Waterfalls of North Georgia
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Anna Ruby Falls |
We are drawn to the mountains of North Georgia for many reasons—the beauty, the serenity, the slower pace of life, and the opportunity to experience nature, up close and personal. The charming and historic town of Blue Ridge, Georgia can provide a convenient escape for these purposes. It is an excellent base for exploring all the wonders the mountains have to offer. One of those wonders is their waterfalls, my particular favorite.
North Georgia has over a hundred waterfalls. Some are easy to get to and some are quite difficult. Why do we love watching water tumbling over rocks? Is it the soothing sound or the untamed power of the water? Perhaps it is the complete environment of the majestic mountains, lush forests and cascading waters that fascinate us so much. Add some colorful flowers and the scene becomes breathtaking. Whatever the reason, there is nothing sweeter than encountering a hidden waterfall when hiking through the woods.
Springtime is the best time of the year to visit a waterfall. As the mountain snows melt and the April rains fall, the rivers swell, their waters bursting over rocks and boulders to gentle pools below. With the trees and underbrush leafing out and the forest abloom with wild azaleas, mountain laurel and rhododendrons, it’s the perfect time to take a hike and picnic by a waterfall. It can be a great family adventure or the perfect romantic setting.
There are two major waterfalls—Amicalola and Anna Ruby—which make excellent day trips from Blue Ridge. Amicalola Falls is located just south down Hwy 515, turning east at Ellijay on GA 52. The Amicalola Falls State Park is one of Georgia’s main tourist attractions. The falls can be viewed from the top, middle or bottom with easy access. Anna Ruby Falls is located in Unicoi State Park, just north of Helen, off GA 356. It is one of my favorite places. There are covered picnic areas, bathrooms, a lake and lots of hiking trails. The arched wooden bridge, over a beautiful stream is perfect for photo ops, as well as the falls themselves. The Anna Ruby Falls Trail takes you along the rare double falls on Curtis and York creeks, which converge to form the 200 foot drop known as Anna Ruby Falls.
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| Long Creek Falls |
Falls Branch Falls |
Closer to Blue Ridge you can find three smaller, but still stellar, waterfalls—Long Creek Falls, Falls Branch Falls and Sea Creek Falls. Long Creek Falls are probably the most popular falls in Fannin County. The Long Creek Falls Trail is about a two mile round trip trek along part of the world famous Appalachian Trail. The AT is a 2,000+ mile marked footpath which stretches from Georgia to Maine. The Long Creek part begins in a grove of stately old hemlocks and follows Long Creek a mile upstream. It is rated Easy and gets moderate use. The hike is uphill on the way in and downhill on the way out. The whole trip takes about an hour and a half—perfect for a family outing. The trail is designed for day hikers and is accessible year round. Long Creek Falls flow strong, even in the middle of summer. Although any trail that ends at a waterfall is great, you get the added sound appeal by following this trail as it winds through the woods beside the gurgling creek. During part of the hike, the noise can be overwhelming, especially after a rainfall. There are no restroom facilities, so go prepared. To reach Long Creek Falls from the McDonald’s in Blue Ridge on Hwy 515, go east about a half mile to Windy Ridge Road. Turn right and go .2 mile until it deadends with Old US 76. Turn left and go past the Ace Hardware, turning right onto Aska Road. Go south on Aska to the end, about 13.5 miles. (It’s a really pretty drive.) Turn right onto Newport Road and go 4.5 miles to the end. Turn right on Doublehead Gap Road and go 2 miles to USFS Road 42 on the left. Turn left on 42 and go 9 miles to USFS Rd. 58 on the left. Turn left on 58 and go 2.7 miles to Three Forks. Noontoola Creek, a beautiful trout stream, is on the right as you ascend the trail to the falls. You might want to bring your fishing poles. I know it sounds complicated getting there, but the one hour drive is worth it. The roads are paved or graveled all the way and suitable for sedans.
Falls Branch Falls is just 11 miles from Blue Ridge. It features a GA Game & Fish Wildlife food plot, fishing, mountain laurel and rhododendron growing along the creek banks. The trail follows the white diamond blaze of the Benton MacKaye Trail. Hiking time is about 30 minutes roundtrip and is ¼ mile to the base of the falls. The trail is rated Moderate and gets light use. It is designed for day hikers. The upper portion of the falls is a group of cascades that lead to a single drop of about 30 feet ending in a deep pool at the base. There is an observation deck at the lower falls. To reach Falls Branch Falls, go 8 miles south on Aska Road and turn right on Stanley Creek Road, which is right across the street from the Toccoa Riverside Restaurant. Go 3.1 miles through a long narrow valley to where the Benton MacKaye trail turns into the woods on the right. You’ll see a double diamond blaze on a tree beside the road. It’s just past the historical site of Forest Warden Garfield Stanley’s home. Cross over a small wood bridge and park on the right and follow the trail to the falls. You know you’re in the country with directions like these, and glad that you’re not fighting Atlanta traffic!
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Sea Creek Falls |
Sea Creek Falls is about an hour from Blue Ridge, located in the Cooper Creek Scenic Area. It is an easy walk to the 30 foot waterfall and its shallow pool at the bottom. The volume of flowing water is fairly constant year round, but can be a truly remarkable sight in the spring or summer after a rain shower. The upper falls is a series of steep cascades ending in a brief drop. The lower section is also a series of steep cascades. The roads are paved, graveled or dirt and are all suitable for sedans. To reach Sea Creek Falls from the McDonald’s, take Hwy 515 east toward Blairsville for about 4.5 miles to the traffic light and junction with Hwy 60. It’s at the top of the hill, past a car dealership. There’s a Marathon gas station on the corner. Turn right on 60 and follow it around through Morganton, past the Post Office. Turn right, staying on 60, and go about 15 miles to the Cooper Creek Recreation Area turnoff on the left, Forest Service Road 4. This 15 mile stretch has a lot of twists and turns, but is extremely pretty. Once you get to FSR 4, go 2.9 miles until the road forks. Turn left and go .2 mile. Park and walk a short distance to the falls. For a better view of the falls, Jack Anthony, famed waterfall photographer, says that some wading may be required. Also, he recommends scrambling up the hill to see the larger top tier of the falls from above. Just a note of caution: all waterfalls are slippery and wet. Use extreme care and follow the posted signs. It’s better to come home with a lovely photograph than a broken leg as a remembrance of your trip.
These are just a few of North Georgia’s wonderful waterfalls. In future articles I will write about many more. If your interest has been piqued, you should search for Jack Anthony in Google and go check out his website, books and photographs – all about North Georgia! One of his books is entitled Waterfalls of North Georgia. Come visit us in Blue Ridge and explore some waterfalls while you are here. The North Georgia mountains are calling you!