Jacks River Falls
A remote, roaring 80-foot waterfall in Georgia's Cohutta Wilderness, accessible via a challenging hike with numerous river crossings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Jacks River Falls
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A remote, roaring 80-foot waterfall in Georgia's Cohutta Wilderness, accessible via a challenging hike with numerous river crossings.
"The falls were great and we had them mostly to our selves."
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Needed
Accessing trailheads often requires a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle due to rough roads.
💧 Be Ready to Get Wet
Expect numerous river crossings; waterproof shoes or sandals are recommended.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Jacks River Falls
Cohutta Wilderness
A stunning, roaring 80-foot waterfall cascading over rocky ledges. A true wilderness reward.
Cohutta Wilderness
North Georgia
Explore the largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi, offering remote beauty and challenging trails.
River Crossings
Jacks River Trail
Navigate up to 22 river crossings, a refreshing challenge on hot days and part of the adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Rugged Adventure
River Crossings & Trail Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Needed
Accessing trailheads often requires a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle due to rough roads.
💧 Be Ready to Get Wet
Expect numerous river crossings; waterproof shoes or sandals are recommended.
🗺️ Trail Difficulty Varies
Hikes are moderate to advanced, with some sections being a real battle.
⏰ Go Early for Solitude
Arrive early to enjoy the falls with fewer people.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Needed
Accessing trailheads often requires a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle due to rough roads.
💧 Be Ready to Get Wet
Expect numerous river crossings; waterproof shoes or sandals are recommended.
🗺️ Trail Difficulty Varies
Hikes are moderate to advanced, with some sections being a real battle.
⏰ Go Early for Solitude
Arrive early to enjoy the falls with fewer people.
⚠️ Check Trail Conditions
Fallen trees can block paths; check recent reports before your trip.
🎒 Pack for an Adventure
Bring plenty of water, snacks, and be prepared for emergencies.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning beauty of Jacks River Falls, calling it a 'true wilderness reward.' The challenging hike, numerous river crossings, and remote location contribute to a sense of accomplishment. However, the difficult road access and potential for impassable trail conditions due to fallen trees are significant drawbacks for some.
"I did the Jacks River Falls via Beech Bottom Trailhead. I would not suggest taking a car to get there since part of the road leading up to it has huge holes in the road. The trail itself was very clean. I think I only saw part of a cigarette the whole trail. All trails said it was 9.1 miles there and back but I ended up doing 10.28. The trail itself is moderate and not bad at all. Just beware of the falling acorns. Once I got to the falls, I climbed down to the bottom with the help of a log someone had thankfully carved grooves in to make it easier. It was around noon so the sun was directly overhead and it was beautiful. I only saw a few people there. I stayed maybe 10 minutes or so and then made my way back to my car. Saw more people on the way back. If you want this place to yourself for a bit, go early! I plan on going back again at some point."
Samantha Newman
"All about pushing limits to get adrenaline and everything pumping! Hemp top to penitentiary for 6 mi is good but after that going to jack rivers falls and completing the loop from hemp top is an absolute battle😳 I read reviews before we went read about the fallen trees but dismissed it assuming people just not wanting to deal.. the 22 river crossings were a blessing even if got turned around for a min. The last 7.2 miles out are brutal if want to do the river crossings. My 12 yr old and I decided to not listen to reviews and hit it and was no turning back for us. Easily the hardest mental and physical battle I’ve had to have w myself and I’ve done some crazy shit & my 12 yr old daughter was step for step! The bottom portion would be unreal w out the downed trees but w that it’s not worth it for anyone.. experienced or not it’ll just wear your ass out for nothing! Going back to do a short walk in day trip to falls later this yr to play!! If you’re anything like me and love adventure seeking to push lines def pass on this one just not worth it right now.. maybe one day you’ll be able to play and enjoy this hike!!"
Brian Wages
"I would say this is a Medium/advanced hike takes about 2 hours each way going up and down mountains if you start at the beech bottom parking lot. There isn’t many signs to get to the waterfall either. But if you find it you best believe it’s worth it.
And definitely going back for the long trail!!"
Edwin Leon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Accessing Jacks River Falls typically involves a hike from either the Beech Bottom Trailhead in Tennessee or the Rice Camp Trailhead in Georgia. Both hikes are around 8-10 miles round-trip. The roads leading to these trailheads can be rough and often require a high-clearance vehicle or 4x4.
No, the roads leading to the trailheads are generally unpaved and can be very rough with large holes, making a high-clearance vehicle essential.
Many visitors recommend the Beech Bottom Trailhead for its direct access, though it still requires a challenging hike.
