Georgia, a country located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, is home to a diverse range of waterfalls that showcase its natural beauty.
From the majestic Kinchkha Waterfall to the serene Oniore Waterfall, Georgia’s waterfalls are a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. With its unique geography, Georgia’s waterfalls offer a range of experiences, from hiking and trekking to swimming and relaxation.
The Best Visited Waterfalls in Georgia
Georgia is home to many stunning waterfalls, including sites where visitors can see two waterfalls in close proximity. Let’s start with an exploration of the must-visit falls for your adventure in Georgia.
Kinchkha Waterfall
Distance from Tbilisi: about 260 km (4 hour drive).
How to Get There:
- Take the main road towards Kutaisi from Tbilisi, then continue on the Kutaisi-Khoni route.
- Follow signs for Okatse Canyon.
- The waterfall is located within the same area.
Entrance Fee: 17.25 GEL (7 USD) for adults, access to the waterfall and the Okatse Canyon.
Kinchkha Waterfall, the tallest waterfall in Georgia, is a breathtaking natural monument located in the Imereti region, specifically in the Khoni Municipality.
This stunning cascade is part of the Okatse Canyon, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers.
The waterfall drops from about 100 meters above sea level, creating a spectacular visual show as it flows down the cliffs.
Makhuntseti Waterfalls
Distance from Tbilisi: about 350 km (6-hour drive).
How to Get There:
- Drive from Tbilisi to Batumi via the E60 highway,
- Continue on the Batumi-Keda road,
- The waterfall is situated about 30 km from Batumi.
Entrance Fee: Free of charge, though locals welcome donations.
Located close to Batumi in the Keda Municipality, Adjara region. Makhuntseti Waterfall is one of the most visited waterfalls in Georgia.
Thanks to its easy accessibility and the nearby scenic stone bridge, which dates back to the medieval period, the waterfall is a popular destination for tourists and locals.
The waterfall cascades from a height of 50 meters, creating a beautiful pool at its base, perfect for a refreshing swim during the summer.
Oniore Waterfall
Distance from Tbilisi: about 290 km (5-hour drive).
How to Get There:
- From Tbilisi, head towards Kutaisi, then take the road to Martvili.
- Follow signs to Balda Village, where you can begin the hike to Oniore Waterfall.
Entrance Fee: Free of charge, though a guide may be required for the full route to Toba Cave.
Oniore Waterfall, located in the Martvili Municipality, Samegrelo Region, is part of a beautiful, less-traveled route, including the Toba Cave.
This waterfall is nestled deep within the Samegrelo forests and is known for its thundering cascade and surrounding wildflowers.
The area is ideal for hiking, and the Oniore trail is scenic and adventurous.
If you are already traveling to Oniore Waterfall, you can take the same route to explore other nearby attractions, making the trip more worthwhile.
Shdugra Waterfall
Distance from Tbilisi: about 470 km (7-hour drive).
How to Get There:
- Drive from Tbilisi to Mestia, then continue to Becho Valley.
- The trail to Shdugra begins in Mazeri Village.
Entrance Fee: Free of charge, but parking fees may apply.
Shdugra Waterfall, situated in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Georgia.
It is located near the village of Mazeri, Svaneti Region, in the scenic Becho Valley.
The waterfall is a popular spot for hikers, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
The trail leading to Shdugra is known for its lush greenery and abundant wildflowers during the summer.
Lagodekhi National Park Waterfalls
Distance from Tbilisi: about 160 km (2.5-hour drive).
How to Get There:
- Take the Kakheti Highway from Tbilisi towards Lagodekhi.
- The trails to the best waterfalls start from the visitor center in the park.
Entrance Fee: Free of charge, but there is a small fee for parking at the visitor center.
Lagodekhi National Park, located in the Kakheti region, is home to several falls, including the Ninoskhevi and Gurgeniani Waterfalls.
These best waterfalls are situated in a lush, forested area and are accessible via well-maintained hiking trails.
Ninoskhevi Waterfall is particularly impressive, with water cascading down from a height of 40 meters.
Lesser Known Waterfalls in Georgia Country
Now it’s time to explore lesser known but not lesser epic Georgian waterfalls and hided the underground river Dzusa.
Intsira Waterfall
Distance from Tbilisi: about 300 km (5-hour drive).
How to Get There:
- From Tbilisi, drive towards Ozurgeti in the Guria region, then follow local roads to the village of Intsira.
- The waterfall is a short hike from the village.
Entrance Fee: Free of charge.
Intsira Waterfall is a hidden treasure located in the Guria Region. This waterfall is less known among tourists, that making it an ideal destination if you want more piceful and untouched natural beauty.
