Wildlife Opening . . . An easy walk with good views, waterfalls and fishing
Fall Branch-Weaver Creek . . . Past a double waterfall, and ending in a pastoral valley
Long Creek Falls . . . A short and easy walk through the forest
Springer Mountain Double Loop . . . Ten mile hike to the summit of Springer Mountain
Three Forks Loop . . . Through the forest, along the creek
Benton Mackaye - Stanley Gap Loop . . . A lightly used, short route through logging areas. Features a double waterfall
Toonowee Mountain Loop . . . Over a 260 foot suspension bridge
Brawley Mountain Loop . . . Passes an old quarry and firetower
Free Knob Loop . . . Diverse trail that goes up a knob, along the river, and through a mature pine forest
Fall Branch Falls . . . Short, mere quarter mile trail to double set of falls, rhododendron-filled forest, and wildlife food plot

The Trails

This trail utilizes a part of the world famous Appalachian Trail (AT), a National Scenic Trail, and a portion of the combined Duncan Ridge National Recreation Trail and the Benton MacKaye Trail, a general forest trail. Other attractions are Long Creek Falls, the view at the top, fishing and camping opportunities and the magnificent hemlocks at Three Forks. This is an in-and-back trail walk.

Length: 4.4 Miles (7.0 K)
Rating: Easy
Use: Moderate
Recommended Season: Any time of year.
Hiking Time: About two and one-half hours round trip.
Use Restrictions: No motorized vehicles allowed on trail. Trail designed for day hikers, not recommended for horses.
Travel Time: About one hour from Blue Ridge to trailhead.
Road Conditions: Paved or dirt-gravel all weather roads suitable for sedans. Parking is off-road at trailhead.
USGS Map: Noontootla, GA quad.

Trailhead Location: The trail begins at Three Forks, a popular dispersed recreation area in southeast corner of District. The hike follows 2 X 6" white painted blazes of the Appalachian Trail north to side trail to waterfalls and beyond to junction with the Duncan Ridge Trail. Occasionally, white diamond blazes of Benton MacKaye Trail are present as it is contiguous with the other two trails through this part of the forest.

Trail Layout: Trail begins on north side of road on AT alongside Long Creek. There are three short ascents before reaching blue-blazed side trail to falls at 1.1 miles. The blue-blazed Duncan Ridge Trail and white diamond blazed Benton MacKaye Trail turn northwest above falls. The first one-half mile beyond falls and across Long Creek on USFS bridge is flat through large laurel-rhododendron thicket. The second half mile is an ascent to a large wildlife opening at the top. Return to parking area back along same trail.

Access: From Blue Ridge travel east on E. First St. (top of hill from door of Toccoa Ranger Station) to Aska Road (1.5 miles). South on Aska Road to end (13.5 miles). Turn right onto Newport Road, go 4.5 miles to end. Turn left onto Doublehead Gap Road, cross a new concrete bridge and come onto dirt-gravel road. Continue 0.3 miles to intersection with dirt-gravel USFS Road 58 from right. Turn onto USFS 58 and continue east into forest and uphill 6.5 miles to Three Forks. Noontootla Creek, a trout stream, is on right as you ascend.

This trail offers a very pleasant day hike, first past a double waterfall, then through typical Southern Appalachian hardwood forest with a variety of trees, shrubs and wildflowers, then over a ridge offering views of distant mountains, valleys and Lake Blue Ridge, with a final pleasant downhill hike to a pastoral valley. Note: This is an in and back trail.

Length: 6.0 miles one-way (9.7K)
Rating: Moderate
Use: Light
Recommended Season: Any time of year. Spring water flow at the falls and winter vistas are especially attractive.
Hiking Time: About three and one-half hours one way (includes lunch break).
Use Restrictions: No motorized vehicles allowed on trail. Mountain bicycles are permitted on portion of trail contiguous with Stanley Gap Trail. Trail designed for day hikers, not recommended for horses.
Travel Time: About thirty minutes from Blue Ridge to trailhead.
Road Conditions: Paved roads and all-weather dirt/gravel roads suitable for sedans. Parking is on graveled USFS parking lot on south side of Rock Creek Road or end of Weaver Creek (County Road 31) Road.
USGS Map: Blue Ridge, GA Quadrangle.

