DeSoto Falls DeSoto Falls Recreation Area, GA
miles
LENGTH 2.1 MILES
DIFFICULTY 2.7 Easy
DURATION 1 hour
ELEVATION GAIN
360
feet
TRAIL TYPE
There And
Back Again
DeSoto Falls

Named for the plate of armor found at the falls believed to have belonged to Hernando DeSoto, DeSoto Falls hike is an easy, wide path to two scenic waterfalls. Perfect for a family outing with younger children and just 30 minutes from Helen, Ga.

The trailhead, parking, and restrooms are located along US 19. Following the signs to the trail, you will notice many camping spots with fire pits. The path crosses Frogtown creek, which is where it splits. A quarter of a mile to the left is the lower falls and ¾ of a mile to the right is the upper falls.

Easy to follow and marked with green blazes, the only moderate section along this hike is the few switchbacks climbing the hillside to reach the lower falls observation deck. The rest of the path never strays far from the creek. Due to the short length and lower difficulty, don’t expect to find solitude on this hike, especially in the summer months. The best time to view the falls is shortly after a good rain, especially in the spring and winter. The images here were taken in December a couple days after rain.

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Elevation Map Length (miles) by Elevation (feet)
Terrain Map Click to control map
Details
length2.1 miles
difficulty2.7 Easy
duration1 hour
trail typeThere And Back Again
blazeGreen
elevation gain360 ft.
state Georgia 
park/forestDeSoto Falls Recreation Area
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
ranger districtBlue Ridge Ranger District
2042 Highway 515 West
Blairsville, GA 30512
706-745-6928
parking fee$3/Day, $25 Annual Pass
trailhead coordinates 34.706437, -83.914636 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 34°42.39, W 83°54.88 (Degree Minutes, MinDec)
N 34°42'23'', N 34°42'23'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)
Trailhead Directions
34.706437, -83.914636 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 34°42.39, W 83°54.88 most GPS units use this one
N 34°42'23'', N 34°42'23'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)
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Reviews / Comments
Average Review Rating
4 (1)
hikethesouth-6 years ago
Short Hike To Two Waterfalls
Both waterfalls on this hike are pretty nice right after a good rain. Short easy hike. Good for pets and small children.
Easy | Hiked Winter 2011
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