Since spotting pictures online of frozen Georgia waterfalls, I’ve been waiting for a prolonged Georgia cold snap to explore our own nearby winter waterfall wonderlands. But while it seems that Mother Nature isn’t always cooperative with the idea, all it takes is a few hours of below freezing weather to transform some of Georgia’s tallest waterfalls into a classic winter scene.
From our home in Cobb County, we always keep an eye on the weather report. That’s the first essential step to “enjoy” enough subfreezing hours to produce and sustain outdoor ice. I intentionally put “enjoyed” in quotes. Freezing Georgia weather is good for my frozen waterfall photography purposes But a cold snap or severe winter storm can create misery, heartbreak, and hardship for others.
A prolonged cold snap of several day below freezing is best to catch Georgia waterfalls in their most-frozen state. These usually occur mid-January through mid-February here in Georgia, when the state — and most importantly, the North Georgia mountains — get their coldest weather.
But even a single day when the mercury remains below freezing, followed by a night when the temperature gets down to the low 20s, can produce a spectacular scene at Georgia waterfalls. That’s because the tumbling water constantly creates a light airborne mist, It coats the stream banks, foliage and trees around the falls. The small water droplets freeze quickly, creating a white winter scene that easily fills your camera shots. Falling water creates its own wind currents, carrying the drops along the valley for several hundred feet.
Interestingly, Georgia’s tallest waterfalls create the best frozen surroundings because of the interaction of the water, mist and wind currents. While the main falls may not freeze, these factors create wonderful winter scenes.
To experience the best of these frozen landscapes, depart early and reach the falls shortly after sunrise. Once the temperature reaches 30F degrees or the sun reaches above the tree line, the combination of air temperature and sunlight may melt away your best experience.
Our Favorite Frozen Georgia Waterfalls
Amicalola Falls. The long cascade creates an extended frozen landscape all along the water’s journey. Plus, it’s one of the shortest walks to see the fall. Most ice will be found near the top of the falls. But be careful on the walkways, as the frozen mist makes walking slippery.
Sloppy Floyd State Park. The slow-running small waterfall over the old mine entrance can create impressive icicles.
Anna Ruby Falls. The twin falls are impressive anytime, but even more so in a frozen landscape.