Trailhead Location: Trail begins at Fall Branch and follows white diamond blazes of Benton MacKaye Trail. Alternatively, trail can be hiked from west to east by parking at the Weaver Creek trailhead and following similar blazes.

Access: From Blue Ridge travel east on E. First St. (top of hill from door of Toccoa Ranger Station) to Aska Road (1.5 miles). South on Aska road to Stanley Creek Road (8.0 miles). Right on Stanley Creek Road 3.2 miles to trailhead. If Weaver Creek trailhead is desired, follow directions above to Aska Road, turn south 1.1 miles to County Road 31, turn right and follow 4.0 miles to USFS boundary and small parking area. Road beyond not recommended for 2WD vehicles.

Trail Layout: Trail begins on north side of road and climbs gradually toward summit of Rocky Mountain. At one-fourth mile a short unmarked side trail leads to USFS observation platform at base of Fall Branch Falls. Beyond the falls, the trail switches back through general forest, past an old timber cut and continues to intersection with Stanley Gap Trail at 1.0 mile. Turn northwest on trail and begin long ascent of Rocky Mountain. After gaining ridgeline there are views to east of Lake Blue Ridge. Descend to saddle, climb spur of Davenport Mountain before turning west to begin descent toward Scroggin Knob. From Scroggin Knob descend to Weaver Creek-Laurel Creek watershed divide.

This trail utilizes a part of the world famous Appalachian Trail (AT), 2,035 miles continuously marked footpath from Georgia to Maine. The trail begins in a grove of stately hemlocks and follows Long Creek 1.0 miles upstream to a short blue blazed side trail that leads to the falls. Up stream 0.1 miles from the falls the Appalachian Trail heads northeast toward Hawk Mountain, the Benton MacKaye and Duncan Ridge Trails turn north toward the Toccoa River.

Length: 2.2 miles round trip (3.5 K)
Rating: Easy
Use: Moderate
Recommended Season: Any time of year.
Hiking Time: About one and one-half hours round trip.
Use Restrictions: No motorized vehicles, horses or bicycles allowed on trail. Trail designed for day hikers.
Travel Time: About one hour from Blue Ridge to trailhead.
Road Conditions: Paved or dirt-gravel all weather roads suitable for sedans. Parking is off-road at trailhead.
USGS Map: Noontootla, GA quad.

Trailhead Location: The trail begins at Three Forks, a popular dispersed recreation area in the southeast corner of the District. The hike follows the 2 x 6" white painted blazes of the Appalachian Trail north to the side trail. Occasionally, the white diamonds of the Benton MacKaye Trail may also be seen as the two trails are contiguous through this part of the forest.

Trail Layout: The trail begins on the north side of the road and starts as a relatively gradual hike alongside Long Creek. There are three short ascents before reaching the blue blazed side trail to the falls at 1.1 miles. Return to parking area by walking back along the same trail.

Access: From Blue Ridge travel east on E. First St. (top of hill from door of Toccoa Ranger Station) to Aska Road (1.5 miles). South on Aska Road to end (13.5 miles). Turn right onto Newport Road, go 4.5 miles to end. Turn left onto Doublehead Gap Road, cross a new concrete bridge and come onto dirt-gravel road. Continue on this road about 0.3 miles to intersection with dirt-gravel USFS Road 58 intersecting sharply from right. Turn onto USFS 58 and continue east into forest and uphill 6.5 miles to Three Forks. Noontootla Creek, a beautiful trout stream, is on the right as you ascend.

This trail utilizes a portion of the world famous Appalachian Trail, 2,035 miles continuously marked footpath from Georgia to Maine, as it winds through typical Southern Appalachian forest settings. The forest walk to the summit and overlook at the top of Springer Mountain, the hike alongside Stover Creek, the Three Forks dispersed recreation area and the walk along the top of Rich Mountain are highlights of this double loop trail.

