Jacks River Falls: Everything You Need to Know

Jacks River Falls in the Cohutta Wilderness, Georgia

If you’re interested in exploring the waterfalls and wilderness trails of North Georgia, most of these hikes are relatively short and easy to do. Sites like Angel Falls and Anna Ruby Falls can be seen and hiked in an hour or two, meaning you can spend most of your day just lounging around and looking at the scenery.

Jacks River Falls, however, is different because it’s both longer and more untamed. At nine miles each way, you’ll need sufficient stamina and supplies to make it to the end. However, your reward is a spectacular view of one of the best waterfalls in the state. Here’s everything you need to know about Jacks River Falls.

[Want to read more? Explore some of the most amazing waterfalls in Georgia in our full guide.]

The Basics

  • Hours of Operation – N/A
  • Length – 9 mi One Way, 18 mi Round Trip
  • Location – Cohutta Wilderness Near Blue Ridge, GA
  • Fees – N/A ($5 for Camping)

When’s the Best Time to Go?

Typically, winter is not an ideal time to go hiking in Georgia, as these natural areas can get pretty cold and sometimes icy. However, with Jacks River Falls, the best time to experience the thundering roar of the water is during the winter when you don’t have the sounds of nature surrounding you at all times.

That said, if you’re averse to cold weather, spring and summer are also excellent times to visit the falls. Since you have to navigate through the Cohutta Wilderness and reach the Beech Bottom Trailhead, it’s often best to do this when the weather is warmer and more accommodating.

Because this hike is so long and traverses so many river crossings, you don’t have to worry about crowds on the trail. Instead, these falls are almost always pristine and uninhabited, so you can enjoy them at your leisure.

Jacks River Falls in the Cohutta Wilderness, Georgia

Other Factors to Consider With Jacks River Falls

Overall, this trail is not for beginners or those who don’t want to exert themselves too much. Not only are the falls deep in the woods, but the multiple river crossings make it hard for children, dogs, and elderly hikers to make it to the end. Here are some other factors to pay attention to when planning your trip.

  • Prepare to Spend a Couple of Days – Sure, you could hike out to the waterfall and back in a single day, but with such an extensive hike and so much beauty around you, why rush the experience? There is a campground nearby that only charges $5 a night. However, it is first-come, first-serve, so you have to plan accordingly.
  • Wear Waterproof Shoes – You’ll have to cross over many rivers and streams on your way to the waterfall, so there are many chances to slip, fall, and get wet. Unless you love the feeling of wet socks, we recommend wearing waterproof shoes or boots. This way, you have more flexibility over how you can traverse the trail.
  • You Don’t Have to Use the Beech Bottom Trailhead – While Beech Bottom is the easiest way to reach Jacks River Falls, it’s not the only option. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, you can bypass this trailhead entirely. Either way, you still have to go at least nine miles to see the water, so prepare to spend around four to five hours total on hiking.
  • Bring Water and Snacks – Realistically, unless you’re trying to speed walk to the waterfall, you’ll spend all day out in the Cohutta Wilderness. After trekking for nine miles, you’ll want to stop at the waterfall and soak in the scenery. Campfires are prohibited during the winter, but having snacks and water bottles on hand can allow you to enjoy the wild peacefully without a rumbling stomach.

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