3 Best Hikes Near Clayton, GA
A wonderful addition to any whitewater rafting or zipline trip is a hike. Northern Georgia and South Carolina are home to the Blue Ridge Mountains, with stunning scenery that includes waterfalls, dense hardwood forests, and rhododendron thickets. Whether you’re planning a Wildwater trip on the Chattooga or are just driving through, we put together a list of our four favorite hikes so you can keep the stoke levels high and adventure lifestyle strong.
Best Hike for Middle-of-the-Road Hikers: Tallulah Gorge
Looking for a moderate hike that’s well-rounded for all types of hikers? Get ready to be amazed by the beautiful waterfalls, landscape and scenery that is Tallulah George. One of the most spectacular canyons in the eastern U.S., Tallulah Gorge is two miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep. Visitors can hike rim trails to several overlooks, or they can obtain a permit to hike to the gorge floor (100 per day, not available during water releases). A suspension bridge sways 80 feet above the rocky bottom, providing spectacular views of the river and waterfalls.
Best Hike for When Time is of the Essence: Brasstown Falls
Brasstown Falls is on of our absolute favorites to visit. It is a four tiered waterfall about 15 minutes from Wildwater on Brasstown Creek. This series of 4 waterfalls is only a short walk from the
parking lot and is breathtaking no matter how far you adventure. Once you get to the creek, turn downstream, following the newly renovated trail until you get to the platform & the first drop. Venture on downstream to the spectacular 2nd waterfall. You can continue down to the bottom of the 3rd falls, but it is a little more challenging. Follow the trail back up to the top and take the trail that goes off to the right at the parking lot (left from the parking lot). For those looking for the iconic swimming spot at the base of a waterfall, this is your spot. The bottom of this drop is into the perfect swimming hole!
Insider suggestion: If you are visiting on a Friday or Saturday night, check out The
Gathering Place BBQ on the way to the falls. This is a local favorite!
Best Hike for Trailblazers: Bartram Trail
The Bartram Trail is a 102-mile long trail that is an homage to William Bartram, a pioneer of wilderness preservation and exploration. Between the years of 1773 and 1777, Bartram traveled the Southeastern United States, documenting and illustrating species of plants and animals previously unknown to western civilization. The trail travels through North Carolina and Georgia. The Bartram Trail is perfect for the hiker who is looking for a taste of history and a longer trek.
During your Chattooga visit, you can hike a portion of the Bartram Trail or turn it into a 35-mile backpacking trip through Georgia. We provided helpful links to some of the hikes you can take on the Bartram Trail below:
5.5 Miles: Chattooga River Trail from Russel Bridge
20 Miles: Willis Knob via Chattooga River Trail and Bartram Trail
35 Miles: Bartram Trail Georgia Portion