We love summers in Georgia. Ice cream, water parks, waterfall hikes, beaches, and more are waiting for you. But with all that fun in the sun comes heat, and lots of it. Many areas of the state regularly see heat indexes in the triple digits. It can be miserable, and even deadly. Fortunately, we have plenty of great opportunities to cool off. One of our favorite ways to beat the heat is to check out one of the many natural swimming holes in Georgia. We have many all over the state, especially in the mountainous northern areas. One of our favorites is Panther Creek. This hidden gem in Clarkesville is a magnificent waterfall-fed swimming hole in Georgia that's an absolute blast on a hot day.
The Chattahoochee National Forest is filled with amazing natural attractions, and Panther Creek Falls is one of the best.
The hike to get here is no joke and will certainly make you work up a sweat.
It's about 1.5 miles from the closest parking area to the waterfalls. Much of the terrain is steep and there are plenty of roots to step over, so watch your step!
Fortunately, the hike is pretty shaded with all of the tree cover, so you will at least not be in direct sunlight.
Those looking for more of a challenge will find several parking spots in the area, so you can make it a much longer hike if you really want a workout.
After all that hiking, you'll certainly be ready to cool off. Fortunately, you're at just the spot for it!
You'll find a pristine pool and plenty of boulders that serve as nature's chairs to sit and watch the falls.
Frolicking through the swimming hole is the cherry on top of such a serene hike through the North Georgia woods!
Have you ever hiked to Panther Creek Falls? Share your experiences in the comments!
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