High Shoals Falls(edit)

based on 52 tracks & routes | |

EASY

#83 hike out of 272 in |

EASY

2.9 mi

Distance

1 hrs 19 min

Time

483 ft

Elev Gain

Overview

This out-and-back trail in the Swallow Creek Wildlife Management Area in North Georgia is a short, 2.9 mile easy, but extremely beautiful hike with flowers in the spring and colorful leaves in the fall.

The trail heads downhill from the parking to meet up with High Shoals Creek about halfway on the outbound leg. Then the trail follows the creek as it plunges over several falls, with the falls at the end of the trail being surprisingly breathtaking. There are observation platforms at the major falls.

The water is cold and in the hot Georgia summer, can be very refreshing.

NOTE: The hiking bridge over High Shoals Creek was washed out in the spring of 2018. Until it is replaced, hikers will need to wade through thigh-deep water to continue on the trail to the falls.

Getting Started

This trail can be accessed from Indian Grave Gap Road (an unpaved forest road) off of Georgia Highway 75 just north of the Tennessee Valley Divide at Unicoi Gap. Parking is limited and become tight during peak times in the spring and fall.

NOTE: Indian Grave Gap Road fords the Hiwassee River shortly after leaving GA-75. While the water is typically less than 12 inches deep here, it can rapidly rise during rain storms. CROSS WITH CARE!

Taking Children

This hike is awesome for kids because of the short length and the spectacular falls. They also LOVE fording the Hiwassee River in the car ;-). However, the foot bridge across High Shoals Creek was washed out in the spring of 2018, so small children will need to be carried across at that point.

Sights to See

waterfall view

Rate this Hike

★★★★★

bertb_cathyb 10 months, 2 weeks ago

Downhill on the way out. Uphill back. Falls excellent. Mostly peaceful. Not a lot of people on the trail.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Jesse Francis 4 years, 1 month ago

While driving to the starting point, you will have to cross a small stream that gutted the road. Not recommended for low-level cars or low-ground clearance vehicles. There is limited parking, but no fees. The decent was easy. The main issue is one of the bridges was knocked out. You can take off your shoes and cross the large creek, or balance on a log to cross it. Keep trekking for another 1/2 mile and you’ll come to a split trail. Take the left trail to view a small waterfall. Go straight for another 1/3 mile and view a large, beautiful waterfall. There is a worn path to access the water near the base of the platform. We used it to filter and refill our canteens for the hike back up the mountain. Our 4yo daughter made the trip (last 1/4 of the hike was moans and groans). 4-stars for trying to figure out how to cross the large creek with a 4yo without getting anything wet.

★ ★ ★ ★