Are you looking for a beautiful place to enjoy the outdoors with your family? Consider a trip to Anna Ruby Falls. It is so worth the drive from nearby Helen, GA to enjoy this beautiful double waterfall. We love the paved trail that keeps this gorgeous spot accessible for so many. We have all the details to help you plan your visit to Anna Ruby Falls, Georgia.
About Anna Ruby Falls
Located adjacent to Unicoi State Park Anna Ruby Falls is actually a spectacular twin waterfall, as two waterfalls combine to form Smith Creek. The taller waterfall cascades down 153 feet and its twin drops about 50 feet. There are many gorgeous waterfalls in North Georgia, but this one is unique. Not just because it’s a double waterfall, but because the trail is paved making this a really family-friendly spot to enjoy nature.
The Anna Ruby Falls Trail
The paved hiking trail begins at the Anna Ruby Falls Visitor Center where you will find restrooms and a gift shop, plus several scenic picnic areas along the creek at the Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area.
It’s just under a mile hike along the paved trail to get to the falls.
The paved down-and-back trail to the falls has a moderate to steep incline at times, as it follows the boulder-lined banks of Smith Creek to the falls. While there are a few steep sections, the trail is well-maintained and the pavement makes the trip much easier.
It’s a very pretty trail, and though short, it’s worth a trip in and of itself. There are multiple overlooks and observation decks to enjoy the falls for a while before returning back down the trail.
Lion’s Eye Trail
Near the parking lot, you’ll also find the very short Lion’s Eye Trail. Its a 0.1 mile paved trail with braille interpretive signage.
Near Anna Ruby Falls
You’ll find Anna Ruby Falls just a short drive from Helen, GA and right next to Unicoi State Park.
How far is Anna Ruby Falls from Helen, GA?
It’s about a 15-minute drive from Helen, Georgia to get to Anna Ruby Falls. It’s a beautiful area. So whether you start your day in Helen and head to the falls, or begin with a hike and end with a trip to Helen, make sure to do both. The alpine town is quite unique. Check it out in our piece on Helen, GA.
More Hiking at Unicoi State Park
You’ll drive through a portion of Unicoi State Park on your way to the gate to Anna Ruby Falls. If you’re looking for more hiking, the hike around the lake at Unicoi State Park is pretty and family-friendly.
The Cutest Coffee Shop
Our family always stops at Sweetwater Coffeehouse when we are in the area. The staff is so friendly and it’s just a super cute mountain town coffee shop. We found it by accident as we drove through the area on our first visit and now we make a point to stop whenever we are in the area.
They are open 8 am to 6 pm daily, and it’s about a 20-minute drive from the falls parking area to Sweetwater Coffee.
Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area, National Forest 3455 Anna Ruby Falls Road, Georgia Fee is $5 per person aged 16 and up. Free for kids 15 and under. Open 9 am to 5 pm daily- last admission is 4 pm. Closed the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Looking for a day away from it all out in the woods? Then definitely plan a visit to Dupont State Park waterfalls in western NC. On a fall day there is nothing like heading north to the streams, fresh air, dazzling waterfalls and fall colors of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With its 900 miles of hiking trails, six major waterfalls and over 10,000 acres of forest, DuPont State Forest is a showcase of some of the most fabulous scenery in western NC, just an hour from Greenville! KAG Contributor Liene is telling us all bout the best places to visit in Dupont State Forest.
Find even more great hikes on our Hiking Guide. Plus find tons of waterfalls in our area to visit here!
This article was originally published on Femme au Foyer as “DuPont State Forest and its waterfalls”.
What to expect if you visit Dupont State Park
To maximize a visit to DuPont, park in the Hooker Falls area on Staton Road and combine the Triple Falls Trail, the High Falls Trail and Hooker Falls Road for an unforgettable, three mile hike to visit three of the most popular and beautiful falls in the area. Two of them (Triple and Hooker Falls) you might recognize from the movie The Hunger Games, a portion of which was filmed in DuPont in 2011, and Triple Falls featured prominently in the movie Last of the Mohicans.
Just a short ½ mile from the Hooker Falls parking area you’ll reach Triple Falls, with three distinct cascades that drop 120 feet in total. The first overlook is just a short distance from the parking lot, and a few hundred feet further is the spur trail that leads down to the large rocky area between the falls. Bring a picnic to enjoy the spectacle – natural and human – before jumping back on the main trail.
