Horse Trough Falls Hike Guide: A Hidden Gem in North Georgia

Horse Trough Falls, near Helen, is a hike I had not really ever heard much about, but it is not far from many hikes I have already experienced in North Georgia. On a Saturday morning, my friend and I decided to make the roughly 2-hour drive from Dunwoody after grabbing coffees at Valor.

Upper Chattahoochee River Campground Sign.

Trail Overview

  • Trail Name: Horse Trough Falls Trail

  • Distance: ~1 mile round trip (~0.4–0.5 miles each way)

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Location: Chattahoochee National Forest, near Helen, Georgia

  • Trail Type: Out and back

  • Family-Friendly: Yes

  • Dog-Friendly: Yes (leash recommended)

  • Entrance Fee: None

  • Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall

Bridge over creek at Upper Chattahoochee River Campground.

Getting There: The Drive Is the Real Adventure

This hike is a quick one, coming in at about 1 mile round trip or .4-.5 miles each way. The most strenuous or scary part of the hike is the 5-mile drive in along a narrow, dirt road carved into the side of a mountain. Before making this trip, definitely plan to drive in an SUV or an appropriate vehicle.

The falls are located in the Upper Chattahoochee River Campground, which is closed seasonally (typically late fall through early spring), so be sure to check the Forest Service website or local hiking forums for updates before you go.

Once you arrive at your destination, it is pretty easy to find the trail. Just look for the signs for the campground and head past them along a gravel trail. Eventually, the trail through the campsites will open to the forest. The trail is mostly flat and shaded, winding gently through the woods. You’ll cross a small footbridge over the creek before reaching a wooden viewing platform that offers a gorgeous view of Horse Trough Falls, which plunges about 70 feet in several cascades down a rock face.

View of the stream surrounded by lush, green trees and ferns.

Know Before You Go

  • Cell service is limited, so download offline maps or a GPS hiking app before heading in.

  • Pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the area.

  • There are no restrooms at the trailhead, but there may be seasonal facilities in the campground. (They were closed when we went!)

  • Bring water and wear sturdy shoes—the trail is short but can be muddy in some spots.

Another view of the water rushing over the logs and rocks at the creek surrounded by trees and sunshine. Close up view of Horse Trough Falls.

Close up view of water rushing over rocks at base of Horse Trough Falls.

View of the entirety of Horse Trough Falls.

Why Visit Horse Trough Falls?

What I loved most about this hike was how peaceful and quiet it felt. Unlike some of the more crowded waterfalls near Helen or Blue Ridge, Horse Trough Falls feels lesser known, so there’s a good chance you’ll have it mostly to yourself, especially if you go early.

View from the observation platform of Horse Trough Falls through the trees.

 

Nearby Attractions

This hike is dog and kid-friendly. There are also no entrance or parking fees associated with the falls. If you’re in the area and want to see an additional waterfall, I recommend checking out Raven Cliff Falls or High Shoals Falls.

  • Raven Cliff Falls Trail: A 5-mile out-and-back trail to another iconic waterfall with multiple cascades. Perfect if you’re looking to add a longer hike to your day.

  • High Shoals Falls Trail: A moderate 2.6-mile hike that features two beautiful waterfalls: High Shoals Falls and Blue Hole Falls.

I love that this hike was mostly flat and easy to complete. It allowed me to make a full day of exploring and check out some nearby wineries before making the trip back home.

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