Private North Georgia Waterfall Tour and Scenic Hikes

Discover the Charm of North Georgia Waterfalls and Scenic Hikes

This private North Georgia Waterfall Tour offers a full-day adventure for those eager to see some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Appalachian Mountains. Priced at $275 per person, the tour lasts approximately 9 to 11 hours, making it a comprehensive day trip from Atlanta. With the option of pickup and group discounts, the tour provides both convenience and flexibility, ideal for small groups or individual travelers. The tour is highly rated, with a perfect 5.0/5 from three reviews, emphasizing its quality and memorable experiences.

What sets this tour apart is its customizable nature—you can tailor the experience to include more or fewer waterfalls depending on your preferences. The journey begins with a visit to Amicalola Falls, Georgia’s tallest waterfall, then continues with stops at Helton Creek, Anna Ruby Falls, and optionally Dukes Creek Falls Trail. The tour also includes a charming break in Helen, a Bavarian-style village perfect for lunch and shopping. This tour is especially suited for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts who appreciate intimate, personalized outdoor experiences.

Key Points

• Private, customizable tour focusing on North Georgia’s waterfalls and scenic spots
• Starts at $275 per person, with pickup offered and group discounts available
• Duration of 9 to 11 hours, ideal for a full-day outdoor adventure
• Visit Georgia’s tallest waterfall at Amicalola, plus other stunning waterfalls like Helton Creek and Anna Ruby
• Includes a charming stop in Helen, perfect for lunch and exploring
• Suitable for all skill levels with easy to moderate hikes and plenty of photo opportunities

Starting Point and Tour Logistics in Atlanta

This tour departs from the North Springs MARTA Parking Garage in Sandy Springs, Georgia. The pickup service adds convenience, eliminating the need to navigate unfamiliar routes yourself, and the vehicle used is air-conditioned, ensuring comfort throughout the day. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, making logistics straightforward.

Organized as a private experience, the tour caters to groups of up to 10 people, ensuring a more personalized and relaxed journey. Participants should have a moderate physical fitness level to enjoy most of the walks and hikes comfortably. The tour is designed to be accessible, but availability depends on weather conditions, with full refunds offered if canceled due to poor weather.

Exploring Georgia’s Tallest Waterfall at Amicalola State Park

The first stop is Amicalola Falls, Georgia’s tallest waterfall, which drops 720 feet. Visitors enjoy a short hike of 0.6 miles round trip to reach the main viewing platform, where the view of the cascading water is breathtaking. The site offers 175 steps from a tranquil reflective pool up to the observation deck, providing an excellent photo opportunity. The admission fee is included in the tour price, making this a seamless start to the day.

The hike to Amicalola Falls is suitable for most visitors, but it involves walking on a well-maintained trail and a stair climb. The views are the highlight, with the sheer height of the falls making it one of the most impressive stops on the tour.

Quick Photo Stop at Trahlyta Falls in Vogel State Park

Next, the tour makes a quick roadside stop at Trahlyta Falls within Vogel State Park. This free stop offers a chance to capture pictures of a charming 60-foot waterfall. The stop lasts about 5 minutes, so it’s brief but worthwhile for quick photo opportunities. It provides a nice contrast to the larger waterfalls and adds variety to the sightseeing experience.

Easy Hike to Helton Creek Falls

The Helton Creek Falls stop involves a 0.6-mile round-trip hike with easy to moderate terrain. Visitors encounter a 35-foot lower falls followed by a 75-foot upper falls. The hike offers breathtaking views and a chance to capture multiple waterfall scenes, making it perfect for photography enthusiasts.

The falls are located along Helton Creek, where the landscape and waterfalls are particularly scenic. The trail is straightforward, making it accessible for most people, though some level of mobility is recommended for the best experience.