Triple Falls trail and High Falls trail form a loop, but you can choose to stick close to Little River on High Falls trail and cut out a bit of the mileage by doing a there-and-back. (Triple Falls trail heads west, hitting Buck Forest Road and intersecting with High Falls trail and the Covered Bridge Trail about 1/3 mile from High Falls). To reach the base of the 150-foot cascade, take a detour on the short River Bend spur trail for a memorable view of the falls and the covered bridge at the top.
High Falls is the largest waterfall in the area, and together with the beautiful covered bridge was part of a planned real estate development in 2000. After a lengthy legal battle the state was able to purchase the land from the developer, ensuring the view of the falls would be preserved. The trail leading to High Falls is somewhat steep, so make sure to bring water and to set a comfortable pace in the summer heat.
Once you’ve retraced your steps to the parking area and crossed back under Staton Road, you’ll turn west on Hooker Falls trail. Make sure to pause at the observation area above the falls before circling down to the base of the 12 foot waterfall. From the popular swimming hole at the base of the falls, Little River flows on into Cascade Lake, outside of the state forest’s boundaries. The hike to the falls is relatively easy, a mildly sloping 0.4 miles down a gravel road.
These three DuPont waterfalls make for a perfect year-round destination. The weekends during the summer will find a crowd at Hooker Falls, cooling down in the natural swimming hole, meanwhile autumn brings unparalleled fall foliage to the views around High Falls. Winter will decorate the waterfalls in ice, and finally spring means wildflowers and the return of the Blue Ghost Firefly. Whichever season you visit, you’ll find the scenic and tranquil beauty of DuPont State Forest and its waterfalls a memorable experience you’ll want to repeat again and again.
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Has your family checked out DuPont State Forest yet?
Have you heard about the Beech Bottom Falls trail? KAG contributor Liene explores another one of the Upstate’s waterfalls, Beech Bottom Falls, also known as Pinnacle Falls! An adventurous trail will take your family across a footbridge straight out of a fairytale, to a viewing platform overlooking a beautiful waterfall. This is a perfect hike to combine with a day trip up to Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina!
Parking Area and Locating the Trailhead for Beech Bottom Falls
Not only has the SC DNR rerouted the trail to Pinnacle Falls, but they’ve also renamed the waterfall Beech Bottom Falls! An improved parking lot awaits hikers on F Van Clayton Memorial Highway, located 1.5 miles north from the intersection of 178 (Moorefield Memorial Highway) and F Van Clayton in Rocky Bottom, SC. The Chimneytop Gap trailhead also offers access to the Foothills Trail; it is 2.1 miles east to Sassafras Mountain and 2.1 miles to Laurel Valley.
The Beech Bottom Falls Trail
The Beech Bottom Trail heads west on the old roadbed 400 ft north from the parking lot; if you miss the little shortcut trail, you just go north to the gravel road with the red gate and head west. The hike to the viewing platform on Beech Bottom Falls Trail 1.7 miles roundtrip, with about 300ft elevation gain.
After ½ mile, the old roadbed crosses Abner Creek. Hikers traverse a beautiful new footbridge, then immediately turn left onto another old roadbed – follow the signs to Beech Bottom Falls. You’ll recross Abner Creek on a second footbridge (a twin to the first), then start descending to the observation deck.
The view of the falls has been mostly cleared of trees, though in the winter you’ll have a slightly better view of the waterfall and creek. The view north across the mountains is also a testament to the destruction caused by the hemlock wooly adelgid; the tops of towering snags are eye level with the platform, with only a few hemlocks remaining to testify to their past dominance of the forest canopy.
From your perch on the southern cliffs of Abner Creek you can see a second observation deck, lower on the cliff. It is accessed from Pinnacle Falls Trail / Moorefield Memorial Highway. However, do not leave the trail or platform in this area, it is dangerous as well as damaging to sensitive plant communities. The trail can be slippery in wet weather. Plus, a narrow trail with steep drop-offs could possibly be difficult to navigate for pets and young children.
Beech Bottom Falls and viewing platform
A third route to Beech Bottom Falls (a.k.a. Pinnacle Falls) has been decommissioned by the SC DNR. This route is overgrown with brambles, blocked by downed trees, and features switchbacks dropping almost 300 feet in elevation to the base of the waterfall – it is not suggested for families with small children.
