WaterfallNear Me

Upper DeSoto Falls

Lumpkin County, Georgia

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
Not recorded
Location
Lumpkin County, Georgia
Access status
Partial guide: upper trail access reported closed by some visitors; exact falls name varies
The walk
0.75 mile one way per Recreation.gov; about 1.5 miles return (derived)
Ground & access
Gradual climb on a footpath with rock outcrops. Stay on the platform.
USDA Forest Service: DeSoto Falls Recreation Area
Upper DeSoto Falls, GA
Upper DeSoto Falls, GA
Photo creditPhoto: Fredlyfish4, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Park in the day-use lot, follow signs through the picnic area to the bridge over Frogtown Creek, and turn right on the Upper DeSoto Falls Trail. It climbs gradually to a viewing platform at the upper falls. Return the same way. The Dyrt reports that a higher, third waterfall section is closed to hikers.

Plan your visit

DeSoto Falls Recreation Area day-use lot over the Frogtown Creek bridge, right on the Upper DeSoto Falls Trail

Recreation.gov lists 0.75 mile to the upper falls. Atlanta Trails measures just over a mile. The return figure is derived.

Gradual climb on a footpath with rock outcrops. Stay on the platform.

Where to start

Day-use visitors park in the main lot on the left on entering the recreation area, off US 19/129 between Dahlonega and Blairsville.

Timing & water

Open year-round. Check with the Blue Ridge Ranger District for trail closures before visiting.

Before you go

Day use $5 per vehicle per day, paid on site with the Recreation.gov app; annual passes accepted, per the Forest Service.

Visitor information
Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore Georgia

Waterfall location

Lumpkin County, Georgia.

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