Do you ever struggle to keep up with all the information from your child’s school? GCS Backpack can help you navigate the school year! Grades, attendance, teacher information, and school calendar. It can all feel overwhelming. Greenville County Schools has an excellent solution with their Backpack app.
Here’s everything you need to know about the app to make this school year a little easier.
Backpack is a resource provided by Greenville County Schools to keep students and parents updated. It can be accessed through a browser but is also available as an app.
Things Parents Can Do on Backpack
Easily edit emergency contact information
Check their child’s meals balance and add funds
Find their child’s school and teacher contact information
Enroll additional children
View available programs for their child
See their child’s grades and test scores
Check their child’s attendance and daily schedule
Stay informed about their child’s behavior
Find a link to the school calendar
Student Dashboard
GCS students are assigned an email address and password when they are enrolled and have access to their own GCS Backpack dashboard. There they can view their class schedule, check their grades and test scores, and view their lunch balance.
Students can also use their Backpack GCS dashboard to access the educational apps they use for school.
Parent Dashboard
The parent dashboard has a wealth of information. Parents can view basically the same information as on the student dashboard but with additional features.
You can easily edit your child’s emergency contact information, pay on their meal cards, check their behavior and attendance, and enroll additional students. You’ll also find your child’s teacher’s contact information, their school’s contact information, and a link to the GCS calendar.
Have more than one child in GCS? You still only need one Backpack account. You’ll be able to access each child’s information easily from the main dashboard.
Creating an Account on the GCSBackpack app?
Parents can set up their own account by going to the GCSbackpack website and selecting the “I’m a Parent” option. You’ll need your child’s student ID number to add them to your account. At the end of the process, you’ll be prompted to contact your child’s school to complete your account.
GCS has a page on its website with information and a video with instructions on setting up your account.
Are you looking for more parenting tips, resources, and content? Check out our Parenting Hub.
Are you new to South Carolina and want to start getting outside and exploring our SC State Parks? Are you a local who wants to branch out and try a new park state park near Greenville, SC for camping or hiking? We’ve put this guide together to help with your adventures! From the Upstate to the Coast, we have the details for all 48 South Carolina State Parks.
Have you visited Holmes Education State Forest near Hendersonville, NC? KAG’s Elizabeth Lambert visited the park with her family and has all the information about the trails to hike, and things to do and see at Holmes Educational State Forest.
Are you looking for a crowds-free place to take your family on a sunny spring day? I was able to spend a beautiful day at this forest near Hendersonville, NC with my kids, picnicking, hiking, and exploring. What we saw, we loved. From an out-of-commission NC Forest Service helicopter and a Labyrinth to gorgeous views and exciting wildlife, there truly is something for everyone at Holmes Educational State Forest.
Trying to book a vacation rental in WNC but overwhelmed by all the options? We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite WNC vacation rentals. Not only are they in convenient locations, but also the hosts have been sure to include family-friendly amenities!
Which Vacation Rentals in WNC Are You Wanting to Explore?
Looking for a place to stay that is near restaurants and shops? This is one of the few vacation rentals right in the town of Cashiers. While you have the convenience of the town, waterfalls, skiing, hiking, and boating are still just a short drive away.
Enjoy gorgeous views of Whiteside Mountain from an extensive stone eating area outside at this cozy cabin near Cashiers. This rental is perfect for families with young children who need space to burn off energy. The large yard is level and shaded and even has a fun swing.
Whitewater Whispers is a 3-bedroom 2-bath house with a jaw-dropping mountain view and the gentle soundtrack of a rippling river you can hear from the back deck. Need more adventure? The nearby Sapphire Valley Resort is open year-round and offers plenty of family fun!
Whitewater Whispers
3 bedrooms, 2 full baths
Sleeps up to 8
1570 square feet
Gas log fireplace
Located in the quiet wooded setting of the Whisper Lake community
Allows pets
Several easy-to-access waterfalls & hiking trails nearby
Nearby Sapphire Valley Resort offers indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hot tub, miniature golf, game room, fitness room, skiing, snow tubing, zip-lining, a golf course, and gem mining.