Length: 10.0 Miles (16.6K)
Rating; Moderate
Use: Moderate
Recommended Season: Any time of year.
Hiking Time: About four and one-half hours round trip.
Use Restrictions: No motorized vehicles. Trail designed for day hikers, not recommended for horses.
Travel Time: About one hour from Blue Ridge to trailhead.
Road Conditions: Paved or dirt-gravel all weather roads suitable for sedans.
USGS Map: Noontootla, GA quadrangle.

Trailhead Location: The trail begins at the large parking area off Forest Road 42 near Cross Trails on USFS 42, but may be reached from other points. This description starts at the parking area. The first 1.0 miles is south on the white 2x6" blazed Appalachian Trail (AT). The next 3.0 miles are northeast and west on the white diamond blazed Benton MacKaye Trail (BMT) back to cross trails. Then follow the BMT/AT together northerly to where the trails fork with the BMT going north over Rich Mtn. and the AT going west toward Stover Creek. The two trails will reunite just south of the Three Forks dispersed area. Take one trail north to Three Forks. From Three Forks take the other trail south back to the parking area.

Trail Layout: The trail (AT) leaves the parking area and immediately ascends Springer Mtn. Be certain to go and see the plaque and overview to the northwest from the top of Springer! Descend from Springer northeast on the BMT to Big Stamp Gap. Turn west on the BMT and go to Cross Trails. At Cross Trails follow the combined AT/BMT to where they will fork again on the south slope of Rich Mtn. Follow either blazed trail northerly to Three Forks. Take the other trail south back to Cross Trails. At Cross Trails be sure and take the AT over the small knob back to parking area!

Access: From Blue Ridge travel east to Aska Road (1.5 miles). Go south on Aska Road to end (13.5 miles). Turn right onto Newport Road, go 4.5 miles to end. Turn right onto Doublehead Gap Road, go 2.0 miles to USFS road 42 on left. Turn left onto USFS 42, drive 7.3 miles east to AT crossing near Cross Trails.

Length: 4.1 Miles (6.6K)
Rating: Moderate
Use: Light
Recommended Season: Any time of year.
Hiking Time: About two and one-half hours round trip.
Use Restrictions: No motorized vehicles. Trail designed for day hikers, not recommended for horses.
Travel Time: About one hour from Blue Ridge to trailhead.
Road Conditions: Paved or dirt-gravel all weather roads suitable for sedans. Parking is off-road at trailhead.
USGS Map(s): Noontootla, GA quad.

Trailhead Location: The trail begins near Cross Trails on USFS 42. The first 0.1 miles is on the white 2x6" blazed Appalachian Trail (AT). The next 0.6 miles are on the white diamond blazed Benton MacKaye Trail (BMT)/AT together followed by a 1.5 mile portion on the AT. 0.1 miles south of Three Forks the Benton MacKaye Trail reconnects with the AT and it (BMT) is used for return to junction with AT, then BMT/AT again, followed by AT to starting point.

Trail Layout: The trail (AT) leaves the north end of parking area and immediately ascends a small knob. Descending from knob AT connects with the BMT and the two trails ascend south slope of Rich Mountain. The BMT turns right and ascends mountain while AT (this described hike) continues downhill toward Stover Creek. The trail passes an AT shelter and follows creek downstream toward Three Forks. Just before Three Forks, turn right onto the BMT and begin a long gradual ascent to top of Rich Mountain. Descend, rejoin AT, turn left on combined trails, follow to old road crossing where BMT turns left. Continue straight ahead on AT over knob and return to vehicle parking area.

Access: From Blue Ridge travel east to Aska Road (1.5 miles), and then travel south on Aska Road to end (13.5 miles). Turn right onto Newport Road, go 4.5 miles to end. Turn right onto Doublehead Gap Road, go 2.0 miles to USFS Road 42 on left. Turn left onto USFS 42, drive 7.3 miles east to AT crossing near Cross Trails.

This trail offers a pleasant hike through a typical Southern Appalachian hardwood forest. Views of surrounding mountains and an opportunity to view a double waterfall add to the hiking experience. The trail passes through multiple use national forest and various aspects of timber and wildlife management may be viewed. The return road walk bypasses an old road on which a short walk leads to a fine trout stream, Stanley Creek.

