The hike passes multi-tiered waterfalls at 3.6 miles before arcing northbound, crossing the river again at 4.1 miles. The trail comes to the 4th river crossing at mile 4.4 crossing left to right looking downstream. This moderate 16.9 mile trail will require at least one night under the stars, but it's worth the trip. Jacks River Trail is the longest in the Cohutta Wilderness measuring 16.8 miles and has 7 trails that junction with it. This wilderness is over 60,000 acres that … And Beech Bottom is a 4-mile trail that heads northwest to its trailhead on FS62. It begins ascending a ridgeline for the first and only time on this section of the trail. Rough Ridge is a 7-mile ridge trail that junctions with East Cowpen Trail. © 2009 - 2020 Trailful Outdoor Co. // Made in the mountains of Hiawassee, Georgia. Always pack emergency essentials. The trail descends back down and merges with the river again on its right bank. The headwaters for Jacks River originate on top of Flat Top Mountain approximately 8 miles to the south and over 3500 feet. At this point, look for a steep but distinct goat path descending to some noise on the river down to the right. The last 1.2 miles is gravel. Continue straight for approximately 10.2 miles to Watson Gap. He’s also the co-founder of Atlanta Trails and Asheville Trails, digital magazines that highlight the South’s best outdoor adventures. The trail continues with its wide path turning toward the southwest.
Since the trail’s blazes are often faded or hidden behind vegetation, it’s easy to lose the trail at the river crossings.
And it’s always best to avoid trails along the rivers and creeks in the weeks following a heavy rain.
Take a left onto Old Highway 2. To view the Lower Section of Jacks River Trail. Free parking is available at the Dally Gap trailhead. The trail descends to a series of tumbling waterfalls on the river at 3.1 miles. The river fords can be hard after heavy rains, but no matter what you will get wet! The trail approaches the South Fork Jacks River at 2.55 miles, staying a bit above it. Jack’s River Trail is not recommended as a beginner hike because the trail markings are sometimes hard to spot. By far the most popular of the trails in the Cohutta Wilderness, Jacks River crosses the entire wilderness and intersects most of the other trails.
Eric Champlin is a creative director and photographer who loves to explore southeast. Jacks River Trail Through Hike is a 15.8 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Epworth, Georgia that features a river and is rated as moderate. Please refer to the official trail map for the most current and accurate route. The river continues to impress for the next two miles becoming really wide and slow toward the end.
For the easiest access to this towering waterfall, hike to Jacks River Falls on the Beech Bottom Trail, a moderate hike that bypasses the Jacks River Trail’s many river crossings. We’ve loved hiking this route with our trail-loving Labrador Retrievers! Rental Agreement | Privacy Policy | Site Map | Blue Ridge Cabin Rentals | North Georgia Cabin Rentals. The Wilderness Area is a total of 35,268 acres and is the largest wilderness area in Northern Georgia. Containing several cascades that combine to an 80 foot waterfall, this destination provides spectacular views and refreshing pools to take a dip in. Please always practice good trail etiquette. Jacks River FallsThe open rocky area and the impressive 80-foot drop are some of the best waterfall views anyone could wish for. Who is Going to Love ItFor backpackers and hikers who aren’t afraid to get wet, this trail will prove to be your favorite. The river swings sharply west and just as sharply back to the east. Then the trail descends, following the river through a wide meander, and carves through a sharp switchback. The intersection at Watson Gap is a 4-way intersection of FS22, FS 64, Old Highway 2, and County Road 187. Your North Georgia mountain vacation awaits! There are many amazing waterfalls to hike to in Northern Georgia, but none of them will take your breath away quite like Jacks River Falls. Did you have trouble accessing the trail, or notice some recent trail updates or storm damage? If you look upstream here you can see how the river is descending from above. Help keep our trails and parks open during COVID-19 by committing to social distancing. Powered by: LiveRez.com Vacation Rental Software, A Whitewater Retreat - Fightingtown Creek. Jacks River Trail to Beech Bottom is a 14.8 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Epworth, Georgia that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. Jacks River Falls is located 9 miles north of the trailhead of the Jacks River Trail at Dally Gap.
The view from the trail ranges from nonexistent to spectacular. These river crossings define the trail and what makes it so fun. And begins cascading down a beautiful gorge called Jacks River Gorge. Don’t rely on a GPS as the signal sometimes gets lost in the woods. Hike.7 mile southwest to a junction with the Benton MacKaye Trail. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until September. There are several crossings that require fording to an island in the middle of the river before locating the trail on the opposite side. This nine-mile out-and-back hike turns around here, retracing its outbound steps on the Jacks River Trail and re-navigating through the river crossings to return to the trailhead.
The trail is an Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) 17 (b) easement providing access through Ahtna, Inc. native lands to public lands. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until October. This is the trail to the small Lower Shadow Falls, which I recommend checking out first.
Jacks River Falls is one of Georgia's most impressive waterfalls. The trail and river merge again at the 20th-river-crossing. Trailful Outdoor Co. and the Atlanta Trails logo are registered trademarks of Summit19 Studio LLC.Privacy Policy | Terms of Use No photo, illustration, data, or text on this website may be reproduced, published, or distributed without prior written permission and license. This wilderness is over 60,000 acres that borders Northern Georgia, and … The junctions for Hickory Ridge and Beech Bottom are immediately after the 20th-river-crossing. Once arriving in Blue Ridge, GA go to the US 76-GA 5 intersection near the McDonald's.
So by the time the trail merges with the river it is not a creek.