Stunning mountain view
Rippling waters of the Horsepasture River offer a calming soundtrack
If you’re looking for privacy, this is the rental for you. This cabin is surrounded by forest and has an actual waterfall just 25 feet from the porch! Spend your days relaxing by the private stream, swinging on the porch swing, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
What could be more exciting for kids than staying in a real treehouse? Climb into the trees for a stay at this unique rental near the entrance to Pisgah National Forest. If you manage to leave the stunning mountain and valley views for the day, you have convenient access to all the outdoor fun you could want.
Treehouse Photo Credit: VRBO
2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Sleeps 4
Minutes from the entrance to Pisgah National Forest
This new cabin was designed with a rustic feel to give guests a cozy stay. Spend your days biking and hiking at DuPont before coming back to relax in this private and quiet bungalow.
Located across the road from Shoal Creek Falls, this new cabin is designed to make your vacation comfortable. The huge wrap-around porch is ideal for outdoor eating as you listen to the sounds of the falls. This cabin is only 10 miles from downtown Brevard and Hendersonville.
Experience luxury in the mountains at this incredible vacation home in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This rental near Flat Rock is sure to make you feel like you never want to leave. The huge wrap-around deck has comfortable rockers where you can sit and enjoy the mountain views.
For things to do in Asheville, NC don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to Asheville, NC. We have information about the Biltmore Estate, dining options, and fun adventures to have!
This charming vacation rental in Asheville is beautiful. The cabin in only a few years old, is close to Downtown Asheville and entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and has plenty of space for a family or group of friends.
If you are looking for fantastic mountain views for your vacation, this cabin in Asheville, NC is the place! You can get lazy in the hot tub while taking in the view, and children of all ages are allowed.
View from Top Deck of Top of the World Views; Photo Credit: VRBO
If you are looking for the total cottage vibes, complete with a garden of lush flowers during the spring and summer, then this creekside cottage near Asheville is a great choice for a family trip. Plus, it’s only 5 minutes to town!
Are you an adult in Greenville? This guide is for you! We know we’re all about kidding around Greenville, helping families get out and enjoy Greenville together. But really, we’re all adulting around Greenville, too. And adulting is not easy.
The Grown-Ups’ Guide to Greenville is full of date night ideas, places for a parent to snatch a few minutes of relaxation, the best coffee shops, and even some resources to help make all that adulting just a little bit easier. You’ll find mental health resources, plus links to our healthcare guides and childcare help.
Date Night Things to Do in Greenville For Adults
Whether you’re planning a date night, date day, you’re on a budget or you’re looking for something extra extravagant, we have some suggestions. We have several lists you can explore to fit your needs. We have romantic date ideas, cheap date night ideas, and even some unique adventures you may want to check out. Plan the perfect date in Greenville, SC!
Have Some Fun! Things to do in Greenville, SC for Adults
Greenville, SC is full of exciting things to do. With unique venues that offer experiences and entertainment, you’ll find something fun to do by yourself, with your friends, or with your significant other every day of the week.
Hang out with some baseball players at a Greenville Drive game, the home team for Greenville, South Carolina! If you’re a super fan, you may enjoy a visit to the Shoeless Joe Jackson museum next door.
Enjoy a relaxing day at Furman University while hanging out on a blanket by the lake or wandering through the rose garden.
Head across the universe at a planetarium show on Friday nights at the Roper Mountain Science Center. They also have some pretty awesome rock laser shows in the summer!
Rent some bikes and take a ride on the Swamp Rabbit Trail through Cleveland Park and the Reedy River.
Day Trips and Getaways for Grown-Ups near Greenville, SC
Plan a day trip or a weekend away with these ideas for the grown-ups in Greenville, SC. These guides will help you narrow down where you want to go, places to stay once you get there, and what to do while in town!
Parenting is hard. No doubt about that. There are tons of things to do in Greenville for adults that are better suited without your kids in tow. Here are a few resources to help make things a little easier. From childcare needs to parenting help, we have you covered.
Save money! Find low-cost services at GTC student-run clinics, including haircut and salon services, pet grooming, dental care, and more!
