North Georgia Waterfalls
Fall Branch Falls - A fine double waterfall on the Benton MacKaye Trail best seen after a rainfall. Hike the Benton MacKaye Trail for just over 2/10ths of a mile to a side trail that leads about 200' to an observation deck at the base of the falls.
From Blue Ridge follow old US 76 to Aska Road & turn south and go approximately 8.2 miles to the intersection with Stanley Creek Road, entering from the right. Turn right onto Stanley Creek Road and go 3.2 miles to a small parking area just beyond an interesting farm owned by longtime Forest Service fire warden Garfield Stanley. Cross a wooden bridge over Fall Branch and park on the right. Hike up the hill on the Benton MacKaye Trail to double falls on the right. There is a small picnic and/or camping spot 30 yards above the waterfall.
Jacks River Falls - The most scenic single feature in the Cohutta Wilderness and the most frequently visited area despite the 4.6 mile hike to the falls. Its beauty, power, and great swimming area draw a lot of visitors. The falls is series of a couple of small waterfalls, one large waterfall, and some cascades that are perfect for swimming.
The most scenic single feature in the Cohutta Wilderness and the most frequently visited area despite the 4.6 mile hike to the falls. Its beauty, power, and great swimming area draw a lot of visitors. The falls is series of a couple of small waterfalls, one large waterfall, and some cascades that are perfect for swimming. Descending in stages the surging water piles up against boulders and rock walls, carving swirl holes in the bedrock. Well worth the hike Jacks River Falls is in a rugged setting of exposed rock flanked by hemlock and white pines.
Directions from Southern Trail Head from Blue Ridge, GA
From the intersection of US 76 / I 515 and GA 5 just north of Blue Ridge, travel north 7 miles on GA 5 to Old Highway 2 and turn left. At 6.9 miles are Fightingtown Creek and McKinney Crossing. At 9 miles the pavement ends. At 10.5 miles, after a long climb up the mountain, look for the sign "Cohutta Wildlife Management Area, Watson Gap." At Watson Gap turn right on FS 22 and travel 3.6 miles to Dally Gap and Jacks River trail head.
Directions from Southern Trail Head from Chatsworth, GA
From Chatsworth take US 411 north 13.2 miles to Cisco community and intersection with Old Highway 2 (also known as FS 16). At .7 mile pass County Road 169 on the right. The pavement ends at 1 mile. Take the right fork at the Y intersection at 1.6 miles. (County Road 210 bears left.) At 3.2 miles, FS 17 comes in from the right, FS 16 goes left. Follow FS 16 just across the Tennessee state line to the northwestern trail head of the Jacks River Trail.
***Some roads are closed depending on weather conditions, so it is recommended that one call the Cohutta Ranger District of the U.S. Forest Service at (706) 695-6737 in advance of a trip to check road conditions.
Long Creek Falls is located near the Appalachian Trail one mile north of the Three Forks area. Picturesque falls and trail requires a 20- to 30-minute walk in each direction. It is a popular camping spot with a millstone serving as a fire ring.
Follow the Appalachian Trail 1 mile north to a short side trail to Long Creek Falls. The trail is level for the first 750' then turns uphill and descends back to creek level. At the half mile point you should cross a wet weather branch. At 7/10ths of a mile you should cross another small branch. Next, the trail goes up and over the ridge line then descends to cross a third branch. In another 1/10th of a mile, after ascending steeply, look for the path to the falls on the left. Take this path for 300' to the base of the falls. Just above the falls is a wooden bridge across Long Creek which is the beginning of the Duncan Ridge trail and the part of the Benton McKaye Trail where it leaves the Appalachian Trail.
The trail has an assortment of blazes designating three major hiking trails: the Appalachian (white vertical), the Duncan Ridge National Recreational Trail (blue vertical), and the Benton MacKaye Trail (white diamond). The distance to the falls is 1.1 miles, ascending gradually along the way. A side trail to the falls is indicated with vertical blue blazes
Driving Directions from Blue Ridge follow old US 76 to Aska Road across from Harmony Church. Turn south onto Aska Rd. and go 13.8 miles to the end of the road. Turn right on Newport Road, and go 4.3 miles to the end of the road. Turn left, cross bridge over Noontootla Creek, continue on gravel road. Pass a cemetery and come to an intersection .6 mile from the bridge. Turn hard right on FS 58 and go southeast into the forest along this road 6.6 miles to Three Forks. Hike to the northwest up Long Creek to the falls.
Little Rock Creek Falls - There is a series of small falls just before reaching the main one. Due to storm damage, the walk is difficult on a footpath leading along the left side of the creek and going only part of the way to the falls. If you choose to go farther than this BEWARE because of the dangerous, slippery rocks in the area.
Driving Directions from Blue Ridge follow old US 76 east / I 515 around 5 miles to the intersection with GA 60 South at Lakewood Junction. Continue south on GA 60, 11.3 miles through the small town of Morganton. There is an old but still-operational mill on the northeast side of the highway. A commercial campground is also located on this site. After crossing Skeenah Creek, continue south on GA 60 another 3.1 miles to the intersection with FS 69, Fish Hatchery Road, on the right. Turn onto this road and go about 3 miles to where the road crosses Little Rock Creek. There is a bridge and a small pull-out area here. Sea Creek Falls - Located in the Cooper Creek Scenic Area, Sea Creek Falls are an easy walk of less than 0.1 miles. Unfortunately, the drive can be difficult. The first, or upper, falls is a series of steep cascades ending in a brief drop. The second falls is also a series of steep cascades. When the water flow is heavy either in late winter or spring or after a summer rain, these are a remarkable sight.
Driving Directions from Blue Ridge: @ I 515 Intersection take Highway 60 south (toward Morganton). At Cooper Creek Store turn left on Cooper Creek Road (this road is also called Mulky Gap Road). After 3.3 miles the road makes a dramatic turn back on itself and FS 264 comes off to the left. This road is rough and may not be passable in anything but a four wheel drive vehicle. Travel .3 miles to a campground, park and walk .1 miles further up the creek.
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