Toonigh Creek Falls: How to Get to Woodstock’s Unofficial Waterfall

Toonigh Creek Falls is definitely one of Atlanta’s best kept secrets. Located in Woodstock, Toonigh Creek Falls (also known as Allatoona Falls), is only 40 minutes from Atlanta. 

Getting to Toonigh Creek Falls Trail

The trail is located in Olde Rope Mill Park. There are two parking lots close to the water but they do fill up fast, especially on weekends.  If these parking areas are full, there is additional parking to the left before you get to the actual park. To reach the trailhead, cross the bridge that heads over the river then take the first trail to your left. 

Olde Rope Mill Park is a popular area for paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing and biking. There are bathrooms and a covered pavilion located before you cross the bridge.

The Trail

The trail can be a bit tricky, since there aren’t any signs telling you where to go to find the waterfall. Once you’re on the trail remember to keep left at the intersections. You’ll first come up to a path where you can continue straight or head right. I was tricked here into taking the right trail because there is a sign saying ‘trail’ and pointing right. Don’t be like me, continue straight. Luckily, I was able to loop back around on another trail to continue on the path I was supposed to be on. 

You’ll follow this trail until you see old yellow mining machinery. Turn left here and follow the gravel road. Along the trail you’ll pass under the interstate, you’ll be tempted to take a side trail you see going to the river but stay straight. 

Eventually you will come upon the old mining operation with a few ways to go but continue to stay left. The gravel road will turn into a regular trail, taking you alongside the river most of the way. When you are about a quarter mile away, the trail will veer away from the river and begin making a short ascent uphill. You’ll come to another intersection, this time heading right, uphill. From here it’s not long until you reach the falls!

Toonigh Creek Falls is also accessible by kayaking or canoeing up the river. I was very surprised to see a bunch of people when we arrived that had came on jet skis.

Things to Know

This is an unofficial trail, with no signage telling you how to reach the waterfall. I found it very helpful to periodically check my AllTrails map to make sure I was heading the right direction. If you do get turned around, don’t worry, I found that most side trails looped back to the main trail.

Be careful walking on the waterfall, in the river or on the rocks! The rocks can be very slippery so if you do choose to get in the water, do so carefully!

What to Bring

Like most trails, you should bring plenty of water and snacks. With the weather warming up, don’t forget to apply sunscreen! Since this trail stays pretty close to the water, there were a lot of misquotes so maybe bring bug spray as well. If you plan to dip your feet in the water I’d recommend bringing a towel so you don’t have to walk back with wet feet! For a complete list of essential for day hikes, check out this list.

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