When I think of waterfalls, I think: soothing, captivating, relaxing, enthralling. Not only are waterfalls wonderful backdrops for photos, but they are one of the greatest features nature has to offer and can bring such a simple joy. One wonder of Gwinnett County is that it is a great place for chasing waterfalls. Rather you are a local, on vacation, or passing through, you don’t want to miss the chance to see the following exquisite spots in northern Georgia. They are each located in or very close to Gwinnett County.
Best Waterfalls in Gwinnett County
WOW! Gwinnett County certainly is not lacking in the area of beautiful natural, outdoor spaces. The best part is that there is an excess of nice parks all over to really be one with nature, many of which feature waterfalls. Read on to learn exactly where to find these stunning waterfalls in Gwinnett.
Freeman’s Mill Park
First up on the list of go-to waterfalls is at Freeman’s Mill Park. This county park features a small, but quite lovely, waterfall. Natural waterfalls are surely a site to see but this man-made one is well worth a visit! While there’s no swimming allowed, spend time simply taking in the beauty and snap a few photos.
Location and Parking
The park is located at 1401 Alcovy Road, Lawrenceville, GA. There are plenty of parking spaces and it is free to park and enter.
Other Activities
- Playground: Keep the kids happy! There is an updated, nice playground for children to enjoy at this park.
- Dog Friendly: Not only is there space for the young ones to get some energy out, this park is also great for your furry family members.
- Exercise on the trail: Do check out the half-mile trail for walking or biking while enjoying nature.
- Picnic Area: There’s a picnic area with several tables and a restroom.
- Gristmill: An especially neat feature of this park is the restored historic gristmill built in the 1800s.
Tribble Mill Park
Spend some time exploring the Tribble Mill Park and cool down at the waterfall. When exploring around the Ozora Lake, keep your eye out for this special, secret spot! You will make your way to a small, peaceful waterfall where you can relax, enjoy the peace and quiet, and splash around.
Location and Parking
You will enter the park at 2125 Tribble Mill Parkway, Lawrenceville, GA. Several free parking areas are available throughout the park and it’s also free to enter.
*Note: This park is located only 12 minutes from Freeman’s Mill Park if you’re looking to check them both out in a day!
Other Activities
- Lakes: Here you will find two lakes, Chandler Lake and Ozora Lake, to fish at or kayak in while enjoying the picturesque scenery.
- Trails: If you’re looking to exercise, bike or walk 3.4 miles worth of trails.
- Wildlife: Keep your eyes and ears out for wildlife: deer, geese, frogs, and more!
- Picnic Area: Come prepared to take advantage of the picnic area with grills.
- Pet Friendly: This park is a great outing for pets!
Yellow River Park
Get lost in the forest at Yellow River Park! The flowing Yellow River amongst large rocks creates a small, but beautiful, waterfall. People have been known to swim here but “no swimming” signs have been sighted.
Location and Parking
This park is located at 3232 Juhan Road, Stone Mountain, GA. There are 3 parking areas: pedestrian trail entrance, bike trail entrance, and horse trail entrance. The bike trail parking area also has a restroom with a changing area. Parking is free and so is entry.
Other Activities
- Trail: There is a 12-mile, unpaved trail great for hiking, biking, or riding horses. There is also a nice 1-mile trail for a stroll or for kids to bicycle around.
- Picnic Area: Use the picnic/grill area to have a bite to eat.
- Pet-friendly: Spend some time outside with your doggos here.
- Relax: There are nice-sized rocks for relaxing on or reading by the river.
- Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, the long river could be just the spot. There are also surprise spots off the trail for fishing.
Little Mulberry Park
If you go at just the right time, you could find a hidden waterfall when visiting Mulberry Park. Pay a visit after heavy rainfall to see a picture-worthy waterfall located by a serene lake.
Location and Parking
Head over to 3855 Fence Road, Auburn, GA to seek out the secret waterfall and more. There are several entrances with different parking areas, all free, and there is never a shortage of spots. You can read more about each parking area below.
Other Activities
There are four entrances to this park with different amenities.
- The Fence Road Entrance: This area features a picnic area, playground, lake, and large green space.
- Disc Golf Entrance on Hog Mountain Road: Here you can find an 18-hole disc golf course, picnic area, and playground.
- Hog Mountain Road Entrance: Stop here to enjoy a lake for fishing, a natural preserve, and a pier with a great view of the lake.
- The Equestrian Entrance on Mineral Springs Road: Use this entrance for equestrian parking if you plan to check out a riding trail.
