Day Trips from Atlanta
← All Atlanta day tripsDay Trips from Atlanta: Waterfalls & Swimming Holes
The best waterfalls and swimming holes within driving distance of Atlanta, GA. Dramatic cascades, hidden gorges, and swimmable falls that reward the drive. Trail info, drive times, and ratings included.
12 waterfalls near Atlanta
Rainbow Falls
Grassy Ridge Rd, Lake Toxaway
Just 2 hrs 33 min from Atlanta, rated 4.9 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Little River Canyon Falls Park
Fort Payne, AL 35967
Just 1 hr 59 min from Atlanta, rated 4.9 stars by 2,031 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Turtleback Falls
Lake Toxaway, NC 28747
Just 2 hrs 33 min from Atlanta, rated 4.9 stars by 397 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Brasstown Falls
Westminster, SC 29693
Just 2 hrs 12 min from Atlanta, rated 4.8 stars by 478 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Cloudland Canyon State Park
Rising Fawn, GA 30738
Just 2 hrs 5 min from Atlanta, rated 4.8 stars by 7,225 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Fall Creek Falls State Park
Spencer, TN 38585
Just 2 hrs 51 min from Atlanta, rated 4.8 stars by 8,623 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Tallulah Gorge State Park
Tallulah Falls, GA 30573
Just 1 hr 35 min from Atlanta, rated 4.8 stars by 6,560 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Gorges State Park
Sapphire, NC 28774
Just 2 hrs 36 min from Atlanta, rated 4.8 stars by 1,455 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Foster Falls Recreation Area
Sequatchie, TN 37374
Just 2 hrs 23 min from Atlanta, rated 4.8 stars by 1,451 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Amicalola Falls State Park
Dawsonville, GA 30534
Just 1 hr 21 min from Atlanta, rated 4.8 stars by 14,203 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Quarry Falls
Highlands, NC 28741
Just 2 hrs 30 min from Atlanta, rated 4.7 stars by 741 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Tallulah Falls Beach
GA 30573, USA
Just 1 hr 35 min from Atlanta, rated 4.5 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Day Trips from Atlanta
What are the best waterfalls near Atlanta, GA?
The best waterfalls near Atlanta range from roadside cascades to backcountry falls requiring a hike. Check the cards above for top-rated options with drive times and real visitor ratings.
Are there swimmable waterfalls near Atlanta?
Some waterfalls near Atlanta have designated swimming areas at their base. Always check current conditions and posted rules before swimming. State park waterfalls with established trails are generally the safest options.
How hard are the hikes to waterfalls near Atlanta?
Difficulty varies widely. Some waterfalls near Atlanta are visible from parking areas or short boardwalks. Others require moderate to strenuous hikes of 2-6 miles round trip. Check individual trail descriptions before heading out.
When is the best time to see waterfalls near Atlanta?
Spring (March-May) typically offers the highest water flow after snowmelt and rain. Waterfalls are beautiful year-round though. Winter ice formations are dramatic, and fall foliage framing a waterfall is hard to beat.
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