Kids Date! TReehouse Cafe in Travelers Rest, South Carolina
For The Moms: Things to Do in Greenville for Adults
Sometimes, Mom just needs some alone time, quiet time, self-care, or all three at once. Check out our guides to some of Greenville’s businesses and services that will help you get some much needed rest, socialization, or relaxation.
The YMCA of Greenville is a great place to exercise, socialize, and even hit the sauna!
Finding health care is a breeze when it is all in one place! We have gathered the best health care, dental care, maternity care, and healthcare services throughout the Upstate in our helpful guides.
If you’re new to the Upstate, these guides can get you started! Greenville is much more than the Fall Park on the Reedy and the Liberty Bridge. There is lots to see and do, and we can help you navigate this huge life change with ease.
Everyone likes to save money! We have gathered some of the best ways to shop and save in the Greenville area, so that you can keep a little money in your pocket while still enjoying life.
Have you visited Calhoun Falls State Park? My family and I recently started the Ultimate Outsider Challenge through South Carolina State Parks. We’ve quickly made our way through most of the parks in the Upstate and wanted to start branching out to some of the ones further away. When I saw a friend’s pictures of her family’s camping trip to Calhoun Falls State Park, I knew I had to go see it for myself.
Situated on the shores of the beautiful Lake Russell, these Calhoun Falls campground sites are some of the most desired in the SC state park system. There are 86 standard (RV or tent sites with water and electricity) and 14 walk-in tent sites. We stayed at one of the walk-in sites which are scattered along one of the points jutting out into the lake.
The tent sites do not have electric hook-ups but they do have shared water pumps. I chose T8 because it has one of the larger tent pads. We just bought a new tent and I was nervous about it being too big for the other sites. After being there though, I think it would have been fine at any of them.
Our site was the closest to the parking area and had a trail down to the water. The shore was grassy where we were but some of the other sites had little rocky beach areas that would be great spots for kids to splash.
The tent-only campground has an outdoor shower area and single bathrooms. The standard campground nearby has two full-bathroom buildings with showers and two playgrounds. There is also a basketball court and tennis courts. RV campers will have to contact the park directly to ensure golf carts are allowed.
Calhoun Fall State Park camping is highly recommended for families with children, but with close water access, be mindful of younger children who can not swim.
Cedar Bluff Nature Trail
During our stay, we checked out the Cedar Bluff Nature Trail. It is the only hiking trail at the park and is a 1.75-mile easy-to-moderate loop hike through the forest. The signage is not great so be careful as you go. We took a wrong turn at one point and ended up at one of the campground playgrounds instead of finishing the loop as we had planned. But it’s a pretty trail with multiple wooden bridges and steps and we didn’t mind getting lost in nature for a while.
More Things to Do at Calhoun Falls State Park
We stuck to camping and hiking during our visit, but Calhoun Falls offers many other activities, especially on the lake. It’s the perfect spot for boating, paddling, and fishing. There is also a marina with rental boat slips available.
If you forget anything at home, the gift shop has you covered. It is definitely the nicest state park store I’ve been to! We stopped in on our first morning to register and to get some cold treats for the kids and I was impressed at how much it had to offer from bundles of wood and s’mores ingredients to souvenirs and clothing items.
Visit Calhoun Falls State Park
Location
46 Maintenance Shop Road Calhoun Falls, SC 864.447.8267
Hours and Admission
The park is open from 6am – 6pm (extended to 9 p.m. during Daylight Saving Time) and the Park Office is open from 9am – 5pm, daily.
Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for children age 6-15. Children 5 and under are free. Admission is free for Park Passport holders.
Looking for waterfalls in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee? Enjoy a waterfall hike with beautiful views as a reward, then relax by the sound of rushing water with a snack. Some waterfalls even have pools suitable for wading where you can cool off after a hot summer hike. We’ve put together a list of our favorite waterfall hikes in the southeast! Most of these hikes are great for families to do together, there are even a few that don’t require anything more than a short walk to view the falls.
We split up our list of great waterfall hikes by state. Use the links below to navigate our list!
