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Nature|Waterfalls

The Hike To This Secluded Waterfall Beach In Georgia Is Positively Amazing

Panther Creek Trail in Georgia offers a challenging hike leading to a secluded waterfall beach perfect for swimming.

Published May 4, 2018

Written by 

Angie Slayton

When you're lucky enough to live in a state that has natural features like a secluded waterfall beach, then you should probably take advantage of them as often as you can. Granted, this hike is not for the faint of heart, which is certainly what adds to the peace and quiet of it all. But if you're willing to tackle this nearly 7-mile round trip trail, then you certainly won't be disappointed with what you find.

Panther Creek Trail is one of the best hiking opportunities in northern Georgia.

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TripAdvisor cjeek

Not only is the hiking through the Chattahoochee a top notch experience, but it provides a unique glimpse into Georgia nature.

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While it isn’t necessary, hikers are encouraged to carry a backpack when heading to Panther Creek Falls, simply because the almost 7-mile roundtrip hike can be quite a doozy.

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Flickr Jeff Gunn

But we promise the end result will be absolutely worth it.

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Flickr Jeff Gunn

Imagine having a secluded beach right by one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Georgia, with nothing but time to enjoy.

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Flickr Dianne Frost

Panther Creek Falls is a combination of tiered waterfalls all leading to one giant swimming hole at the bottom.

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Hikers can jump in and enjoy a relaxing swim in this freshwater pool.

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Flickr Dianne Frost

While still secluded compared to many other summertime spots in Georgia, Panther Creek Falls still attracts visitors, especially on those hot, muggy days.

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TripAdvisor cowtown086

Between the hike through the lush, natural forest with dense vegetation and the smell of clean air and fresh dirt in the air…

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Flickr Jeff Moore

…to the secluded waterfall swimming hole, Panther Creek Falls is the ultimate summer adventure for Georgians.

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Flickr Alexander Lerch

To access the Panther Creek Trailhead, hikers can use the address below for the Panther Creek Recreation Area:

US 441, Chattahoochee National Forest, Tallulah Falls, GA 30572

Parking at the trailhead costs $4, cash only.

Have you ever been to Panther Creek Falls before? Share with us your experience in the comments section! Or if you're looking for other hidden hiking trails in Georgia  or stunning waterfalls to check to, you've come to the right place.

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Nature|Hiking

The Jacks River Falls Trail Is One of the Best Waterfall Hikes in Georgia

Looking for a great waterfall hike in Fannin County, Georgia? The Jacks River Falls Trail is a challenging trail with beautiful views!

Published Aug 28, 2024

Written by 

Lisa Sammons

Few natural wonders are as impressive as a waterfall, and we're lucky enough to have some pretty amazing waterfalls in Georgia. If you're looking for a pretty amazing waterfall trail near Epworth, GA, right below the state line with Tennessee, we think you'll love the gem we have featured today. The Jacks River Falls Trail is a spectacular hike by any measure. It's a 15-mile out-and-back trek through the stunning Cohutta Wildlife Management Area, and it's certainly not for the faint of heart, but man, oh man, is it gorgeous!

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In all, the trail takes a little over five hours for most hikers to complete. It's got several river crossings and you'll definitely want to be wearing sturdy footwear and bring along trekking poles.

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Daniel Fiery/AllTrails

This is a wilderness area, so don't expect the trail to be perfectly maintained. There are going to be areas of overgrown plants and downed trees.

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Michael Mitchell/AllTrails

However, the waterfall views definitely make it a worthwhile adventure for an experienced hiker!

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Solamen Silva/AllTrails

Of course, you can always just hike a portion of the trail and not head all the way out to the falls, if you're looking for an easier experience.

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Rob Murphy/AllTrails

Many opt to make this a multi-day affair and enjoy pitching a tent along the route.

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Will King/AllTrails

It may be a challenging hike, but the scenery is gorgeous.

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Lars Holmquist/AllTrails

This is a stunning and rugged area of the state with so many outdoor adventures just waiting to be enjoyed.

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Izabela Sierdzinska/AllTrails

For more information about this amazing waterfall hiking trail near Epworth, GA, check out our friends at AllTrails.

If you consider yourself a big fan of hiking in Georgia, don't miss a free trial of AllTrails+. Benefits like 3D map views, wrong-turn alerts, and live sharing with friends make it an invaluable tool for anyone who spends time in the wilderness.

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Nature|Waterfalls

A Bit Of An Unexpected Natural Wonder, Few People Know There’s A Beautiful Waterfall Hiding In South Georgia

Broxton Rocks Preserve in Georgia features a unique waterfall and diverse landscapes, accessible seasonally by appointment.

Updated Aug 11, 2024

Written by 

Lisa Sammons

We've got no shortage of waterfalls in Georgia. You'll find dozens of these natural wonders scattered throughout the state, from small hidden trickles in the woods to the mighty 729-foot-tall Amicalola Falls. However, most of the Peach State's cascades are located in the mountainous northern region of the state. You won't find nearly as many examples of waterfalls in South Georgia. One place where you can find just that is at the Broxton Rocks Preserve in Douglas, GA. This hidden gem is a truly magnificent place, filled with unique landscapes and a majestic waterfall. It's seasonally open to the public by appointment only, but even just seeing photos of it is a treat. Check it out:

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Broxton Rocks Preserve is one of several natural areas maintained by The Nature Conservancy in Georgia. This global nonprofit works to preserve natural wonders all over the world for future generations.

Wooden sign at Broxton Rocks Preserve, surrounded by trees, stating "Managed by The Nature Conservancy."
Keith Wilson/Alltrails

Because the ecosystem here is delicate and hordes of visitors can cause damage, visitation to Broxton Rocks is typically available by appointment only.

A cluster of purple berries growing among green leaves in a natural setting.
Natalie Weiss / AllTrails

However, there is a one-mile trail open to the public each year from June through August. The trail runs from the preserve's gate to the waterfall.

A serene forest scene featuring a small waterfall surrounded by trees and flowing water.
The Nature Conservancy in Georgia/Facebook

And what a spectacular waterfall it is! It's such a unique sight to see a roaring waterfall in South Georgia.

A serene waterfall cascades over rocks, surrounded by greenery and blooming flowers.
The Nature Conservancy

The entire area is pretty unusual. Small caves, 30-foot tall rocks, and large outcroppings of sandstone abound here.

A rocky cave with a bright opening at the top, surrounded by green moss and plants.
Jessica Madden/Alltrails

The preserve is home to a number of species that are threatened or endangered, including the Bachman's sparrow, which thrives amongst the longleaf pine trees here.

A small bird perched on a branch, featuring brown and gray feathers with a subtle striped pattern.
ntitelbaum/Wikimedia Commons

Whether you're able to visit Broxton Rocks in person or just admire it from photos, this natural wonder of a waterfall in south Georgia is a true hidden gem.

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A serene landscape featuring a small waterfall cascading over rocky terrain into a dark, flowing stream.
Keith Wilson / AllTrails

Have you ever heard of this preserve and waterfall in south Georgia, or been lucky enough to visit? Share some of your favorite waterfalls in Georgia in the comments!

Check out more of the best natural wonders in Georgia in this featured article. Be sure to try out AllTrails+ to find maps for all of the great hiking trails in these areas.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/georgia/best-natural-wonders-ga/

There are many more amazing waterfalls at Georgia's Tallulah Gorge State Park. Watch this quick video to see this stunning natural wonder:

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