Exploring Jacks River Falls in North GA

North Georgia is a mecca for outdoor and hiking enthusiasts, and there is no shortage of awe-inspiring trails and vistas in the region. For an unforgettable day hike with a breathtaking view, consider Jacks River Falls.

This magnificent waterfall is well worth the drive from your Blue Sky cabin and will be a highlight of your North Georgia getaway. Jacks River Falls is the perfect destination for those looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

About Jacks River Falls

Photo Credit: commons.wikimedia.org

• Location: Cohutta Wilderness Area, Epworth, GA

• For more information: blueridgemountains.com/directory/jacks-river-falls

The remote Jacks River Falls is located in the Cohutta Wilderness. The falls offer a breathtaking glimpse of nature at its finest. Hiking trails are abundant in the area, allowing visitors to explore the nearby mountain range and enjoy the stunning views from above.

As the biggest waterfall on the Jacks River, at 60 feet high, it is awe inspiring to arrive at after a long hike. It consists of a separate upper run of cascades and a spectacular lower drop into a rock amphitheater.

It is certainly not the easiest to reach waterfall in the region, but for moderately experienced hikers, it is well worth the effort. Read on to learn about the trail, the falls, and what you need to know about reaching your destination.

Getting There

From Ellijay or Blue Ridge, GA

The Jacks River Falls Trailheads are located in the Cohutta Wilderness Area, a two-hour drive from Ellijay or Blue Ridge, GA. The trails are accessed by Forest Service roads. The trails are some of the best in the Blue Ridge area to explore. Though it is a bit of a long drive, it is quite scenic and totally worth it for the beautiful waterfall alone!

From Other States

For those visiting North Georgia from Tennessee, you may want to consider visiting the Jacks River Falls on the way home from your rental, which would cut down on drive time during your vacation. If you decide to do the hike and come from Ellijay or another North Georgia town, build in plenty of time to make the drive and complete the hike.

Jacks River Falls Trails

The Beech Bottom Trailhead

• Length: 9.1 miles

• Difficulty:

This 9-mile out and back trail has a nearly 1000-foot elevation gain and takes around 3.5 hours to complete. This busy trail is open year-round and is also pet friendly!

You can find the Beech Bottom Trailhead an hour west of the Cohutta Wilderness Area. This trailhead is actually in Tennessee, right over the Georgia state line. The closest location you can enter on your Google Maps is the Cisco Baptist Church, which serves as the marker for your turn onto Old Highway 2.

You should bring the following written directions from the Blue Ridge Tourism Board to find the trailhead in case you lose access to a cell phone signal:

• Start in Ellijay and drive Hwy. 352 west to Chatsworth.

• From Chatsworth, go north on U.S. 411 for 13 miles to Cisco.

• Turn right on Highway 2.

• Continue on this road 9.6 miles to FS 62 on the right.

• Turn right on FS 62 and go 4.4 miles to Beech Bottom trailhead.

Jacks River Trail

• Length: 16.8 miles

• Difficulty: Moderate

This out and back trail is the longest in the Cohutta Wilderness at 16.8 miles and has seven trails that junction with it (Benton MacKaye, Penitentiary Branch, Rough Ridge, Hickory Ridge, Beech Bottom, Rice Camp, and Horseshoe Bend). It includes a whopping 42 river crossings!

To reach the trailhead for the longer Jacks River Trail, you will want to start in Blue Ridge. It has a total elevation gain of around 1000 feet. Like the Beech Bottom Trailhead, ensure you have the written directions instead of relying on GPS.

• From Blue Ridge, head north on GA 5 for 3.7 miles and take a left on Old Highway 2.

• Continue for a 10.2-mile hike to Watson Gap.

• At the 4-way intersection, take a right onto FS22.

• Go 4.3 miles to reach the trailhead at Dally Gap.

What to Expect

Anyone hiking to Jacks River Falls can expect incredibly beautiful surroundings and an unforgettable sight upon reaching the falls. Upon reaching the waterfall, prepare to have your mind blown. The 60-foot, multi-tiered waterfall is breathtaking and makes all your effort worth it. Take some time at the falls to take pictures, enjoy lunch in a stunning location, and rest before your return hike.

Both routes to Jacks River Falls are generally considered moderate to challenging. The Cohutta Wilderness is quite rugged and doesn’t always have cell service or clear signage, so having a physical map and the ability to navigate with it is a good idea.

With either route, but especially the Jacks River Trail, you can expect to get wet on this hike and should wear breathable shoes with good tread. Though the hike to get there can be moderately difficult, the trails are generally well-maintained and provide stunning views from start to finish.

The elevation change is not major, and you generally are hiking on rolling hills. For the Beech Bottom route, you only cross a few minor streams near the trail's end. On the Jacks River route, you cross back and forth over the river 42 times, which is fantastic on a hot day and less desirable in winter. Plan accordingly!

What to Bring

When hiking in remote wilderness areas like the Cohutta Wilderness, it is crucial that you pack the proper equipment for a safe and fun hike. Use the list below to aid in your preparation for the beautiful Jacks River Falls hike.

Navigational Tools


Photo Credit: Soho A Studio

One of the most important items to bring for this hike is your navigational tools. To start, you need to have the driving directions to the trailhead either printed out or as a screenshot on your phone.

Service is spotty and sometimes nonexistent, making using your phone for navigation difficult. GPS will likely need help finding the trailhead, so following the written directions is best.

Forest Service Map


Photo Credit: Kaspars Grinvalds

For the hike itself, it is recommended that you get a Forest Service map of the Cohutta Wilderness and locate the trail before embarking on the trek. Have some familiarity with the route and check it periodically to ensure you are on track.

AllTrails Map


Photo Credit: Tada Images

Some apps, such as AllTrails, allow you to download maps to your phone so you can see your exact location, which is helpful in combination with a paper map. Be sure to read maps and bring a compass with you. As always, let someone know where you are going and when you intend to be home.

Food and Water


Photo Credit: Maram

Ensure you have plenty of nutrient-dense food to last several days in case of emergency. Food such as nuts and energy bars are lightweight to pack and great to keep on hand in emergencies.

Adequate water is very important, especially when hiking in the summer. The general guidelines suggest a half-liter of water per hour.

Proper Clothing and Gear


Photo Credit: FabrikaSimf

For your comfort and safety, appropriate clothing and gear are essential. Dress for the season and always bring layers; even on a hot sunny day, you can get chilled by the waterfall. In winter, you’ll need multiple layers and a hat and gloves.

Proper hiking shoes are a requirement, especially if you are hiking the Jacks River Trail with many river crossings. You need breathable shoes that have very good tread on them so you have traction on slippery rocks.

In winter, you could encounter snow or ice on the trails, especially around the waterfall. It isn’t a bad idea to bring hiking crampons in your backpack in case you come across an icy patch.

Use a backpack that fits you properly and is comfortable. There’s nothing worse than being halfway through a hike and getting rubs from your pack! Some people like hiking with hiking poles, so be sure you pack those if that is your preferred way of hiking.

Other important items:

• Sunscreen

• Bug Spray

• Camera

• Animal ID book

• First Aid Kit

• Backup battery

Embrace the Wilderness at Jacks River Falls

The drive time from your cabin to the Jacks River Falls trailheads are worth their weight in waterfalls! This challenging but beautiful hike is well worth the time and effort required to reach the jaw-dropping Jacks River Falls. So pack your hiking boots and prepare for the hike of a lifetime on your cabin getaway in North Georgia!