High Shoals Falls
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
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
Public Tracks
