
Waterfalls are abundant in northern Georgia, with hundreds of different sites to visit, each with a unique and compelling reason to come. However, why settle for hiking to just one waterfall when you visit two on the same trip? Such is the case with High Shoals Falls and Blue Hole Falls, which are on the same trail, so you get a two-for-one special.
Plus, there are other waterfalls and campgrounds relatively close by, so if you’re looking to get out into nature and experience all it has to offer, this trail is an excellent choice.
[Want to read more? Explore some of the most amazing waterfalls in Georgia in our full guide.]
The Basics
- Hours of Operation – N/A Open Year Round
- Length – 2.4 miles Round Trip
- Location – Hiawassee, GA
- Fees – N/A
When’s the Best Time to Go?
If you’ve visited or researched most of the other waterfalls in northern Georgia, you know that most of them don’t offer any swimming. However, Blue Hole Falls has a pool at its base, so you can swim in it all year round. During the colder months, the water is a bit too frigid for dipping your feet in, but it stays cold throughout the hot and humid summer, usually around 40 degrees.

If you’re planning to swim at Blue Hole Falls, we recommend visiting during the hottest months of the year. However, if you’re not interested in getting wet (or want to avoid crowds of other swimmers), you can visit both falls at any time. Weekends are the busiest, and the area can get pretty cold during the winter.
Early morning is an excellent time to visit because you can avoid other hikers, and the forest looks magical right after sunrise. If you go later in the day, the hike is lush and warm all the way through.
Other Considerations About High Shoals and Blue Hole Falls
Two miles doesn’t seem like much, but this is a moderate hike, so not recommended for beginners, small children, or elderly individuals. That’s not to say that the hike is difficult, but that people in these categories might not be willing to hike all the way.
This is an “out and back” trail, so you will be coming back the way you came in. This design means you’ll pass a lot of other people in both directions, so plan accordingly for tighter spots along the trail. The trek back up from the falls is quite steep.

Blue Hole Falls is first on the trail, and it ends at High Shoals Falls. So, if you’re in a rush or just looking to swim and not do anything else, you don’t have to make the entire hike. If you do, it takes about an hour and 40 minutes round-trip.
There are some relatively steep inclines, but nothing that both new and experienced hikers can’t overcome.
Getting to this trail will take some time because it’s not next to any cities. However, you can camp close by, so it’s a perfect opportunity to spend time outdoors and experience nature for a few days. If you’re trying to come during the summer, be sure to reserve your campsite early as they can fill up fast.