Local guide · Rabun County, Georgia
Our cabin sits in the Flat Creek community, about a mile from Lake Rabun and Lake Seed. Here's what we send our own friends to see, from a five-minute waterfall walk to a full day on the Chattooga.
Waterfalls
Our closest and favorite. A short walk up Fall Branch ends at a wide, stair-stepped cascade that drops about 100 feet into a pool. Park at the trail sign on Bear Gap Road. Come in mid to late May when the rhododendron blooms around the falls.
Two waterfalls on one trail. Start from Loop 2 of the Rabun Beach Campground and follow Joe Creek upstream. Panther Falls comes up at about 0.6 miles, and Angel Falls, framed in rhododendron, at about 0.9 miles. There's a small day-use parking fee, and the trail is dog-friendly.
A canyon nearly 1,000 feet deep with a string of waterfalls. Walk the rim overlooks for easy views, or take the Hurricane Falls Trail down the stairs to the suspension bridge over the gorge. Stop at the interpretive center for trail maps, and check the park's site for gorge floor permits, which are limited each day.
Twin waterfalls side by side: Curtis Creek drops 153 feet and York Creek 50 feet, meeting at the base. A paved half-mile trail through the Chattahoochee National Forest leads to a wooden viewing deck. Easy for kids, and a good pairing with a day in Helen.
There are lesser-known falls near the cabin that don't show up in guidebooks. Ask when you book and we'll point you to them.
On the water
A classic mountain lake lined with old boathouses. Rabun Beach Recreation Area has a swimming beach and picnic spots. Boat, paddleboard, and kayak rentals are just down the hill, and Bear Gap Outfitters takes boat reservations. Book early for summer weekends.
The smaller, quieter neighbor to Lake Rabun. Good for an easy paddle and a slower pace, with a kayak launch nearby.
The biggest lake in the area, with room to cruise. LaPrade's rents pontoon boats. Reserve well ahead in summer.
A federally designated Wild and Scenic River. Section III is the gentler float, good for families and first-timers. Section IV is for experienced paddlers looking for serious whitewater. Go with a licensed outfitter.
Parks and views
Georgia's highest state park, with overlooks across the Blue Ridge, hiking trails, a small lake, and cooler temperatures than the valleys. The overlooks are especially good in October.
The back roads around the lakes are some of the prettiest fall drives in north Georgia. Pack a picnic and take the long way to anywhere.
Wine and towns
Tiger Mountain Vineyards, 12 Spies Vineyard, Stonewall Creek Vineyards, and Hightower Creek Vineyards all pour local wine. Several have mountain views worth staying for. Check hours before you go, since many are open only certain days.
The county seat, with the area's best concentration of restaurants, coffee, shops, and groceries. Good for a supply run on the way in.
The Bavarian-style alpine town is an easy day trip, with tubing on the Chattahoochee in summer.
When to visit
Waterfalls run full and rhododendron blooms in May. Quiet trails and cool nights by the fire pit.
Lake days, boat rentals, swimming at Rabun Beach, and rafting on the Chattooga. Book early.
October and November bring peak color and our busiest weekends. Reserve months ahead.
The quietest season, with clear long-range views once the leaves drop. Great for a reset.
Stay close to all of it
Our 2-bedroom cabin sleeps 6 and is rated 4.95 from 190 guest reviews.