Georgia Hikes: Long Creek Falls Trail
Hike the 2-mile out-and-back Long Creek Falls Trail near Blue Ridge, Georgia to see a cascading waterfall. This short day hike on the Appalachian Trail is a moderate hike full of beautiful scenery.
Escape to one of the best waterfall hikes in Blue Ridge, Georgia! Long Creek Falls Trail takes you through an abundant forest to a majestic waterfall that makes for the perfect picnic spot.
This short but moderate trail explores a beautiful two-tiered waterfall on the Appalachian Trail and the Benton MacKaye Trail (two long-distance hiking trails that converge briefly for this hike).
Read on for my guide to hiking the Long Creek Falls Trail, including driving directions to get you to the starting point.
Getting to Long Creek Falls Trailhead
Get ready to go off-road! To get to the Long Creek Falls trailhead, you’ll have to drive a few miles on the unpaved Forest Service Road 58.
From Blue Ridge, the drive along FSR 58 is a little over 5 miles. Low clearance cars can make the drive, but you might want to bring a taller vehicle if you have the option.
The drive is an adventure in itself, over a dirt and gravel road that follows along Noontootla Creek. There are several pull-off areas for picnicking, camping, and fishing.
This is a popular hike, so you can expect to find a lot of cars parked at the trailhead on the weekends. Some earlier in the morning or on a weekday to avoid the crowds.
Hiking Long Creek Falls Trail
Long Creek Falls Trail departs from its trailhead on FSR 58 following along the Appalachian Trail and Benton MacKay Trail to the north (if you’re coming from Blue Ridge, the trailhead will be on your left). The Appalachian Trail actually starts just 4 miles to the south at the summit of Springer Mountain.
You’ll follow the white blazes of the Appalachian and Benton MacKay Trails to the north, following along the banks of Long Creek.
The hike comes to an intersection at about 0.8 miles. Follow the blue-blazed trail to the left toward Long Creek Falls. The trail slopes downhill and reaches the waterfall at about 1 mile.
Long Creek Falls is over 50 feet tall and cascades over a rocky cliff. Large boulders at the base of the falls provide a great picnic spot. You can also expect to meet a lot of hikers who are on their Appalachian Trail journey, whether they’re thru-hikers or just taking the trail piece by piece.
When you’re finished enjoying the scenery, the hike departs back the way it came. Your hike completes back at the trailhead at about 2 miles.
Hiking Essentials
Come prepared for your hike by making sure you pack the essentials. Check out this must-have hiking gear before you set off on the trails:
Nearby Hiking Trails
Looking for more hiking trails in North Georgia? Check out more of these amazing Georgia hikes:
Ready to visit Blue Ridge, Georgia? Plan your trip with these tips.
- Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
- Find Accommodation: You can find top cabin rentals in Blue Ridge using VRBO.
- Start Packing: Check out my packing list resources so you’re prepared for your trip.
Cheers!
Paige
Have you hiked Long Creek Falls Trail near Blue Ridge, Georgia? Let me know in the comments!
