Fall Creek Falls

Photo credit: Paul Finke

Aptly named, Fall Creek is home to three waterfalls, each roughly 30 to 50 feet high in a mile-long stretch. The less intrepid can enjoy a fine view of the first level just below the west side of Forest Service Road 722. To explore the entire Fall Creek chain, including the third level, budget about two hours for the difficult, two-mile downstream hike. There is no marked trail, and dense rhododendron thickets blanket each side of the creek. There are several creek crossings along the way. This hike is NOT recommended unless you are in good shape and an experienced hiker in adverse conditions.

The Upper Falls, of which there are 4 drops about 100 feet over an approximate 0.4-mile stretch of a tributary to Long Creek. The first series of falls are just below road FS-722. They are accessed by an unmarked path that is steep and difficult to hike. The path gets better after the initial descent from the road.

The Middle Falls are about 1.2 miles from road FS-722. About 0.1 miles further is an old house site with stacked rocks.

The Lower Falls are about 2.5 miles from road FS-722 to the top, 2.8 miles to the base of the falls, and 3.0 miles to where the creek empties into the Chattooga River. The unmarked path from the top to the base of the falls is narrow and follows the edge of a cliff that might be noticeable at first. Be extremely cautious!

At a Glance