There are about 12-miles worth of trails for hiking, biking, and riding around the park.
All of the waterfall locations mentioned above happen to be located at county parks. Each park is open from sunrise to sunset unless otherwise noted.
Best Waterfalls Near Gwinnett County
If you are interested in some more adventuring and waterfall sightings, hop in the car! There are a couple waterfalls certainly worth a mention that are a short drive from Gwinnett County. And, who doesn’t like adventures, nature, and even more stunning waterfalls anyways?!
Vickery Creek Falls at Roswell Mill
This lovely, man-made waterfall is about 30 miles from Gwinnett County and worth the drive over to Roswell, Georgia! If you’re looking for an adventure and natural beauty, this area is not one to miss.
Location and Parking
Vickery Creek Falls is located at 95 Mill St, Roswell, GA. While parking may be limited depending on the crowd and season, you can find additional spots on the left after taking a u-turn from the lot. During the summer, midday, and at a time of an event, you may have to wait for parking. Starting your morning here may be key. Your day at Vickery Creek once parked makes it worth the wait! Parking and entry to park are both free.
Other Activities
- Photos at the mill: A sight to see while here are the ruins of a historic mill dating back to the 1800s. This is a fantastic spot for taking pictures!
- Trails: There are several trail options for walking or hiking, some long and some short. The trail to the waterfall is short and an easy trek.
- Kick back, relax, or swim: Take in the sights and sounds of the waterfall while watching wildlife. Additionally, this waterfall is one that you can swim at when the water is at a safe level. (You can even grab a book from the lending library in the parking lot.)
- Covered Bridge: Head over to the covered bridge to marvel at nature and see some amazing views.
- Spend quality time with your family: This park is great for kids and dogs, alike.
Lullwater Preserve
Lullwater Preserve is a charming spot tucked away from the city within Emory University. It is located approximately 30 miles, or a little less, from Gwinnett County and certainly isn’t a waste of time. Here you will find a nice, small waterfall surrounded by plentiful nature pretty as a picture!
Location
At the heart of Emory’s campus, you will find the main entrance at 1463 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA. It is very important to note that parking is tricky and parking on campus isn’t really available to Lullwater guests. With that said, don’t worry because there are options close by for parking:
- Hahn Forest Park Entrance: There is a small parking area to the side on Houston Mill Road which typically has available parking. Once parked, head to Lullwater via Yerkes Fence Line and it will take you about 10 minutes to make it to the suspension bridge.
- VA Medical Center Entrance: The deck of the VA Medical Center on Clairmont Road has available parking. A few yards to the left in an entrance to a trial and to the right, the entrance for suspension bridge.
- Plazas Parking Lots: Another option is to find a shopping plaza nearby with parking (some up to a few hours long) and walk to park.
You may have to look for it, but you should be able to find a spot and it’s more than worth it once you reach the destination!
Other Activities
- Suspension Bridge: Kids and adults alike will enjoy crossing over the more than 200 foot suspension bridge. This is just one of many cool spots for photos here.
- Trail loops: There’s so much scenery here to enjoy via miles and miles of walking or running trail loops (pets are welcomed, too). Make a point to stroll by the beautiful Lullwater House, home to Emory President, tucked away by the Candler Lake.
- Candler Lake: Have a picnic or a rest beneath the trees by the lake or bike the paved path around the lake.
- Wild Life: Be one with nature while enjoying the sights and sounds of various mammals, wildlife, birds, and greenery.
Sope Creek Trail
For a different but interesting kind of waterfall, head about 30 miles out of Gwinnett County to Sope Creek Trail near Marietta. This spillway along Sope Creek used to power the mill but is now a spot to catch a mist and kick some water around.
Location and Parking
This trail is located at 3760 Paper Mill Rd SE, Marietta, GA. At the head of the trail is a parking lot with picnic tables. There is usually enough parking available unless you go during a very busy time. It is 3$ total to park and enjoy your day.
Other Activities
- Enjoy the water: Grab a spot by the water for reading, a picnic, or a rest.
- Take photos: This park is beautiful for taking pictures, especially in the fall when there are an abundance of colorful leaves.
- Check out the mill ruins: By the creek is a mill from the Civil War era to check out and see a bit of history.
- Hike: You can take a short 1-mile hike on the trail to the left of the parking lot (the other trail is longer if you’re up for a challenge).
*Note: there is no bathroom or water available at Sope Creek Trail.
I hope now that you’ve gotten the low down on some spots to catch nature at it’s finest, you’ll get out there and enjoy it. If you ask me, there’s nothing like finding the beauty in the world around you!
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