Minnehaha Falls Trail: What You Need to Know

Minnehaha Falls in Northern Georgia

If you’re planning a trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains in northern Georgia, you should plan to spend much of your time in the great outdoors. This region is full of natural wonder and beauty, including multiple waterfalls within hiking distance. 

One of the breeziest and most impressive options is Minnehaha Falls, which is located next to Lake Rabun and several high-quality campgrounds. Hiking the Minnehaha Falls Trail is easy for everyone of all ages, from young kids and grandparents. Let’s see what you can expect during your trip. 

The Basics

  • Hours of Operation – N/A Open Year-Round
  • Length – 0.4 miles
  • Location – Lakemont, GA (next to the western side of Lake Rabun)
  • Fees – N/A

When’s the Best Time to Go?

Because Minnehaha Falls is open year-round, you can visit them whenever you like. It’s also super close to Rabun Campground, which itself is next to a massive natural area where you can explore, hike, and see all kinds of wildlife. So, if you’re going to make the trip, you might as well make a weekend of it and see what else the region has to offer. 

That said, the best time of year is between February and November, as that’s when the weather is decent. During the summer months, it can get hot and humid (as with the rest of Georgia), and it may be a bit snowy and icy in December and January. So, pick your favorite season and check out the falls on your terms. 

Minnehaha Falls in the snow

As far as crowds, the falls can draw plenty of hikers and campers because it’s so short and easy to navigate. Plus, it’s an “out and back” trail, so there’s only one entrance and exit.

If you want to avoid throngs of people, it’s best to visit in the early morning or between Monday and Wednesday when everyone is either working or has kids in school. As you would imagine, summer is the busiest season. 

Overall, the hike takes about 10 minutes, so you can easily see the falls and move on to your next outdoor adventure, even if there are lots of people around. At most, you should plan to spend about an hour or so at the falls, depending on how much you enjoy the scenery. 

Other Considerations About Minnehaha Falls

With such a breezy hike in and out, you can travel with the whole family, including dogs. Your pets must be on a leash, and you should plan to pack out anything you bring, including any “deposits” your dog may make along the way.

There’s not much of an incline, so you can bring elderly relatives who may be in a wheelchair or need extra assistance. 

There’s not much else to do on the Minnehaha Falls Trail, so you should have other activities in mind when you visit. Fortunately, there are plenty of other waterfalls nearby, so you can visit as many of them as you like. Otherwise, if you’re camping next to the lake, there are tons of water activities at different points, including boating, fishing, canoeing, and swimming. 

As far as a dress code, just wear whatever is comfortable for the ambient temperature. There are trees and plants along the trail, so you can get some shade during the hotter months. Again, the area can get cold and icy on occasion, so check the weather before hiking just to be safe.

If you’re visiting from out of state, keep in mind that Georgia weather can be persnickety throughout the year, so you may want to plan for heat, humidity, and rain, regardless of the season. 

Find Minnehaha Falls on Google Maps

Explore Other Waterfalls in Northern Georgia

Minnehaha Falls is a must-see attraction if you’re visiting Northern Georgia. It’s one of the best the area has to offer, but there are still plenty of others you can see.

Make sure you also visit other popular waterfalls like Anna Ruby Falls and DeSoto Falls while you’re in the area.

If you’re looking for even more waterfalls throughout Georgia, check out our guide on some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Georgia to discover even more gems for your itinerary.