Remember, exploring waterfalls can be dangerous with slippery rocks and drop-offs. Obey all signage and always use caution.
Find the Best Waterfalls For You
No hiking waterfalls
If you love waterfalls but need to avoid hikes, try our Waterfall Driving Tour! Many of the waterfalls can be viewed from the road, or require just a short walk down paved paths, perfect for families with small children and those with mobility concerns.
Waterfalls for families with babies and toddlers
Not all waterfall hikes require miles of strenuous hiking. Our guide to the Best Hikes for Toddlers and Young Children includes many beautiful waterfalls like Wildcat Wayside, Pearson’s Falls, and Yellow Branch Falls.
Here’s our list of waterfalls and waterfall hikes in South Carolina. These are gorgeous spots that our families have loved to visit again and again. Pack a picnic, and throw in a beach towel. You’re not going to want to miss any of these!
Greenville, SC Waterfalls: Discover Magical Waterfalls near Greenville SC in our guide. 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!
Waterfalls at Laurel Fork Heritage Preserve
Sunset, SC
The beautiful Laurel Fork Heritage preserve is worth the drive, even if you never intend on getting out of the car, although I encourage you to. There are several hiking trails and roadside waterfalls. Depending on recent rainfall, one might be sufficient to splash around in. The over 1,300-acre preserve is an easy place to get away from everything.
Beech Bottom Falls
F Van Clayton Memorial Hwy Sunset, SC
Not far from Laurel Fork H.P. and on the way to Sassafras Mountain, you’ll see the Beech Bottom Falls trailhead parking lot for the falls. This is an easy two-mile round-trip hike to an observation deck that overlooks the falls.
Twin Falls
Water Falls Rd Sunset, SC
This is an easy hike that is only a ¼ of a mile. There are places to splash in the water, but please use caution. While these falls are beautiful, they are also dangerous. Never, ever sit or stand on top of a waterfall.
Twin Falls in Pickens, SC
Spoonauger Falls
Burrells Ford Rd Mountain Rest, SC
Spoonauger Falls is a 50-foot waterfall reached by just a short trail from Burrells Ford Road located in the Ellicott Rock Wilderness. At just 0.3 miles to reach the base of the waterfall, it’s a perfect excursion for a family with small children.
Spoonauger Falls/ Photo Credit: Liene Kukainis
King Creek Falls
Long Creek South Carolina
King Creek Falls can be accessed from the Burrells Ford campground, from the parking area on Burrells Ford Road, and also while through-hiking the Foothills Trail. If you’re staying in the campground, the hike can be as short as a one-mile round-trip. If you’re coming in from the parking area, the hike is closer to 1.5-2 miles, depending on which trail you take. But since the trail climbs steadily up towards the waterfall, even that ½ mile can be hard for shorter legs when it’s a hot summer day – which is why the pool at the base of King Creek Falls is a perfect reward.
King Creek Falls / Photo Credit: Liene Kukainis
Rainbow Falls – Jones Gap State Park
303 Jones Gap Road Marietta, SC
The trail to Rainbow Falls is around 2.5 miles one-way, mostly up in a staircase manner. Plan to spend plenty of time wading at the base of the falls with a picnic in tow. Hiking alone may take 4-5 hours depending on the ages and abilities of your kids, plus picnicking time.
While this is a strenuous hike, there are no major dangers on the trail itself (other than the falls, of course) it is simply sweat-inducing, and the falls are worth it!
Rainbow Falls at Jones Gap
Jones Gap Falls – Jones Gap State Park
303 Jones Gap Road Marietta, SC
Jones Gap Falls is a round-trip 2.6-mile hike along a river that ends at a fan waterfall splashing over a 50-foot drop, spilling over a staircase of granite ledges. Pack a picnic and plan to spend a few hours on this lovely trail with your kiddos. The trail is so beautiful that if your kids couldn’t stick it out to the falls, nothing would be lost alongside that gorgeous river.
Jones Gap Falls
Issaqueena Falls
Walhalla, SC
Issaqueena Falls is a short hike from Stumphouse Tunnel through a covered bridge to an observation deck for viewing a lower area of the falls.