Dense forests surround the waterfall, and the area is rich with biodiversity, including a variety of wildflowers and rare plant species.
Abhesi Waterfall
Distance from Tbilisi: about 280 km (4.5-hour drive).
How to Get There:
- From Tbilisi, head towards Martvili, and before reaching the main entry to the canyon, take a left turn towards Abhesi Village.
Entrance Fee:
- Entry to the nearby Martvili Canyon is free of charge
- Visit waterfall cost 17.25 GEL (6.41 USD).
Situated in Samegrelo Region, Abhesi Waterfall is a picturesque spot perfect for a summer swim. Although it’s located close to the more popular Martvili Canyon, Abhesi is often overlooked by tourists, making it a peaceful retreat place.
This great waterfall is unique due to its proximity to a small power station, which adds a bit of industrial charm to the natural setting.
Gveleti Waterfall
Distance from Tbilisi: about 170 km (3-hour drive).
How to Get There:
- Drive from Tbilisi to Stepantsminda, then continue towards the Dariali Gorge.
- The trailhead is near Gveleti Village.
Entrance Fee: Free of charge.
Gveleti Waterfall, located in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region near the village of Gveleti, is one of the smaller waterfalls but offers a scenic and accessible hike.
The waterfall is nestled in the Kazbegi National Park and requires a moderate hike through a rocky gorge. The hike offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Dariali Gorge.
Nokalakevi Hot Sulfur Spring
Distance from Tbilisi: about 280 km (4.5-hour drive).
How to Get There:
- From Tbilisi, drive towards Zugdidi.
- Then, follow the back roads towards Nokalakevi Archeological Museum.
- The hot spring is located a short walk from the main road.
Entrance Fee: Free of charge.
While not a traditional waterfall, the Nokalakevi Hot Sulfur Baths near the Tekhuri River, Samegrelo Region, is a unique natural feature that offers a waterfall-like experience.
Hot water of these sulfur baths drip over a cliff into a cool river, creating a natural hot tub effect that is relaxing and revitalizing. This place is perfect for combining a nature hike with a soothing soak.
River Dzusa
Distance from Tbilisi: about 130 km (2-hour drive).
How to Get There:
- Drive towards Gori on the E60 highway from Tbilisi.
- After Gori, follow the signs leading to the Dzama Gorge.
- The waterfall is located off a dirt road near the village of Dzusa. A short walk along the river leads to it.
Entrance Fee: Free of charge.
The Dzusa River, located in the Shida Kartli Region of Georgia, is home to a series of beautiful, lesser-known waterfalls that make it an ideal spot for adventurous nature lovers. The River Dzusa area is also known for its hiking trails, which take visitors through dense forests, passing by smaller waterfalls and scenic views of the surrounding valleys and cliffs.
The peaceful ambiance of the gorge makes it an excellent destination for a day trip from Tbilisi, allowing many visitors to enjoy a less crowded but equally stunning waterfall experience in Georgia.
The Dzusa Waterfall, nestled in the Dzama Gorge, offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by lush forests, flowing rivers, and a pristine natural environment.
Hiking Trails and Safety
Exploring the most beautiful waterfall routes in Georgia is a great adventure, and still, it needs some planning. Here are the key tips we keep for you:
Most of the waterfall routes in Georgia involve hiking, from easy tracks to more challenging climbs through forests, rocks, and rivers.
The trail to Shdugra Waterfall in Svaneti has stunning views but is a moderate hike. Many trails are marked, but it’s recommended to wear good hiking shoes and bring plenty of water, especially when walking long distances, like the one-minute walk to Oniore and Toba Cave.
Legvtakhevi Canyon in Tbilisi is a popular choice for easier routes with well-maintained paths.
What to Pack
- Good hiking shoes: Many waterfall trails have rocky paths and uneven terrain.
- Water and snacks: Facilities may not be available, especially in more remote areas.
- Camera: These locations are photogenic, so you will want to capture the beauty of Georgia’s wild nature.
- Swimsuit: For waterfalls like Abhesi or Makhuntseti, where swimming is allowed, don’t forget a swimsuit for a dip in the natural pools.
- Cash: Many local vendors and visitor centers accept cash only.
Best Time to Visit
Summer and early fall are the best times to visit Georgia’s falls, as the snowmelt from the cliffs creates a full waterfall, and the trails are clear.
Some areas can be difficult to access in winter due to snow and slippery rocks. In summer, Makhuntseti Fall is perfect for swimming, and Gveleti Waterfall has beautiful wild flowers along the trails.