Hiking Desoto Falls: 3 Beautiful Waterfalls in One Trail

Desoto Falls trails is only 2 miles round trip featuring three waterfalls. It’s a relatively easy and short hike, taking around one hour to complete. You’ll follow the trail to Upper and Lower falls, then find a bonus third waterfall right before Lower Falls. Keep reading for more details on this trail!

Getting to Desoto Falls

The trailhead is located in Dahlonega, Georgia, about an hour and a half outside of Atlanta. Desoto Falls recreational area also offers a campground with showers and bathrooms. If you’re not camping and just wanting to do the hike, there is a regular parking lot with bathrooms before campgrounds. You’ll walk past the campground while making your way to the trail head, passing some picnic tables on the left (a good spot to have lunch after your hike). You’ll soon make your way to a bridge, after crossing you’ll have the option to go left, to lower falls or right to the upper falls. The length to lower falls is ¼ mile and ¾ mile to upper falls.

Upper & Lower Falls

We choose to do upper falls first, getting the longer part of the route done first. You’ll walk alongside the river for most of the trail, veering off as you get closer to the falls. The trail is mainly flat with just a few sections of incline. The trail is mostly shaded as you’ll be walking through the forest. At the base of the waterfall is an observation deck with benches so you can rest and take in the waterfall.

You’ll follow that same path back to the trailhead then continue on for a quarter mile to reach lower falls. This short walk is all uphill with a few sets of stairs before reaching the top. You’ll find another observation in front of the lower falls with benches to take in the view. 

As you walk back down you’ll see a little side trail taking you to a third waterfall. The side trail is right before the railing begins. If you choose to walk down beware that it is steep coming back up with multiple tree roots protruding from the trail. As always, be careful around the waterfall as the rocks will be slippery. I personally really enjoyed this third waterfall since I was able to get up close and personal with it. 

Bears have been know to frequent this area and there are warning signs posted around. We didn’t see any when we visited but I do recommend packing your bear spray just in case. If you do see a bear, never approach it and slowly back away, never run. Black bears are a less aggressive species of bears but if it does start to approach you, be sure to stand your ground, make lots of noise, and raise your arms to make yourself bigger.

More Trails Near Desoto Falls

If you’re hanging out in the Dahlonega area and are looking for another hike, I recommend checking out Preachers Rock for unmatched views of the mountains. If you’re in the mood for another waterfall, check out Duke Creek Falls which is less than 30 minutes from Desoto.