Updated July 2026
High Shoals Falls
The largest of five waterfalls in the High Shoals Scenic Area, dropping about 50 ft into a deep pool, reached by a creekside trail that also passes Blue Hole Falls off a gravel Forest Service road south of Hiawassee.
Before you go
Waterfalls are hazardous by nature — wet rock, cold water, and unstable edges — and flow varies enormously with season and recent rain. Trail figures here describe the route as documented, not conditions today. Check U.S. Forest Service (Chattahoochee National Forest) for closures and current conditions, and confirm land status before setting out.
Graded lakes within 25 miles
- BLake Burton · Rabun County · 10.2 mi
- AChatuge Lake · Clay County · 14 mi
- BLake Rabun · Rabun County · 16.9 mi
- CLake Nottely · Union County · 19.5 mi
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Frequently Asked Questions
High Shoals Falls drops about 50 feet. That makes it the 402nd-tallest documented waterfall in this inventory, taller than roughly 42% of the falls listed here. Height comes from published land-manager and survey records, not from our own measurement.
The High Shoals Trail (to High Shoals Falls & Blue Hole Falls) reaches it about 2.4 miles (out-and-back) with roughly 500 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate. The nearest town is Hiawassee. That describes the route as documented, not conditions on the day — check with U.S. Forest Service (Chattahoochee National Forest) for closures and current conditions.
Spring. Waterfall flow swings enormously with snowmelt and recent rain, so a fall that roars in spring can be a trickle by late summer.
More Georgia waterfalls
- Amicalola Falls · 729 ft
- Angel Falls · 50 ft
- Anna Ruby Falls · 153 ft
- Cochrans Falls · 600 ft
- DeSoto Falls · 200 ft
- Dukes Creek Falls · 150 ft
- Helton Creek Falls · 100 ft
- Hemlock Falls · 15 ft
Sources
- https://exploregeorgia.org/hiawassee/outdoors-nature/natural-attractions/high-shoals-falls
- https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/high-shoals-falls-trail-blue-hole-falls/
- https://www.worldwaterfalldatabase.com/waterfall/High-Shoals-Falls-20284
- https://www.visittownscounty.com/explore/experience/high-shoals-falls/
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