As mentioned in our previous blog, Waterfalls Near Cascade Outdoors Part I, Ocoee and the surrounding area is full of aquatic beauty, especially waterfalls. These formations, made from the perfect combination of hard and soft sediment, can be found close to public roads, on private reserves, and at the end of a long hike. In this blog, we’ve included the final five of our 11 waterfalls near Cascade Outdoors, located south and west of Ocoee, towards Chattanooga.
Jacks River Falls
Location: Epworth, Georgia
Google Rating: 4.8/5
Description: Located in Georgia’s Cohutta Wilderness, these falls are described as thundering and rugged. To access the falls, most people use the Beech Bottom Trail in Tennessee as it provides short access (about a 5 hour round trip) with fewer river crossings. Beech Bottom Trail will meet up with Jacks River Trail at 3.9 miles then continue to the falls. Hikers note that the trail is part of a wilderness reserve and not a state park, so trail overgrowth can be severe during late summer. The trail is day use only from April 1 through October 31 each year.
How to Get There: From Cascade Outdoors, head west on US-64 W/US-74 W toward Hildabrand Rd. Turn left onto Cookson Creek Rd, then right onto Baker Creek Rd and drive 6.1 miles before Baker Creek Rd turns slightly right and becomes Peavine Sneed Creek Rd. Take a slight right onto Big Frog Rd for 3.8 miles then continue straight to access the dirt road for the trailhead which will be on your left. The road to the trailhead is noted as rough and one might need a four-wheel drive vehicle to access.
Click here for the Jacks River Falls website.
Barnes Creek Falls
Location: Ellijay, Georgia
Google Rating: 4.7/5
Description: With falls close to parking, this is a great spot if hiking isn’t your thing. You’ll find a picnic table and stone steps up to the top of the 15 foot tall falls. Larger cascades are noted just below Barnes Creek Falls.
How to Get There: About an hour south of Cascade Outdoors, start by heading west on US-64 W/US-74 W toward Hildabrand Rd and get on US-411 S to enter Georgia. Drive 16 miles, then left onto Loughridge Rd, stay left to continue on Loughridge, then turn right onto Crandall Ellijay Rd. Continue on Crandall Ellijay for 2.5 miles, then turn left onto Old CCC Camp Rd for 8.5 miles before turning left onto Conasauga Rd/Old CCC Camp Rd. The destination will be on your right.
Click here for the Barnes Creek Falls website.
Lula Falls
Location: Lookout Mountain, Georgia
Google Rating: 4.8/5
Description: Located west of Cascade Outdoors, close to Chattanooga, these stunning 120-foot tall falls require a limited pass to access, which can be purchased at the Lula Lake Land Trust website. The pass is approximately $16.00 per reservation and 100% of the proceeds go towards the preservation of Lula Lake. Keep in mind that Lula Lake is only open to the public on the first and last weekends of each month.
How to Get There: From Cascade Outdoors, follow US-64 W/US-74 W, I-75 S and I-24 W to TN-58 S/Market St in Chattanooga, TN. Take exit 178 from I-24 W for Market Street, toward Lookout Mountain. Continue on TN-58 S as it changes to W 40th Street, St Elmo Ave, and enters Georgia. You’ll pass Glen Falls on your left, which can be accessed by a 30 minute hike. You will continue onto GA-157 S/Red Riding Hood Trail for 1.2 miles then turn left onto Lula Lake Rd and drive 4.3 miles before accessing the Lula Land Lake Trust on your right.
Click here for the Lula Falls website.
Ruby Falls
Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee
Google Rating: 4.5/5
Description: This is a paid (about $25/adult) subterranean waterfall attraction in the Ruby Falls Cave, part of Lookout Mountain, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. You will be led with a group down an elevator, 260 feet underground to view the cavern. Though it is the tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public in the US, this is definitely more of a tourist attraction than a nature experience.
How to Get There: About an hour drive from Cascade Outdoors, start by heading west on US-64 W/US-74 W toward Hildabrand Rd. Get on I-75 S in McDonald and follow I-75 S and I-24 W to TN-58 S/Market St in Chattanooga. Take exit 178 from I-24 W then take US-11 S/US-41 N/US-64 W/US-72 W and TN-148. Turn right off of TN-148 to access the Ruby Falls area.
Click here for the Ruby Falls website.
Falling Water Falls
Location: Walden, Tennessee
Google Rating: 4.6/5
Description: These falls require a brief hike to access, approximately 0.3 miles out and back. The views from the top of the waterfall seem to be more impressive than the 110-foot high waterfall itself. Hikers recommend visiting after a heavy rain for a better fall effect. Remember to avoid parking along the street as your car may be towed if it is outside the small parking lot.
How to Get There: From Cascade Outdoors, head west on US-64 W/US-74 W and get on I-75 S in McDonald, then take I-24 W to US-127 N/Signal Mountain Rd in Red Bank. Take the exit toward Signal Mountain and continue on US-127 N//Signal Mountain Rd. Take W Rd, E Brown Rd, Chestnut Ave then Forest Park Drive to Falling Water Trail in Walden. The trailhead will be on your right.
Click here for the Falling Water Falls website.
Cascade Outdoors will take you on an adventure along the most popular whitewater river in the United States, the Ocoee River. The surrounding southern Tennessee and northern Georgia area creates an ideal waterfall environment with streams and various rock layers. It’s no wonder it boasts of numerous cascades. After your Ocoee River adventure, take a quick visit or hike to one of the many waterfalls near Cascade Outdoors. You won’t regret it.
Looking for more things to do after a Cascade Outdoors adventure? Check out our previous blog, What To Do After A Day Of Rafting.