There is a path that continued past the observation deck, but parents should be aware that it isn’t a maintained trail and poses safety concerns. There have been several deaths and many accidents at this waterfall so be careful and aware of your surroundings even on the marked trails.
Horseshoe Falls – Musgrove Mill State Historic Site
Horseshoe Falls Rd Enoree, SC
Horseshoe Falls is located at the start of the Battlefield Trail at Musgrove Mill State Historic Site. It is a very short walk from the parking lot and is accessible by wheelchair.
Hikers of the battlefield trail will continue on past the falls, where the trail is no longer paved. The battlefield trail is a 1.3-mile loop, with frequent signage that describes the backcountry’s role in the Revolutionary War.
Horseshoe Falls at Musgrove Mill State Historic Site
Blue Wall Preserve
Landrum, SC
Blue Wall Preserve is a 575-acre preserve owned by The Nature Conservancy and has stunning views of the Blue Ridge mountains. The trails are well-defined, and at the back end of the 3.4-mile loop, you will be rewarded with a waterfall.
The waterfall at Blue Wall Preserve
Raven Cliff Falls – Caesars Head State Park
8155 Geer Hwy Cleveland, SC
Getting to Raven Cliff Falls at Caesars Head State Park is a long and arduous trek along a few different trails, but if you have the kids with you and prefer something more manageable, you still have the option to see the falls from afar. Start at the Raven Cliff Falls parking lot and take the Raven Cliff Falls trail about 2 miles out to an overlook where you can view the falls. You cannot hike to the bottom of Raven Cliff Falls.
Raven Cliff Falls at Caesars Head
Carrick Creek Falls – Table Rock State Park
158 Ellison Lane Pickens, SC
The Carrick Creek Trail at Table Rock State Park begins at the Nature Center. It starts out paved and immediately opens up to the beautiful Carrick Creek Falls where your kiddos can wade around in a cool, shallow lagoon fed by a cascading waterfall.
Beyond that, the pavement ends and the trail becomes a bit more moderate as it follows the creek for a while and then loops around back to the falls for a grand total of two miles. You and your kids will enjoy traveling alongside the creek as the rushing water drops over boulders and slides along ledges, creating an amazing backdrop for a hike.
The waterfall at Carrick Creek
Riley Moore Falls
Riley Moore Falls Trail Westminster, SC
Riley Moore Falls is a waterfall at the end of a short trail with a small beach. It’s a beautiful place but be aware some people are careless with their trash at this location, unfortunately. The trail is about two miles and starts at the end of the forestry road.
Riley Moore Falls
Wildcat Wayside
US 276/SC 11 Cleveland, SC
This waterfall, swimming hole, and trail are located right off SC 11 in Cleveland. There are stone steps leading up to the trails – the Wildcat Wayside loop is an easy mile.
Heading north on Route 11, the trail and pull-off parking area are located on the right side of the road. There is a brown wooden sign that says Wildcat Wayside, but it is easy to miss. It’s about 5 miles north of the 276/11 intersection.
Wildcat Wayside
Yellow Branch Falls
Walhalla, SC
A moderate three-mile round trip hike near Walhalla with a beautiful waterfall payoff. Parking is trailside on the road. This one is fairly popular so try to get there early in the day to get a parking spot.
Yellow Branch Falls
Station Cove Falls
State Rd S-37-95 Walhalla, SC
Station Cove is an easy trail less than two miles round trip that has a huge, beautiful waterfall. It’s located at Oconee Station State Historic Site and is an easy trail perfect for little kids.
Station Cove Falls
North Carolina Waterfall Hikes: Waterfalls in NC
Waterfalls in North Carolina are stunning. Wonderful family day trips have been made by these waterfalls, and we know you’ll love them, too!
Kidding Around’s Kristina visited Sapphire Valley with her family and discovered why it is nicknamed, “Land of the Waterfalls.” She has all the details on the numerous waterfall hikes in this beautiful area in her article Sapphire Valley.
