About DeSoto Falls
DeSoto Falls is a named waterfall in Lumpkin County, Georgia, located about 11 miles south of Blairsville. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Neel Gap 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 34°43′01″ N, 83°55′10″ W (34.71704, -83.91935). Historical sources also record the name De Soto Falls. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Swaim Cove (valley, 0.4 mi), Cedar Mountain (summit, 0.7 mi), and Rocky Mountain (summit, 0.7 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is High Water Falls, 0.4 miles to the north.
Tall waterfall in DeSoto State Park popular with visitors with a paved pathway & picnic area.
What Visitors Mention
Topics that come up most often in Google reviews of DeSoto Falls:
creekupper fallseasy hikelower fallswell maintained trailfamily hikefire pitspicnic areariver walkelevation gain
More Photos
650 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at DeSoto Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at DeSoto Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in New York time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of DeSoto Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
DeSoto Falls holds a 4.6 average from 215 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of DeSoto Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Swaim Cove — valley, 0.4 mi
- Cedar Mountain — summit, 0.7 mi
- Rocky Mountain — summit, 0.7 mi
- Gooch Gap — gap, 1.0 mi
- Daniel Camp Gap — gap, 1.1 mi
- Neel Gap — gap, 1.2 mi
- Bull Gap — gap, 1.3 mi
- Brushy Knob — summit, 1.3 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 34.71704, -83.91935. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near DeSoto Falls
- Anna Ruby Falls, GA12 mi east
- Cane Creek Falls, GA12 mi southwest
- Black Falls, GA12 mi southwest
- High Falls, GA12 mi west
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is DeSoto Falls located?
DeSoto Falls is in Lumpkin County, Georgia, about 11 miles south of Blairsville. Its coordinates are 34.71704, -83.91935 (34°43′01″ N, 83°55′10″ W).
What town is closest to DeSoto Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Blairsville, GA, about 11 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near DeSoto Falls?
The closest is High Water Falls (0.4 mi north). Others within reach include Nottely Falls (1.8 mi), Helton Creek Falls (2.8 mi), and Dukes Creek Falls (7.3 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows DeSoto Falls?
DeSoto Falls appears on the USGS Neel Gap 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.