In Fannin County in Georgia’s Blue Ridge, are some of the most beautiful waterfalls along the Appalachian Trail! The falls are all accessible by hiking trails of various distances. We’d like to share Long Creek Falls with you today, located in the famous Blue Ridge, Georgia.
Location of Long Creek Falls
Long Creek Falls in Blue Ridge is in the midst of one of Georgia’s most beautiful and tranquil locations. Long Creek Falls along the southernmost portion of the Appalachian Trail, is close to the starting point of the trail at Springer Mountain.
The mountain trails are among the most notable of any hiking destination in the state. The Three Forks Trail is a natural, one mile out and back trail that’s in the luxuriant valley en route to Long Creek Falls. The path is excellent for hikers that enjoy hikes that are middle-of-the-road but is easy enough for beginners.
Long Creek and Three Forks Creek Valley
The creek bed is filled with variegated gravel. You’ll want to drive slowly along the road to drink in the lovely views. Noontootla Creek is formed by three creeks called Three Forks. The Three Forks Creek Valley is one of the most scenic areas along the trail. The valley has sheer cliffs, wide-ranging mossy spaces, colorful wildflowers, and native wildlife. Noontootla Creek in the beautiful, North Georgia mountains, is famous around the country for avid, trout fishermen.
Long Creek Falls Trail & Hiking Trail Opportunities
The trek to reach Long Creek Falls begins on Aska Road, traveling south. Go right on Newport Road to its end. Doublehead Gap Road is on the left. After crossing the concrete bridge, the road becomes gravel. After driving 0.3 miles, you’ll see Forest Road 58. The road is just past a church and cemetery. Follow Forest Service Road for 5.3 miles. You’ll see a sign for the Three Forks Hiking Area. Noontootla Creek is on the right side of the road.
The Appalachian Trail and Benton MacKaye Trails lead the way to the cascading waterfall. The same path is used for the two trails so you’ll have to follow the trail markers to make your way to the waterfall. At trail marker 0.8, Three Forks and Nontootla Creek, you’ll have to watch for white rectangular and diamond-shaped markers that lead the way to the waterfall.
Long Creek Falls Trail’s entrance is on the northern side of Forest Road. There’s a gradual ascent on the trail next to Long Creek. For most of the hike, the trail runs parallel to the creek, except a short stretch that runs into a cover and a dry stream.
The lush forest and water bubbling over the rocks in the stream lend a tranquil atmosphere to the hike. At the spot where Benton MacKaye Trail and Duncan Ridge move away from the Appalachian Trail, markers lead the way to Long Creek Falls. You’ll know you’re close when you hear the sound of the water rushing to the pond below.
Ready To Plan Your Long Creek Falls Visit?
The two-tiered waterfall rushes over boulders from 50 feet in the air and is entirely flowing, even during the driest days of summer. The pool beneath the falls is crystal clear and hallow so you can see to its bottom. Rhododendrons grow wild around the creek, and the massive Hemlocks escalate high into the Georgia sky. The trees and Rhododendrons provide a shady oasis from which to view the waterfall.
Veteran hikers are familiar with the portion of the Appalachian Trail along the Benton MacKaye Trail as they pass through to the trails further north. The trails are so accessible that if you’re planning a visit to Long Creek Falls on your Georgia vacation, you’re advised to go during the week. Through hikers use the trails so frequently that the parking area is usually crowded on the weekends.
A bridge crosses over Chester Creek to the west of the parking lot. The trail travels east and goes directly to Long Creek Falls. The path leading to the falls is created to prevent ATVs, people on horseback, and mountain bikes from accessing the area.