Keown Falls Picnic Area and Trailhead

Area Status: Open

A fabulous day-hiking opportunity for young and old awaits visitors at the Keown Falls Recreation Area. With picnicking, dramatic vistas and a hike to the Keown Falls and overlook that even Grandma can handle, this little gem is sure to become one of your favorite waterfall viewing spots.

At a Glance

Operational Hours:	Day-use area open year-round.
Fees:	Free
Restrictions:	No group activities permitted due to limited space and amenities.
Closest Towns:	The closest towns are Dalton, GA, to the east and Lafayette, GA, to the northwest.
Water:	No drinking water is provided at this time
Restroom:	1 vault facility
Information Center:	Please contact the Conasauga Ranger District at 706-695-6736 for more information.

General Information

Directions:

From I-75 Exit 320 near Resaca, GA, go west on highway 136 for 7 miles. At stop sign, turn right to stay on highway 136 for another 7 miles. Turn left on Pocket County Road and continue for 5 miles. Turn right on Forest Service Road 702 and proceed 0.6 miles to picnic area.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Day Hiking

Named after Gordon Keown, the original surveyor of much of Northwest Georgia and the Keown Falls, this trail is 1.8 miles and offers a gentle, yet steep climb to the top of John's Mountain, which is part of a geological formation called "Ridge and Valley." The trail starts off fairly level and then turns into a series of switchbacks climbing the mountain (steep, but doesn't go on for too long). Here, after climbing some stone steps, a cool cove and the first set of falls can be seen. Just ahead is the overlook where one can see the second set of falls. Be forewarned that the falls do sometimes run dry and are best viewed in the spring.

The Georgia Pinhoti Trail section 10 meanders through this recreation area.