More Things to Do Near Beech Bottom Falls Trail
From the Chimneytop Gap area to the Sassafras Mountain parking lot it is 3.2 miles and definitely worth the drive. The visitor center/observation deck at the summit features 360˚ views from the highest point in South Carolina!
The Foothills Trail also utilizes Chimneytop Gap. This provides access to the Roundtop Mountain Passage of the Palmetto Trail and the Carolina Hemlock Loop Trail.
Horse Pasture Road is a nearby access point to the Jocassee Gorges and Jim Timmerman Natural Resources Area. The access point features attractions such as Jumping Off Rock overlook, Eastatoe Creek, and Laurel Fork Heritage Preserves.
Are you wondering where to go to find some beautiful waterfalls without traveling too far from Greenville, SC? You’re in luck because we have gathered all the information you need about finding waterfalls close to home, all in one handy place! Whether you want to take in a waterfall while enjoying a long hike or a waterfall that you can view with very little effort, local mom Kristina has all the details right here!
Waterfalls can be quite magical and we have so, so many near us in the Upstate. Waterfalls are beautiful any time of year also – surrounded by wildflowers in the spring, framed by greenery over the summer and perfect for swimming, delivering fall colors in autumn, and showing off (some) frozen beauty in winter.
It is incredibly important for your own safety and for the safety of your family, EMTs, and rescuers, to never play at the top or sides of a waterfall, even for a second or to get an Insta-worthy photo. Those rocks are slippery and many people have unfortunately lost their lives at waterfalls in our area.
Below are some of our favorite waterfalls near the Upstate, SC. But, if you love waterfalls you’ll want to take a look at this list ofWaterfalls of the Southeast, loaded with waterfall hikes in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee.
Waterfalls in & near Greenville, SC
Falls Park
You don’t have to go far to see the first waterfalls on this list. Pack a picnic, relax on the nearby swings, or take a walk through Falls Park on the Reedy River in downtown Greenville and see the beautiful waterfalls that run right through our beautiful city.
South Main Street and Camperdown Way Greenville, SC Distance from Greenville: 0 minutes – it is located downtown
Raven Cliff Falls
Take the two-mile long Raven Cliff Falls trail to view the gorgeous 420-ft Raven Cliff Falls from an overlook at Caesar’s Head State Park. There are also a variety of hiking trails within that park and the surrounding Mountain Bridge Wilderness.
Or if you’re a more experienced hiker, take the Dismal Trail to get to the suspension bridge that goes over the falls. It’s a tough 8+ mile loop but worth it.
8155 Geer Hwy Cleveland, SC Distance from Greenville: ~hour
Jones Gap State Park
Known for its natural scenery, this 300 acre park is perfect for a relaxing day of exploration – and waterfall viewing of course. One of the more popular trails leads uphill to the stunning Rainbow Falls. It’s a strenuous trail but there are other waterfalls that are along the main trail.
This is a hugely popular park that now requires reserved parking ($5) on weekends in addition to the entrance fee.
303 Jones Gap Road Marietta, SC Distance from Greenville: ~an hour
Station Cove Falls
This waterfall in Oconee County near Hwy 11 is so, so stunning. It’s a big waterfall towering high dripping water from hundreds of small ledges. It’s also a very easy hike, about 1.5 miles round trip.
State Rd S-37-95 Walhalla, SC Distance from Greenville: an hour and 10 minutes
Station Cove Falls
Chau Ram County Park
A little over an hour from Greenville, Chau Ram Park is called South Carolina’s “Best Kept Secret” by the Oconee County Recreation and Tourism Department. There is a 40 foot waterfall at Ramsey Creek plus the county’s longest suspension bridge here. You can also swim, hike and camp, all for only $2 per car load.
1220 Chau Ram Park Road Westminster, SC Distance from Greenville: an hour + 5 minutes
Table Rock State Park
Table Rock contains lots of awesome waterfalls easily accessible from the many trails that wind through this beautiful park. Trails are not stroller-friendly so be sure to either bring a baby carrier if you’ve got a little one or sturdy shoes for the younger kids. There is a fee to enter the park if you don’t have a park pass.
158 Ellison Lane Pickens, SC Distance from Greenville: ~45 minutes
Yellow Branch Falls
Located in Walhalla near Isaqueena Falls, Yellow Branch Falls are amazing. The falls are huge and picturesque and just a beautiful place to visit. This is a popular waterfall and trail so again, get there early if you want to experience it with less people.
