totaling 50 feet. You won’t regret spending your fall trip to Blue Ridge chasing
waterfalls at the Appalachian Trail!
Benton McKaye Trail
Another trail that begins at the top of Springer Mountain, the Benton McKaye Trail is designed for foot travel and stretches over 300 miles, all the way to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This remote trail is known for its unique views of Georgia backcountry, as well as its focal point, Falls Branch Falls. This double waterfall takes about a 30 minute hike to reach round-trip, making it a great hike for those who have other activities on their agenda for the day!
Amicalola Falls
Another waterfall that should be at the top of your list is Amicalola Falls. Georgia’s tallest waterfall (in fact, the third-tallest cascading waterfall East of the Mississippi River) is stunning, especially when surrounded by brilliant foliage. This trail is about a 40-minute drive from Blue Ridge, but the view is certainly worth the drive!
Sea Creek Falls
A smaller (but still stunning!) waterfall, Sea Creek Falls only requires an easy walk of .1 miles to reach this cascading double waterfall. Talk about a beginner-level hike!
Swinging Bridge
The Swinging Bridge over the Toccoa River may not include a waterfall, but we still think it is a must-see while in Blue Ridge! At 270-feet long, it is the longest suspension bridge East of the Mississippi. The bridge is accessible via a hike on the Benton MacKaye Trail or while making your journey via tubing, kayaking, canoeing, or rafting down the Toccoa River Canoe Trail. This is a beautiful spot for pictures — especially in the fall — so don’t forget your camera!
When You’re Done Hiking
When you’re finished with your hikes, put your feet up at Nevaeh Cabins! The perfect spot to spend a relaxing fall evening, Nevaeh Cabins offers luxurious amenities including hot tubs for soaking, fire pits for roasting s’mores, grills for cooking up some of the last burgers of the season, and wrap-around decks to take in the beauty of the gorgeous mountain sunsets. For a change of scenery and a chance to experience the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains in autumn, book your fall retreat today!
