27 Toccoa Falls
Lavish! Toccoa Falls is absolutely delightful. One of the few waterfalls that make a true freefall, its beauty is indescribable. Despite the lack of privacy here, this highly recommended waterfall makes the Author’s Favorites List.
Height: 186 feet
Distance: 0.2 mile out and back
Trail surface: Wide gravel trail
Approximate hiking time: 15 minutes
Blaze color: No blazes
County: Stephens
Land status: Private property
Trail contact: Toccoa Falls College; (706) 886-7299, ext. 5257; www.tfc.edu
FYI: Waterfall access is from 9 a.m. to sundown year-round; nominal fee to visit the falls
Maps: DeLorme: Georgia Atlas & Gazetteer: Page 16 F3-G3
Finding the trailhead: From the junction of US 441 and US 76 east, drive south on US 441 for 18.4 miles. Turn left onto Alternate GA 17 (GA 17A) and drive south for 8.3 miles to the entrance to Toccoa Falls College on the right at the large stone sign for Toccoa Falls College. Go through the gate and come to a stop sign. Go straight ahead, following the signs for Toccoa Falls and Gift Shop. After traveling for 0.8 mile from GA 17A, arrive at the parking area for the falls and the gift shop.
From the junction of US 441 and GA 17, drive north on US 441 for 3.6 miles. Turn right onto GA 17A and follow the directions above, turning left at the sign for Toccoa Falls College.
GPS: N34 35.645 / W83 21.643
The Hike
Located on the campus of Toccoa Falls College, the falls are accessed through the gift shop. Toccoa Falls is suitable for all ages; both young and old will enjoy this one. If the gift shop is closed, the gate next to it should be open. The wide gravel trail follows the creek upstream before reaching the base of Toccoa Falls.
Toccoah means “beautiful” in Cherokee, which makes this waterfall aptly named indeed. However beautiful it may be, this was once the site of a horrible tragedy. In 1977 a dam above the falls broke, causing a flood so great that it killed thirty-nine unsuspecting people, injured more than sixty others, and caused millions of dollars in damage. With the help of local, state, and federal agencies, the college was able to rebuild and remain open. Yet the loss of life that day will never be forgotten. A memorial now stands near the base of the falls to honor those souls who did not survive.
Miles and Directions
0.0Begin by entering into the gift shop and paying a nominal fee. As you exit the gift shop, the trail follows the creek northwest and upstream.
0.1Arrive at the base of Toccoa Falls. (N34 35.734 / W83 21.616). Return the way you came.
0.2Arrive back at the trailhead.
Now that’s a sunrise worth waking up early for.
The tall free-falling waters of Toccoa Falls