Georgia is surprisingly packed with awesome waterfalls hikes, and one of the very best to add to your hiking bucket list is Jack’s River Falls. This epic hiking trail leads you through the Cohutta Wilderness, along a peaceful river, and to a series of waterfalls and other things to do near the town of Blue Ridge, Georgia.
The Hike to Get There
Make sure you’re in good hiking shape and have packed all the necessary gear because the Jacks River Trail extends about nine miles one way or 18 miles round-trip. It is moderately strenuous and dog-friendly, so bring your fit and active pup along!
This trail has multiple river crossings, so pack a dry bag to keep your electronics safe and maybe change your clothes if you get soaking wet. You’ll pass by old-growth hemlock trees, moss, ferns, and seasonal wildflowers in other parts.
The Waterfall at the End
After about nine miles from the Dally Gap trailhead, you’ll be rewarded for your hard work with views of the Jacks River pouring over a rugged outcropping. This is an awe-inspiring 80-foot drop waterfall, and you can even dip in the river to cool off on a hot day. Be careful near the waterfall because the rocks are slippery, and the fast-moving water can be dangerous.
Options and Precautions
If you plan to hike the entire 18 miles round-trip, bring a backpack with a tent and overnight gear. But know that camping is prohibited within 300 feet of the waterfall. Primitive campsites can be found near the river and in the forest on a first-come-first-served basis. But if this backpacking trip sounds too strenuous, consider hiking the Beech Bottom Trail instead because this is the easiest way to reach the falls and is a little over nine miles round-trip.
The falls provide an ideal year-round hiking destination; no permits are needed to hike or backpack here. It’s about 2.5 hours from Atlanta and part of the Cohutta Wilderness trail system, which has nearly 100 total trails!
Jacks River Falls Information:
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Dally Gap Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 34.933417, -84.518650 / N34 56.005 W84 31.119
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Conasauga Ranger District Phone Number: 706-695-6736