This wildly popular waterfall is right on the side of the road off 276 in Pisgah Forest in Brevard. We’ve seen it in every season and our favorite has been over the winter when it’s been partially frozen. No hiking is involved but you can take the stairs and ramps down to the bottom for some great photos.
This one is perfect for smaller kids to splash around in a waterfall without any of the hiking. The waterfall is literally on the side of the road on SC 11 in Cleveland, SC as you drive towards Table Rock from Greenville. There is an easy mile loop trail if you’d like to hike.
Heading north on Route 11, the trail and pull-off parking are on the right side of the road.
SC 11 Cleveland, SC Distance from Greenville: ~38 minutes
Wildcat Wayside
Issaqueena Falls
Located in Oconee County, Issaqueena Falls is located at the end of a short walk through what is known as Stumphouse Tunnel, which was originally constructed in 1852 to connect Charleston to Knoxville but was halted because of a lack of money.
As for the waterfalls, “legend has it that the falls is named for an Indian maiden, Issaqueena, who warning the white settlers of an Indian attack, was then chased by Indians and she appeared to jump over the falls. By actually hiding behind the falls (or some legend-tellers say she hid behind a stump, hence Stumphouse Tunnel), she tricked her pursuers and survived.”
Hwy 28 Walhalla, SC Distance from Greenville: an hour + 10 minutes
Wright Creek Falls
This is an extra special waterfall since you can only get there by boat. It’s on Lake Jocassee and you can access the lake through Devils Fork State Park. Here’s a map of the waterfalls at this stunning lake. There is a fee to enter the park.
161 Holcombe Circle Salem, SC Distance from Greenville: Devils Fork Park is an hour + 20 minutes plus another hour to 90 minutes of paddling (or take a boat through Jocassee Lake Rentals)
Spoonauger Falls
This family-friendly hike is located near Mountain Rest, SC, close to the Georgia border. The hike to the falls is an easy 0.3-mile hike, so it is perfect for families with small children. Once there, you can check out salamanders and small fish in the pools and discover the falls towering above!
Spoonauger Falls Near Mountain Rest, SC Ellicott Rock Wilderness Distance from Greenville: 1 hour 55 minutes from Downtown Greenville.
Rainbow Falls at Gorges State Park
This is a different Rainbow Falls than at Jones Gap. You’ll have to travel into NC to see this beauty! If you’re lucky, you’ll get to the see the rainbow that gives it its name. The hike is a moderate 4 mile roundtrip hike.
Gorges State Park 976 Grassy Ridge Road, Sapphire, NC Distance from Greenville: 90 minutes
Our huge guide to waterfalls of the southeast tells you all about waterfalls you can hike to in the Georgia mountains, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee. They make a beautiful day trip or addition to a family getaway.
Did we miss your favorite waterfall? If so, please use the comments to share your best spot!
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz. (AP) — For years, the Indian Garden name assigned to a popular Grand Canyon campground has been a painful reminder for a Native American tribe that was displaced by the national park.
Now, the name will finally be changed.
The Havasupai Tribe and Grand Canyon National Park announced Monday that Indian Garden will be renamed Havasupai Gardens.
The U.S. Board on Geographic Names gave unanimous approval this month to the request from the National Park Service on behalf of the tribe, known internationally for the towering blue-green waterfalls on its reservation.
The area, about 4½ miles (7.2 kilometers) down the popular Bright Angel Trail on the South Rim, originally was called Ha’a Gyoh by the tribe. But by 1928, the park service had forcibly removed the last Havasupai resident from the inner canyon where his family had farmed for generations to make way for trails and a ranger station.
The park service later built a handful of small cabins for tribal members on the South Rim. The Havasupai reservation lies deep in a gorge off the Grand Canyon and is accessible only by mule, foot or helicopter.
“The eviction of Havasupai residents from Ha’a Gyoh coupled with the offensive name, Indian Garden, has had detrimental and lasting impacts on the Havasupai families that lived there and their descendants,” Tribal Chair Thomas Siyuja Sr. said in a statement. “The renaming of this sacred place to Havasupai Gardens will finally right that wrong.”
Grand Canyon Superintendent Ed Keable said he is proud of the collaboration with the Havasupai Tribal Council.
“This renaming is long overdue,” Keable said in a statement. “It is a measure of respect for the undue hardship imposed by the park on the Havasupai people.”
