A gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Blue Ridge is home to beautiful lakes and spectacular mountains. Part of the Appalachians, the Blue Ridge range was aptly named for the bluish color that is most obvious when viewed from a distance. Great for hiking, relaxing or just enjoying the serenity, the mountains are a treat for anyone interested in a peaceful getaway.
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4.5 based on 305 reviews
The drive in was the hardest part! The trailhead is 5+ miles down a narrow gravel road with many hazards. Once we got to the trail it was an easy and scenic hike ending with a beautiful waterfall where the kids played in the creek. It’s 2 miles out and back and was no problem for us and our five and seven year olds. There’s a little incline on the way in but nothing strenuous.
4.5 based on 157 reviews
This place is so lovely. Lake views from every site. RV hook ups, tent camping. Firewood md hosts onsite. Quiet, with a newly laid beach.
4.5 based on 16 reviews
We did the loop trail and it was a great hike. We went on a Monday in the early afternoon and it was not too busy.
4.5 based on 21 reviews
There are several trails leading to Jack's River Falls and our hiking crew decided on the Beech Bottom Trail on 9/23/2018. This trail had been closed due to storm damage that occurred on July 21st, 2018, but recently reopened on Saturday 9/22/2018. It is one of the only trail currently open to the falls. Many trees are still down along Beech Bottom Trail, but nothing was impassable. I love hiking, however I am a day hiker and not a backpack hiker. My plan on every hike is to find the waterfall or overlook I intended as my destination and return to my car AND my bed the same day (or hotel if I'm travel hiking). I found the Beech Bottom Trail to be slightly worrisome due to the lack of trail blaze. Several times we were troubled on which way the trail was going as it either disappeared or split... particularly when it intersects with Jack's River Trail near the river. There were no signs indicating which direction to turn to find the waterfall. GO RIGHT by the way. NOTE: Beech Bottom Trail was once an old road, but it hasn’t been maintained since the 1970’s. It is for this reason the Ranger office says it has not been marked with blazes. I requested they add a directional sign at the river and hopefully they will do so in the near future. Once we found the falls (about 1/2 mile down river), the only way to the base was along a steep side trail that was highly questionable in terms of safety. So we stayed low and grabbed shrubs branches on the way down just in case we slipped. Jack's River Falls was a glorious sight to see and it spoke with a thunderous roar. On the day of our visit, the clear waters were shallow enough to walk out onto the rivers granite bottom for the best head-on pics of the falls. The hillside above the falls seemed to be noticeably devoid of trees, which made me wonder if the storm that closed the trail back in July had been a tornado. The few trees still standing (barely) were completely stripped of their leaves and limbs. Still, it did not take away from the absolute beauty of this magnificent waterfall. I've currently hiked over 30 trails to Georgia waterfalls and historic dam ruins. Jack's River Falls is easily one of my Top 10 favorite waterfalls in the state. OVERALL TRAIL LENGTH – 9.1 miles round trip according to Alltrails (although we calculated 12 miles) OVERALL ELEVATION GAIN – 974 feet TIME NEEDED FOR HIKE - 4.5 to 5 hours minimum (which includes 30 minutes at the falls). FINAL THOUGHTS Jack's River Fall is worth the hike no matter which trail you take but be forewarned; If you are a day hiker like me, Beech Bottom Trail is NOT a scenic stroll. Your only view until you reach the river 4 miles away will be of the Cohutta Wilderness and the drive to the parking area is LONG! Overall the hike took about 2 hours each way. IF you are more adventurous and don't mind a longer, wetter hike... try the more challenging Jack's River Trail. The shortest trail to hike seems to be the Horseshoe Bend Trail found at the end of Old Hwy 2. ENJOY TIP - Many of the other trails are still closed as of the date of this review. It would be wise to call the Conasauga Ranger District prior to your visit. The number is (706) 695-6736.
4.5 based on 7 reviews
This is a challenging hike for beginners, but well worth the effort. We overshot the trailhead because GPS wasnt working and there was no one on the trail so no cars parked - so follow the road towards the fish hatchery (gravel and narrow, which is a little scarey when big trucks come the other way). When you get to the hairpin turn at the bridge, park before the bridge. The climb starts with a lot of brush to push through and at points you kind of lose the trail, but its there - just keep listening for the water, there are a few rapids but the falls are high enough to really make a roar. There are sections where you have to grab onto roots, parts where you climb over logs, and a few rock scrambles where its quite slippery with a steep drop below, so i would not reccomend this for small children. When you get to the falls its worth the last little scramble down to the flat rocks jutting out below. The falls and weeping rock walls above you are just gorgeous and you can feel the mist on your face! It takes about an hour roundtrip and you will get dirty - so woth it!
4.5 based on 2 reviews
The Blue Ridge Lake Recreation Area has a very well maintained and paved hiking trail through the woods around the lake. The trail provides views of the lake and a couple of areas to walk down to the lake bed. There is also a place to drop a boat for boat owners. This is an easy place for families with kids of all ages.
4.0 based on 9 reviews
6 mile USFS road to get to the Appalachian Trail parking lot, then 1 mile hike to AT southern terminus. Road is gravel and dirt with some potholes/minor gulleys. Can be dusty if driven during dry periods. Easily driven by any truck or SUV, crossover, etc. (Anything besides a compact car). Those that complain of "bone jarring" road simply drove too fast. Take your time and enjoy the scenery! Hike at the trailhead is fun and a great treat to reach the peak of Springer Men that is also the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Heavily travelled, but a great milestone to visit. Nearby the terminus is a campsite that has a primitive outhouse for those that need a relief. For those that would enjoy a longer hike, after visiting the terminus, head onto the Benton MacKaye trail for a 4 mile loop back to the AT parking lot. You'll reach the peak of Ball Mountain, then travel along a totally different ecosystem along several creeks forested with rhododendron, three creek crossings that are very easy.
4.0 based on 23 reviews
Gorgeous water falls and nice area to sit and watch The river is pretty and relaxing. You can bring your dog and a few chairs.
4.0 based on 4 reviews
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