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Hike to Desoto Falls, Georgia

Cleveland, Georgia

3.7/5
based on 3 reviews

Details

Distance

2 miles

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Jeremy Cournyea

The secluded getaway in the Chattahoochee National Forest is ideal for a weekend of solitude, or making new friends.

The Chattahoochee National Forest is another kind of jungle.  On hot summer days well over 95 degrees, the forest canopy provides a shelter for human and wildlife alike. Here adventurers can enjoy hiking the Desoto Falls trail(s), try their luck at fishing, or take in the solitude of the North Georgia wilderness. 

The Frogtown Creek Bridge sets you on your way on the easy two mile out-and back trail to see the Desoto Falls. The old growth forest shades the path that bring you to a sign which points you left to visit the lower Desoto Falls. After some switchbacks and moderate elevation gain you arrive at the viewing point for the lower falls. The trail brings you back to the Frogtown Creek Bridge and onward to upper Desoto falls.

You cross a bridge just before you arrive at the upper falls, and are met by towering boulders and verdant undergrowth. The falls itself is dramatic, towering over the forest floor. Water flows over the sheer drop-offs down multiple tiers of massive rock outcrop. The sound of rushing water gradually fades away as you retreat from the falls and turn your attention back to the rhododendron, the towering pines, and the soft dirt beneath you.

The Desoto Falls campground is easily accessible and is a bargain price of $12.00 per night on a first come first serve basis.

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Features

Chillin
Camping
Photography
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Picnic Area
Scenic
Waterfall

Hike to Desoto Falls, Georgia Reviews

From the moment I got out of my car this place gave me a bad vibe, almost like chills and goose bumps. Maybe one day I'll return but just something seems off about this place.

This is a super simple trail most anyone can complete. The trail is well marked and easy to follow. I happened to be there during the drought in December so the stream was pretty small, but beautiful nonetheless!

The falls is actually split into two places with an upper and lower. You have to pay $3 for parking so keep that in mind. The trails are very easy and you bump into a few campers from the area. The falls are definitely beautiful though and they have plenty of trees around to hammock.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Blood Mountain via Byron Reece Trailhead

Appalachian Trail from Blood Mountain to Cowrock Mountain

Hike to Helton Creek Falls

Hike the Bear Hair Gap Trail

Hike the Trahlyta Lake Trail to Trahlyta Falls

Camp at Vogel State Park