Sliding Rock
Waterfalls of DuPont State Recreational Forest
Staton Rd Cedar Mountain, NC
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 tells us all about the best waterfalls hikes in Dupont State Forest.
Waterfalls at Triple Falls, Dupont State Forest
Catawba Falls [Reopens May 31, 2024]
3074 Catawba River Rd Old Fort, NC
This trail east of Asheville is a fantastic trail for families because it’s not long and ends at a stunning waterfall. Total mileage is around 2.5 miles and it’s a fairly easy trail.
Pearson’s Falls
2748 Pearson’s Falls Rd Saluda, NC
Located in Saluda, NC this trail to Pearson’s Falls is a moderate, .75 mile hike through a botanical preserve. Most of the trail is made up of a stone stairway going up to the falls. The falls and the pond at the base of the falls are not accessible to the public, but there are multiple wading pools among the rocks at the top of the trail that are perfect for cooling off little feet on hot days.
Waterfall at Pearsons Falls
Little Bradley Falls
Holbert Cove Road Saluda, NC
To reach Little Bradley Falls, hikers can park at a gravel pull-off on Holbert Cove Road, which is about three miles from exit 59 on I-26. There are no signs, but the hike to Little Bradley starts on the opposite side of the road from the main parking area, across the bridge on the east side of Cove Creek.
The trail is a 2.4 mile out and back moderate hike across boulders and through streams. It ends at the 35-foot, triple-tiered waterfall that feeds into a large pool at the bottom, perfect for wading and cooling off on a hot summer day.
Little Bradley Falls
Moore Cove Falls
Brevard, NC
The trailhead to the Moore Cove Falls Trail is between Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock in the Pisgah Forest on 276. If you’re coming from Brevard, the trailhead will be on your right.
To get to the falls, just cross the bridge and head up the stairs to the right. The trail is well-marked and has a few creek crossings and bridges. It is about 1.2 miles round trip and is great for families with smaller kids since you don’t need to work hard to see a beautiful sight!
Moore Cove Falls
Hickory Nut Falls
431 Main Street Chimney Rock, NC
The trail to Hickory Nut Falls at Chimney Rock State Park is a 1.4-mile round trip moderate hike. The waterfall at the end is an epic 404-foot-high beauty that was featured in the film, “The Last of the Mohicans.”
Hickory Nut Falls at Chimney Rock
Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls at Gorges State Park
976 Grassy Ridge Road Sapphire, NC
Rainbow Falls at Gorges State Park is one of my favorite waterfalls and trails in our area. The waterfall is enormous, and you can get a really good view from the overlook on the trail or you can take a smaller trail down to the bottom of the falls (just be careful).
But if you keep going another quarter-mile from those falls, you’ll come to more waterfalls. Turtleback Falls isn’t as stunning but it’s really fun. It’s a great place to cool off and go for a swim before heading back to the trailhead.
The trail is about four miles round trip and of moderate difficulty. The hike back is harder and more uphill than the hike to the waterfalls.
Rainbow Falls
Whitewater Falls
NC 281 Cashiers, NC
Cascading more than 800 feet tall, Whitewater Falls is the tallest waterfall in the Eastern United States – and it’s easily accessible just over the border into North Carolina and close to Gorges State Park.
The trail is a paved quarter-mile walk that gets you to the overlook of the falls. You can go down a stairway to get a closer view.
Whitewater Falls
Looking Glass Falls
US-276 Brevard, NC
Right off 276 in Pisgah Forest in North Carolina, you can see this stunning waterfall from the road. It is beautiful and loud and amazing. If it’s really cold, Looking Glass Falls has iced over in the past, making it a winter wonderland.
It’s very close to Brevard, about 15 minutes away in the forest. Park on the shoulder of the road and you can walk down to the bottom on the path and stairs.
Looking Glass Falls
Mingo Falls
Eastern Cherokee Reservation Cherokee, NC
Located in Cherokee, NC, the hike to Mingo Falls involves climbing a lot of stairs. I think it’s worth it because the waterfall is beautiful. It’s a great stop if you’re near the Great Smoky Mountains.