Length: 2.5 Miles (3.9 K)
Rating: Easy
Use: Light
Recommended Season: Any time of year. Autumn leaf color change and winter vistas are attractive. Waterfall flow is usually greatest in Spring. Rhododendron and mountain laurel contribute to late spring attractiveness.
Hiking Time: About one and one-half hour.
Use Restrictions: No motorized vehicles allowed on trail. Mountain bicycles are permitted on the initial Stanley Gap Trail segment. Trail designed for day hikers, not recommended for horses.
Travel Time: About forty minutes from Blue Ridge to Stanley Gap.
Road Conditions: Paved and all-weather dirt/gravel roads suitable for sedans.
USGS Map: Blue Ridge, GA Quadrangle.

Trailhead Location: The trail begins and ends at Stanley Gap (Elev. 2317'). A small off-road parking area is at the trailhead. If desired, visitors may park in small area near Fall Branch (Elev. 1950') and hike trail from the other end. Details of this terminus are described in the Fall Branch Trail also available from the District once.

Trail Layout: The trail, on an old road bed at Stanley Gap, begins as a gradual climb toward summit of Rocky Mountain. Almost immediately, on the left, is a regenerating pine stand. After passing timber stand, trail enters woods and continues through forest until reaching intersection with Benton MacKaye Trail coming in from east. Turn onto BMT and follow downhill past regenerating hardwood stand; switchback and descend to waterfalls. Continue down road bed to parking area and wildlife foodplot opening on south side of Rock Creek Road. Turn right on road and begin return walk to vehicle. About three-fourths mile pass road on left leading 200 yards to Stanley Creek. Continue on road to gap and return to parking area.

Access: From Blue Ridge travel east on E. First St. (top of hill from door of Toccoa Ranger Station) to Aska Road (1.5 miles). South on Aska Road to intersection with Stanley Creek road (8.2 miles). Turn west, continue 4.2 miles to parking area at Stanley Gap. Stanley Creek Road becomes Rock Creek Road after crossing Fannin/Gilmer County line.

Length: 7.0 Miles (11.2 K)
Rating: Moderate-Difficult
Use: Light
Recommended Season: Any time of year. Especially attractive in autumn.
Hiking Time: About four and one-half hours round trip.
Use Restrictions: No motorized vehicles except on road segment. Road 816 is closed to traffic January - March. Trail designed for day hikers, not recommended for horses.
Travel Time: About one hour from Blue Ridge to trailhead.
Road Conditions: Paved all weather roads suitable for sedans. Parking is off-road at trailhead.
USGS Map(s): Noontootla, GA and Wilscot, GA quads.

Trailhead Location: The trail begins near Tooni Gap on GA Highway 60 south of Morganton, GA. The trail leads south over Toonowee Mountain and is blazed with 2 x 6" blue rectangles indicating the Duncan Ridge Trail, a National Recreation Trail, and the white diamond blazes of the Benton MacKaye Trail. Near the river the trail crosses a dirt-gravel USFS road (816) which is used to complete the loop and return hike to parking area.

Trail Layout: The trail immediately begins to ascend Toonowee Mountain. After reaching and crossing several small peaks during the first mile of ascent the trail then follows the ridge top for about one mile. The trail descends for one mile to road crossing. Follow the trail across road about 500 yards. to river and suspension bridge. Return to road and follow road on relatively level grade and return to parking area.

Access: From Blue Ridge travel south to junction with GA Highway 60 at Lakewood, GA. Follow GA Highway 60 south to Morganton, GA. Continue south on GA 60 to near Tooni Gap. Tooni Gap is 19.5 miles south of Blue Ridge, GA. Parking is off road or on USFS 816 which ends on GA Highway 60 at this point.

Attractions: This trail accesses the Brawley Mountain Firetower. This tower is no longer manned as its function has been replaced by fire detection airplanes during the spring and fall fire seasons. It also serves as a communications platform for various antennas needed in this region, such as TVA. The trail passes through a Southern Appalachian forest showing plant and animal habitat typical of this area. The road forming the loop passes an old quarry which once provided rock for much of the local road needs.

