Information
Landmark: Fall Branch FallsCity: Atlanta
Country: USA Georgia
Continent: North America
Fall Branch Falls, Atlanta, USA Georgia, North America
Overview
Tucked inside the Chattahoochee National Forest near Blue Ridge, Georgia, Fall Branch Falls spills over mossy rock in a dazzling rush of water.Hikers, nature lovers, and photographers flock here for its easy trails, quiet woods, and sweeping views that catch the light just before dusk.The falls sit tucked beside the Benton MacKaye Trail, a well-known long-distance route where you might catch the scent of pine on a cool morning.Fall Branch Falls sits just off Stanley Creek Road, near the quiet little town of Cherry Log, Georgia, about 10–12 miles southwest of Blue Ridge.You can reach the waterfall by following a short trail that begins at the marked parking lot on Stanley Creek Road, where the sound of rushing water drifts through the trees.Close to Blue Ridge and just steps from a clearly marked trailhead, it’s a perfect spot for day hikers or anyone wanting a gentle walk through the woods.You’ll spot the trailhead just after a small wooden bridge over Fall Branch Creek, marked clearly by a sign.You can park in the gravel lot by the trailhead, with space for about a dozen cars and trucks, the crunch of stones underfoot marking the spot.The place draws big crowds on weekends, and it’s busiest in spring and fall when the air smells of fresh blooms or crisp leaves.The trail to Fall Branch Falls is a gentle 0.9-mile round trip, easy enough for anyone to enjoy, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just out for a stroll beneath the rustling leaves.Most people rate the trail as easy to moderate, and you’ll climb roughly 200 feet-just enough to feel it in your calves.It usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes, though your pace-and how long you linger by the rush of the falls-can stretch that.The trail climbs gently, winding through a rich green forest where native hardwoods tower beside dark, fragrant evergreens.The trail winds between mossy rocks, rhododendrons, mountain laurels, and ferns, their rich greens and damp earth lending the air a quiet, lush calm.The trail follows Fall Branch Creek, where hikers walk to the gentle splash and murmur of the water beside them.On the way, you pass small cascades and clear pools, their soft rush and sparkle building the suspense before the main waterfall comes into view.The trail is a mix of dirt, rocks, and the occasional exposed root, so pull on sturdy hiking shoes to keep your footing sure.A narrow spur trail winds to a wooden deck at the foot of the falls, where the roar of water fills the air.From this platform, you can watch the waterfall spill into the mist and snap photos in safety, all while keeping wandering feet from wearing down the fragile ground around it.Fall Branch Falls tumbles in two distinct tiers, dropping a total of about 75 feet, with white water splashing over dark, mossy rock.Water tumbles over smooth, bare rock and drops into a deep pool, sending up a cool mist that clings to your skin and brightens the scene with life.The waterfall’s two separate drops create a graceful look, one stream tumbling gently before the next spills into the pool below.Thick rhododendron and mountain laurel bushes shade the falls, their petals bursting into bright pinks and whites each spring.Moss clings to the stones, and pale lichen spreads across them, giving the place a lush, untouched air.People don’t usually swim in the pool beneath the waterfall-the mountain water’s icy, and the bottom’s all jagged stone-but it’s a quiet place to stretch out, listen to the rush of water, or share lunch on the sun‑warmed flat rocks nearby.Along the trail and near the falls, you’ll find native plants of the southern Appalachians-oak, hickory, pine, and maple, their leaves whispering in the breeze.In spring and summer, wildflowers scatter bursts of color across the fields, and by autumn, the leaves blaze red, orange, and yellow.In this area, you’ll often spot white-tailed deer slipping through the trees, eastern chipmunks darting across the path, flashes of songbirds in the branches, and bright butterflies drifting in the sunlight.The creek, with its damp banks and mossy stones, shelters amphibians and sometimes reveals a quick flash of a salamander, creating a habitat rich in life.To help protect the fragile ecosystem, visitors should stick to marked trails and observation decks-avoiding shortcuts that wear down the soil and crush the wildflowers underfoot.Steer clear of the slick, mossy rocks near the waterfall-they’re treacherous and can send you tumbling in an instant.Always leash your dog, and don’t forget to scoop up after them-no one likes stepping into a mess on the sidewalk.Take every bit of trash with you-yes, even that crumpled candy wrapper-and leave the place exactly as you found it.Watch your step on wet or uneven ground-after a rain, the trail and rocks can turn slick like polished glass.Fall Branch Falls sits along the sprawling Benton MacKaye Trail, a 300-mile route winding through Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina, where pine needles crunch underfoot.If you’re up for a longer trek, head north or south on the BMT from the falls and wander deeper into the Appalachian foothills, where pine needles crunch underfoot.Near the falls, you can wander over to the Benton MacKaye Trailhead, where longer hikes and overnight treks begin beneath the scent of pine.The Toccoa River Swinging Bridge is a well-known suspension bridge just up the trail, where you can watch the river swirl below in silver ribbons.Mercier Orchards is a family-run spot in Blue Ridge where you can wander rows of apple trees, pick up crisp fruit, enjoy warm pies, and spend the day soaking up local farm life.Fall Branch Falls is a peaceful, easy-to-reach spot tucked into the scenic North Georgia mountains, where water spills over mossy rock into a clear, cool pool.A tidy, winding trail leads you through a mix of quiet forest scenes, ending with the sight of a double-tier waterfall spilling into a still, glassy pool.Tucked into the Blue Ridge, the site draws day visitors with its quiet trails, sweeping views, and spots where wildflowers frame the perfect photo-an outdoor treasure few have discovered.
