The best waterfall hikes and walks in Murray County

The Gahuti and Cool Springs Overlook Loop is a true gem within Fort Mountain State Park, offering a diverse and engaging hiking experience. You'll traverse varied forest environments, from oak-pine to dense rhododendron thickets, and be treated to sweeping valley views, particularly from the Cool Springs Overlook. The route also features a beautiful multi-tiered waterfall at Goldmine Branch Creek, making for a scenic and rewarding journey.

This moderate 4.5-mile (7.3 km) hike involves 1222 feet (372 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 27 minutes. The trail is known for its "rollercoaster" terrain with frequent ups and downs, so be prepared for a consistent workout. It's a hiking-only trail, ensuring a peaceful experience, and is best enjoyed in spring for wildflowers or fall for stunning foliage.

Widely regarded as the "Crown Jewel" of Fort Mountain State Park's trail system, the Gahuti and Cool Springs Overlook Loop stands out for its varied scenery and challenging yet accessible nature. The park itself has historical significance, including an ancient stone wall, adding another layer of interest to your visit. Remember that Fort Mountain has a high black bear density, so carrying bear spray is recommended.

The Jacks River Trail offers a unique journey through North Georgia's Cohutta Wilderness, where the river itself becomes part of the path. You'll trek through lush old-growth hemlock and hardwood forests, with the Jacks River always in view, featuring scattered boulders and small waterfalls. The trail's defining feature is its numerous river crossings, leading to the stunning, multi-tiered Jacks River Falls, making it an adventure best enjoyed by those ready to get their feet wet.

This moderate hiking route covers 7.5 miles (12.1 km) with 631 feet (192 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 12 minutes. Be aware that cell service is unreliable in this remote area, and signage can be scarce, so bring good navigation tools. The river crossings can be challenging, especially after rain, so warm weather is ideal for this watery trek.

What truly sets the Jacks River Trail apart is its immersive wilderness feel and the sheer number of river fords, making it one of Georgia's premiere river hikes. Portions of the trail even follow the old roadbed of a 1930s logging railroad, with visible cross-ties still present, adding a historical layer to the natural beauty. It's a fantastic option for solitude and a unique connection with nature.

If you're ready for a serious challenge, the Mulberry Gap: Bear Creek, P1 and P2 Loop delivers a difficult 17.5-mile (28.1 km) hike with 2671 feet (814 metres) of elevation gain, typically requiring about 8 hours and 17 minutes. This route takes you through a diverse landscape, from gravel roads to technical singletrack, past rushing creeks and the impressive Barnes Creek Falls. You'll experience sustained, thigh-burning climbs and rewarding downhill sections, all set within the beautiful Chattahoochee National Forest. The journey to the enormous Gennett Poplar is a particular highlight, offering a moment of awe amidst the effort.

This challenging loop is easily accessed from Mulberry Gap, making it a convenient option for those staying in the area. Given its length and difficulty, plan for an early start to ensure ample daylight, and always carry sufficient water and supplies. While specific permit or parking warnings aren't noted, preparing for a full day in the backcountry is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience on these popular routes.

Part of the larger Pinhoti Trail system, this loop combines sections like Pinhoti 1 (P1) and Pinhoti 2 (P2), known for their well-constructed paths and perfect grades. The trail offers breathtaking viewpoints of Fort Mountain and Chatsworth, Georgia, making the significant elevation changes well worth the effort. It's an excellent choice for experienced hikers looking for a substantial and varied adventure in northern Georgia.

If you're looking for a truly immersive and watery hike in the Cohutta Wilderness, the Emery Creek Trail offers a memorable journey. This moderate 5.5-mile (8.9 km) route, with 677 feet (206 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 2 hours and 33 minutes, winds through lush, forested creek banks, revealing abundant water features, including whitewater and a series of beautiful waterfalls like Emery Creek Falls. You'll traverse varied terrain, from rooty paths to old logging roads, all while enjoying the constant presence of the creek and its invigorating swimming holes.

Be ready for a wet adventure, as the trail is defined by its numerous creek crossings—up to 20 or 24 roundtrip. These crossings can be ankle-deep to knee-high, and occasionally even waist-deep, with slippery rocks, making it a challenging experience not suited for novice hikers. The best time to visit is during warmer months when you can fully appreciate the "splashy" nature of the trail and cool off in the clear water. Winter conditions can make the crossings more difficult due to ice.

What makes the Emery Creek Trail stand out are its remote and secluded waterfalls, considered some of Georgia's most challenging to reach, which helps keep them serene and less crowded. Along the way, you might even spot antique truck skeletons at an old homestead site, adding a touch of history to your hike. For those seeking an even greater challenge, there's an option to extend the hike to Little Bald Mountain, offering significant elevation gain and expansive winter views.

The Beech Bottom Trail offers a journey through the dense, green, and lush forest of the Cohutta Wilderness, leading you to the magnificent Jacks River Falls. The path largely follows an old roadbed, starting flat before a steady descent and gentle rolls, though the last mile near the falls becomes rocky and almost riverbed-like. The highlight is undoubtedly Jacks River Falls itself, an enormous, thundering double-drop cascade into deep pools, surrounded by rocky cliffs, making the effort well worth it.

This moderate 9.0-mile (14.5 km) hike, with 929 feet (283 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 4 hours and 3 minutes. It's considered the easiest and shortest route to the falls, making it a popular choice, especially for those looking to avoid more technical river crossings found on other trails. Be aware that you will still need to ford Beech Bottoms Creek, which can be problematic after heavy rains, so check water levels before heading out.

Located in the remote Cohutta Wilderness, this trail provides a true wilderness experience. While the main trail offers limited scenic views, winter can open up vistas from higher points like Van Arthur Lead, and late spring brings blooming mountain laurel and wild roses. The trail is also notable for six large stone stacks of unknown origin, possibly ancient graves, adding a touch of mystery to your adventure.