Area Waterfalls

 

Within the boundaries of Fannin County are five waterfalls accessible by hikes of various distances.

Long Creek Falls

Long Creek Falls

The most popular of the waterfalls in Fannin County is Long Creek Falls, which can be seen by hiking down a short side trail from the combined Appalachian/Benton MacKaye Trail. These falls total about 50 feet in two distinct drops. A leisurely 30 minute hike to the falls is uphill on the way in, downhill on the way out.

Directions:  From Blue Ridge, go south on Aska Road 13.5 miles to end.  Turn right onto Newport Road, go 4.5 miles to end.  Turn left onto Doublehead Gap Road and continue on this road about .8 miles to intersection with dirt-gravel USFS Road 58 intersecting sharply from right.  Turn onto FS 58 and continue into forest and uphill 5.3 miles to Three Forks.  Noontootla Creek, a beautiful trout stream, is on the right as you ascend.

Falls Branch Falls

Falls Branch Falls

The upper portion of Fall Branch Falls is a series of cascades that lead to a single major drop of some 30 feet, with the water plunging into a deep pool at the base of the falls. These falls, along the Benton MacKaye Trail west of Aska Road are a shorter, although a bit harder walk than Long Creek Falls.

Directions-Take Aska Road south 8 miles and turn right on Stanley Creek Road. Go 3.1 miles to the "parking lot" on the right just past the bridge over Falls Branch

Sea Creek Falls

Located in the Cooper Creek Scenic Area, Sea Creek Falls are an easy walk of less than .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 are 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.

Directions: From the Georgia Mountain Parkway just past Blue Ridge, 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 passible in anything but a four wheel drive vehicle. Travel .3 miles to a campground, park and walk .1 miles further up the creek.

Jacks River Falls

This popular destination in the Cohutta Wilderness Area requires the longest walk of all falls in Fannin County. The easiest access is a 9.2 mile hike from Dally Gap along the Jacks River Trail.