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Best Fall Hikes
Check out some of our favorite trails and waterfalls
Fall hiking is a special treat. The
leaf colors are starting to pop, the
waterfalls are flowing with a summer’s
worth of rain and the summit views
are simply stunning.
Before heading out, heed your
inner Boy Scout and BE PREPARED.
Take plenty of water and snacks in a
daypack, and be aware that the days
may still be warm, but can cool off
quickly — especially as you gain
elevation. Also, stop by one of the
Fannin County Visitors Centers
(blueridgemountains.com)
for maps and directions.
Go
Hike!
Ocoee Whitewater
Center — For an easy
walk, the Whitewater Center
has a 1-mile path that crosses a 330-
foot suspension bridge. You’ll also
find 30 more miles of trails for hikers
and mountain bikers here, just over
the line into Tennessee.
Aska Trails — These hiking
and biking trails are accessible yearround
and consist of several different
routes of varying length and difficulty.
It’s a popular
spot thanks to easy access about 4.4
miles down Aska Road in Blue Ridge.
Fall Branch Falls — Take
the 15-minute, slightly steep hike to
the double waterfall and you’ll be
rewarded with beautiful pines and
mountain laurel growing along the
trail and creek bank. Access the trail
from Stanley Creek Road, about 8
miles out Aska Road.
Swinging Bridge —
The Benton MacKaye Trail
crosses the Toccoa River
here via a scenic 260-foot
suspension bridge. Access
FS 816 off Hwy. 60 and drive
3 miles on a rough gravel road to
the parking area. It’s worth the trip!
Long Creek Falls — At the
southeast end of the county, this trail
begins as a gradual hike alongside
beautiful Long Creek. You’ll make
three short ascents before reaching
the blue-blazed side trail that leads
to the falls.
Springer Mountain — The
famous Appalachian Trail begins
here and travels 2,190 miles north
to Maine. The Benton MacKaye Trail
also starts here, but separates from
the AT near the Long Creek Falls trail.
From the parking lot, it’s a short but
steep .9-mile hike to the summit.
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