Take a quick trip along the Benton MacKaye Trail to the beautiful Fall Branch Falls on this easy hike between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, Ga. Hike through the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest on this beginner hike suitable for all travelers, including the dog.
The adequate sized parking lot is directly alongside Rock Creek Road and can handle 10-15 cars. The road here is dirt and gravel but is fine for any car to get here. The Benton MacKaye crosses the road here and for this hike you'll be heading northward, so begin at the posted sign for the falls on the opposite side of the road.
The trail gains 200 feet of elevation in the first .3 miles and is well maintained and easy to follow. The BMT is generously blazed with it's white diamond along this section.
The trail then drops down a set of steps to the only junction along this section. Taking a sharp left will continue along the BMT. Take the second left further down the hill to the short side trail to the observation deck for Fall Branch Falls. A sign is posted here to help you out.
When I was here, the observation deck was in a bit of disrepair with some yellow tape about, but none of this obstructs the view of the falls or takes away from it's beauty. The double falls cascades down the bare rock and continues down the hillside. You can of course continue along the BMT but this hike ends here. Retrace your steps back to the parking lot to end this short hike.