Exploring the Bavarian Village of Helen

The tour then arrives in Helen, a Bavarian-style mountain town that transports visitors to Germany’s cobblestone streets. This 1.5-hour stop allows guests to stroll through the charming village, enjoy lunch, and browse local shops. Many visitors appreciate the opportunity to sample lunch options in a picturesque setting, although the tour does not include meals, leaving plenty of room for personal choice.

Helen’s lively atmosphere, along with its unique architecture, makes it a memorable break in the day. The stop is also ideal for those wishing to stretch their legs after hikes and capture some scenic photos of the town’s colorful buildings.

Viewing the Double Waterfalls at Anna Ruby Falls

The highlight of the afternoon is Anna Ruby Falls, a 0.9-mile paved trail leading to the pair of double waterfalls. With Curtis Creek’s waterfall at 150 feet, this site offers a spectacular view of twin waterfalls tumbling side by side. The easy trail makes it accessible for most visitors, and the falls are particularly photogenic.

Admission is included, and the site provides an excellent opportunity for both sightseeing and photography. The falls are a fitting finale to the waterfall-focused part of the tour, with their impressive height and twin cascade design.

Optional Visit to Dukes Creek Falls Trail

If time and conditions permit, the tour may include a 2-mile round-trip hike to Dukes Creek Falls. This moderate hike takes visitors past several large cascading waterfalls—an impressive sight for those willing to explore further. The hike is well worth the effort for views of multiple waterfalls tumbling over rocky ledges, and it rounds out the overall experience of Georgia’s waterfall scenery.

This optional stop depends on daylight and energy levels, but it offers a more adventurous conclusion for those eager to extend their outdoor exploration.

The Personal Touch of a Knowledgeable Guide

Throughout the tour, Lester serves as the guide, combining professionalism, courtesy, and extensive knowledge of the area. Reviewers praise Lester for his expert storytelling, timing, and ability to maximize the experience. He provides handy extras like phone chargers and bottled water, ensuring comfort and convenience.

Lester’s familiarity with each waterfall and the local environment guarantees a smooth, engaging day. His personality and expertise elevate the experience, making the tour not just scenic but also informative and fun.

Flexibility and Customization in the Tour

One of the tour’s key strengths is its private and customizable nature. Guests can decide how many waterfalls to visit or focus more on scenic stops, making it a tailored experience. The tour is designed to be adaptable based on weather, daylight, and group preferences, providing a personalized outdoor adventure.

This flexibility is especially beneficial for those with specific interests, whether it’s photography, hiking, or simply enjoying scenic views without rushing.

Final Thoughts: A Value-Packed Day for Nature and Waterfalls

This private North Georgia Waterfall Tour offers a well-rounded full-day experience, perfect for those who appreciate stunning waterfalls, scenic hikes, and charming mountain towns. The $275 price point includes admission fees, bottled water, and transportation, offering good value for a personalized tour led by an experienced guide.

While the day involves walking on trails and some moderate hikes, the variety of stops and the flexibility make it suitable for most physically capable visitors. The tour’s intimate setting, combined with the expertise of Lester, ensures a memorable adventure through Georgia’s most beautiful outdoor sights.

This tour suits outdoor enthusiasts, photography lovers, and small groups looking for a guided, private escape into the mountains, with plenty of opportunities for stunning photos and peaceful moments in nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of the tour?
The tour is priced at $275 per person.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 9 to 11 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at the North Springs MARTA Parking Garage in Sandy Springs, Georgia.

Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Participants should have a moderate physical fitness level due to some walking and hiking involved.

What stops are included in the tour?
Guests visit Amicalola Falls, Trahlyta Falls, Helton Creek Falls, Helen, Anna Ruby Falls, and possibly Dukes Creek Falls.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, but there is ample time in Helen for lunch and shopping.

Is the tour private?
Yes, this is a private tour, accommodating groups up to 10 people.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour can be canceled due to poor weather, with full refunds offered if that happens.

Can I customize the stops?
Yes, the tour is customizable based on your preferences and conditions.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, an air-conditioned vehicle is included for the entire day.