High Falls
358-1486 State Rd 1158 Glenville, NC
Also in North Carolina near Cashiers is High Falls. The waterfall is located below the dam of Lake Glenville and the dam releases water a few times a year which kayakers really love. The trail is of moderate difficulty and under four miles round trip.
Tennessee Waterfall Hikes
Mouse Creek Falls
Hartford, TN
Mouse Creek Falls can be accessed via Big Creek Trail, a 4-mile moderate hike along a river. While you’re in the area, check out the gorgeous Midnight Hole Lagoon!
Cataract Falls
Sevier County, TN
In the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, there is a one-mile round trip easy nature trail you can take along a creek that goes to the small but pretty Cataract Falls. It’s perfect for families with small kids.
Georgia Waterfall Hikes: Waterfalls in GA
The mountains of Northern Georgia are full of beautiful waterfalls. Below are some of our family favorites. These are waterfalls in Georiga that you just shouldn’t miss.
Anna Ruby Falls
Helen, GA
Get all the information about a trip to Anna Ruby Falls in our review!
Anna Ruby Falls is actually a spectacular double waterfall, as two waterfalls combine to form Smith Creek. The down-and-back trail to the falls is paved, with a moderate incline at times, as it follows the boulder-lined creek to the falls. It’s a very pretty trail, and though short, it’s worth a trip in and of itself. There are multiple overlooks to enjoy the falls for a while before returning back down the trail.
The trail begins at the Anna Ruby Falls visitor center where you will find restrooms and a gift shop, plus scenic picnic areas along the creek.
Don’t miss the Alpine town of Helen, GA while you are in the area. If you’re looking for more hiking, don’t miss nearby Unicoi State Park. The hike around the lake is pretty and family-friendly.
Anna Ruby Falls
Trahlyta Falls
Blairsville, GA
At Vogel State Park, you’ll find a scenic trail around a small lake: Trahlyta Lake. You’ll start at the visitor’s center and as you walk around the lake you’ll come to a spur at the lake’s dam. Take the short spur trail down and you’ll quickly come to Trahlyta Falls. After viewing the falls you’ll walk back up the spur trail to finish the trail around the lake. The trail around the lake is mainly gravel and flat, while the spur trail to the falls is a bit steep on the way back up.
There are lots of other fun things to do in Blairsville, GA, too!
Trahlyta Falls
Long Creek Falls
Blue Ridge, GA
The trail to Long Creek Falls is an easy 1.9-mile hike. Want to say you’ve walked some of the Appalachian Trail with your family? The Long Creek Falls Trail combines with the AT and the Benton Mackaye Trail for most of the hike until it veers off to the falls. The signage to the falls is very clear, so you won’t end up hiking all the way to Maine.
The falls itself is beautiful with a nice area to relax, enjoy a snack on a rock, or even string up a hammock and enjoy the afternoon.
Note that the trailhead for Long Creek Falls is off of a gravel road. You’ll need to drive on gravel Forest Service Road 40 for about 5 miles once you turn off the main road, Doublehead Gap Road. We did this drive in a minivan. We likely would not have been able to make the drive had there been recent rain and the road was wet. 4×4 vehicles are generally recommended on the forest service roads, although we did see many 2-wheel drive cars using the service road. Go slow and watch for potholes and larger rocks in the road.
Long Creek Falls
Fall Branch Falls
Blue Ridge, GA
The trail to Fall Branch Falls is only 0.9 miles. It’s a down-and-back trail that is very heavily trafficked. It’s an easy hike for families with children, and the drive is nearly all on paved roads, with just the last tenth of a mile or so on gravel. Fall Branch Falls has several cascades and then a 30-foot drop into the pool. There is an observation deck right beside the pool. These things make the Fall Branch Falls trail pretty popular. The parking area is also a very short walk away from a pretty mountain creek you should check out before or after your hike to the falls.
The trail to Fall Branch Falls sees a lot of traffic. Please stay on the trail and notice the places where hikers have cut off parts of the switchback by going off-trail. These areas show significant erosion. Check out our article on Leave No Trace to learn about caring for trails and nature.