Length: 6.1 miles (9.82 K)
Rating: Moderate
Use: Light
Recommended Season: Any time of year. Especially attractive in autumn.
Hiking Time: About three and one-half hours round trip.
Use Restrictions: No motorized vehicles allowed. The gravel road is used for administrative purposes or by special use permit, otherwise the gate remains locked year around. Trail designed for day hikers, not recommended for horses.
Travel Time: About one hour from Blue Ridge to trailhead.
Road Conditions: Paved all weather roads suitable for sedans.
USGS Map(s): Wilscot, GA Quad.

Trailhead Location: The trail begins on the south side of Wilscot Gap on Georgia Highway 60, 14 miles south of Blue Ridge, GA. The trail is marked with the off white diamond blazes of the Benton MacKaye Trail. The return segment of the loop on USFS 45 dust to left of trail at parking area) is not blazed. On the return hike from the firetower this road is followed downhill and north to the parking area.

Trail Layout: The trail immediately begins to ascend Tipton Mountain. After reaching the ridge the trail follows ridge before descending to an unnamed gap. The trail leaves this gap, skirts Bald Top and descends into Ledford Gap. The road encountered here is the same one that will be used for the return walk to the parking area. The trail ascends from Ledford Gap and climbs the east side of Brawley Mountain to the firetower. At the firetower USFS 45 goes north and downhill for the three mile return walk to the parking area.

Access: From Blue Ridge, GA travel south to junction with GA Highway 60 at Lakewood, GA. Follow GA Highway 60 south to Morganton, GA. Continue south on GA 60 to Wilscot Gap. Wilscot Gap is 14 miles south of Blue Ridge, GA. Parking is off road at gap. Please do not block the gate on USFS Road 45 on south side.

Length: 2.5 Miles (4.0K)
Rating: Easy-Moderate
Use: Light
Recommended Season: Any time of year, but winter is best. From the ridgeline atop the knob views of the head of the lake (to the north) and the Toccoa River (to the south) may be obtained almost simultaneously.
Hiking Time: About one hour round trip.
Use Restrictions: No motorized vehicles allowed on trail. Trail designed for day hikers, not recommended for horses.
Travel Time: About thirty minutes from Blue Ridge to trailhead.
Road Conditions: Paved or dirt-gravel all weather roads suitable for sedans. Parking is off-road at trailhead.
USGS Map(s): Wilscot, GA and Blue Ridge, GA

Trailhead Location: The trail begins at an intersection on the Dial Road near Tilley Bend Church where the road forks with one part turning south toward Dial, GA and the other part turning north toward Morganton, GA.

Trail Layout: The trail ascends Free Knob with the lower eastern portion passing through a pine grove. The trail climbs steeply just before reaching the ridgeline. The walk across the top is gentle. After crossing a logging road the trail reenters general forest and descends to road alongside river. Turn left and walk along river (upstream) to return to vehicle parking.

Access: From Blue Ridge travel east on E. First St. (top of hill from door of Toccoa Ranger Station) to Aska Road (1.5 miles). South on Aska Road to Shallowford Bridge. Turn left across river and immediate right on dirt-gravel road leading to Dial, GA. At 0.4 miles come to point where trail enters road from forest. Continue east on road to parking area at 1.2 miles.

Trailhead Location: The trail begins on the north side of the road and starts its ascent to the top of the falls. An unmarked trail on your right leads to the base of the falls (50 yards) where an observation deck offers a spectacular view of the waterfalls. Water volume will vary from season to season.

Access: From Forest Service office, travel east 1.5 miles on East First Street (US 76) to Aska Road (Harmony Church is on your left). Turn right, go south 8 miles. Turn right on a dirt/gravel road (Toccoa River Outpost on your left). Trail is 3.2 miles on your right from turnoff, just past Forest Warden Garfield Stanley's home.

Alternate Route: From FS office, travel south on East First Street 1.1 mile to Hwy. 515. Continue south 6.1 miles on 515. Cross Rock Creek, turn right on Co. Rd. 150. Take a quick right on Co. Rd. 152 and then another right going underneath the overpass. You should be heading east, following Rock Creek upstream. Pavement ends 1.8 miles on Rock Creek Road. Continue on dirt/gravel road and the trail is on your left 4.1 miles after end of the pavement, directly across from a Georgia Game and Fish Wildlife foodplot.

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