3 Waterfalls Within an Hour of Atlanta
You don't have to venture far from Atlanta to enjoy the dramatic beauty of waterfalls. Within an hour's drive of the airport and a short hike along trails, you can enjoy stunning scenery at these three parks.
Cochran Mill Park - Henry Mills Falls
Get back to nature at this sweet woodland escape just 20 minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Cochran Mill Park in Chattahoochee Hills boasts nearly 15 miles of natural surface trails for mountain bikers, hikers, and equestrians to explore. Both the Yellow and Red Trails lead to views of Henry Mill Falls. Fast, flowy singletrack fun awaits mountain bikers along the yellow trail, while the more difficult red-blazed trail hugs the creek for a serene hike to the falls.
High Falls State Park
The tumbling waters of the Towaliga River make up the tallest cascading waterfall south of Atlanta, in High Falls State Park in Jackson. Hikers enjoy nearly five miles of trail exploring along the rocky river's edge, through the hilly forest, and near the historic ruins of an old hydroelectric power plant. Bring your fishing gear because High Falls Lake is also recognized as one of the nation's top destinations for family fishing.
Starr's Mill Park
In the 2002 movie "Sweet Home Alabama" starring Reese Witherspoon, Starr's Mill in Fayetteville stood in as Deep South Glass, where Melanie (Witherspoon) finds Jake (played by Josh Lucas) has made a name for himself in her absence. The gristmill was constructed in 1825 on Whitewater Creek. Renamed for Hilliard Starr, the name continues to define this part of Fayette County. It later became a cotton gin and provided power to nearby Senoia. Bring your fishing pole and a picnic to enjoy the waterfall and stream in this scenic park located approximately 30 miles south of Atlanta.
