Getting out doors and seeing all of natures wonders can be a spiritual experience all on its own. Walking or hiking a nature path, meditating beside a babbling stream or the rush of a waterfall can cleanse the mind and body. Those who meditate regularly in nature will notice a bond to mother earth develop an awareness to all of God’s creatures begin to develop. Hearing the birds sing, the rush of water flowing over the rocks, or the sound of the ocean set our lives to the rhythm of nature and has a direct effect on our central nervous system.
North Georgia has a wonderful bounty of natural waterfalls that are perfect for any one who desires to experience the benefits of nature. Some of the most picturesque falls are located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains here in North Georgia. To begin our journey this article will start with the more popular must see waterfalls. Most are easily accessible and offer a taste of the beauty of nature. For those who are wanting a more secluded experience a follow-up article will offer falls that are more off the beaten path and offer the perfect setting for an afternoon meditation retreat.
We begin our journey in the northeast corner of the state; 7 miles north of Clayton (Rabun County) are Ada-hi Falls, in rugged Black Rock Mountain State Park. This waterfall is located at one of the highest elevations of all Georgia waterfalls. Its flow is relatively low, except after the rains when they literally spring to life.
Georgia’s most famous waterfalls, Tallulah Gorge are located just to the south of Black Rock Mountain State Park. For hundreds of years these falls have been attracting visitors. One of the big attractions to these falls is the whitewater and aesthetic releases. Whitewater releases are scheduled for the first two weekends in April and the first three weekends in November. Aesthetic releases occur ever weekend in September and the first three weeks in October. google_protectAndRun(“ads_core.google_render_ad”, google_handleError, google_render_ad);
For those seeking a more challenging hike, Panther Creek Falls is located about three miles north of the trail head.
Most people who are seeking to experience a nature meditation will be attracted to the many smaller waterfalls sprinkled throughout the Chattahoochee National Forest. The Alpine Helen area boasts of a number of area waterfalls that are perfect for the afternoon excursion.
For over 500 years gold has been taken from Duke’s Creek Falls. These discoveries led to America’s first Gold Rush in 1829. Water rushes in an extensive, vertical cascade and is absolutely gorgeous.
One of the most unique falls in the world Raven Cliffs, is located nearby. The water forming these falls appears to come from a crack in a rock at a volume that is beyond belief.
Even in the most populous areas we can experience the wonder of nature and become closer to mother earth. Anna Ruby Falls the most famous falls in Georgia is located just north of Helen. This magnificent waterfall is a rare double fall.
The first bridge across Georgia’s Chattahoochee River was built at the commencement of the short trek to Horse Trough Falls, which islocated in the Mark Trail Wilderness.
DeSoto Falls, named for Hernando deSoto, the Spanish Conquistador who visited the area in 1540, is located south and east. Featuring two separate falls they are easily accessible and perfect for the afternoon meditation.
North Georgia is also home of the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi, Amicalola Falls. The word “Amicalola” is Cherokee for “tumbling waters” and is located at the end of the Southern Terminus Access Trail for the Appalachian Trail, a 2,100 mile hike along a backbone of mountains that span the eastern United States.
To the west we find the high-mountain Keown Falls. Towards the end of summer these falls are frequently dry, rangers in the area post a courtesy sign at the beginning of the path indicating present water flow. The high is beautiful with or without falling waters and well worth the trip.
Cloudland Canyon is often referred to as Georgia’s best kept secret. Two spectacular falls are the reward for those braving the challenging hike to the bottom of Sutton Gulch.