Driving time can vary significantly depending on road conditions and your vehicle's capabilities, but expect the final approach to be slow and bumpy.
No, expect to have no cell service in the Cohutta Wilderness, so download maps and inform someone of your plans.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Jacks River Falls is located within the Cohutta Wilderness, which is part of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Generally, no permits are required for day hiking or dispersed camping in wilderness areas, but always check the official US Forest Service website for any current regulations or alerts.
There are no entrance fees to access Jacks River Falls or the Cohutta Wilderness. However, you may need to pay for parking at some trailheads if they are designated as such, though this is uncommon for remote wilderness access points.
Jacks River Falls and the Cohutta Wilderness are open year-round, 24 hours a day. Access is determined by daylight and your ability to navigate the trails and roads.
Yes, dispersed camping is permitted in the Cohutta Wilderness. However, be aware of Leave No Trace principles and specific regulations regarding campfires and site selection. 
Due to the long hike and challenging access, Jacks River Falls is best suited for a full-day trip or an overnight backpacking adventure rather than a quick visit.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is considered moderate to advanced, typically 8-10 miles round-trip. It involves significant elevation changes and numerous river crossings.
You can expect around 22 river crossings on the Jacks River Trail, which can be a refreshing part of the hike but also a challenge.
Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring water shoes or sandals for the river crossings. Quick-drying clothing is also advisable.
The trail can be difficult to find at times, and signage may be limited, so having a map and compass or GPS device is highly recommended.
While swimming directly at the base of the falls might be dangerous due to strong currents and rocks, there are often calmer pools upstream or downstream where you can cool off.
The Cohutta Wilderness is home to various wildlife, including snakes. Be aware of your surroundings and give animals plenty of space.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at Jacks River Falls or within the Cohutta Wilderness. You'll need to pack all your food and drinks for the hike.
After your hike, you can find local eateries in nearby towns like Blue Ridge, Georgia. Some suggest trying BBQ at places like Blue Hole Cafe.
Pack high-energy snacks like trail mix, energy bars, and sandwiches. Bring plenty of water, and consider a water filter or purification tablets if you plan to refill from the river.
While the river appears clean, it's always recommended to treat or filter water from natural sources to avoid potential contaminants.
📸 📸 Photography
Midday can offer direct sunlight on the falls, but early morning or late afternoon light can create more dramatic and softer lighting conditions.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the falls and surrounding wilderness. A tripod can help with long exposures to smooth out the water.
Consider capturing the river crossings, the lush forest, and the rare sight of the falls in winter conditions if you're lucky.
Finding the right vantage point might involve some scrambling or careful positioning. Be mindful of slippery rocks and the power of the water.
Yes, the wilderness area offers opportunities to photograph birds and other small animals, but patience and a good zoom lens are key.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you do bring children, pack plenty of snacks and water, and consider a shorter, more accessible hike in the area if the full Jacks River Falls trail seems too daunting. The reward of seeing the falls is significant, but the journey requires careful planning and realistic expectations for younger adventurers.
🎒 Backpackers & Overnight Adventurers
+1Be prepared for Leave No Trace principles, pack all necessary gear for self-sufficiency, and always check for any fire restrictions or specific camping regulations. An overnight trip allows for a more relaxed pace and the chance to truly soak in the remote beauty of the area.
📸 Nature Photographers
+1 Consider bringing a tripod for long exposures to create silky smooth water effects. Be prepared for challenging terrain and potentially wet conditions. The unique sight of the falls in winter, sometimes frozen, presents a rare and stunning photographic subject.
+1 Wildlife photography is also possible, though it requires patience and a good zoom lens. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Cohutta Wilderness
+1Many visitors choose to backpack through the Cohutta Wilderness, spending multiple days exploring its trails and enjoying dispersed camping. This allows for a deeper appreciation of the area's solitude and natural beauty. However, even day-trippers can experience a significant adventure by tackling the hike to Jacks River Falls. Remember that cell service is virtually non-existent here, so downloading offline maps and informing someone of your itinerary is crucial for safety.
When planning your trip, be aware that trail conditions can change rapidly due to weather. Fallen trees are a common occurrence, and river crossings are a defining feature of the Jacks River Trail. While these elements add to the challenge, they also contribute to the unique character of the Cohutta Wilderness.
The Iconic Jacks River Falls Hike
Once on the trail, hikers are immediately immersed in the dense forest of the Cohutta Wilderness. The path is not always clearly marked, and hikers should be prepared for numerous river crossings – sometimes up to 22 – which are a signature element of this trail. These river crossings mean you will get wet, so wearing appropriate footwear like water shoes or quick-drying hiking boots is essential. The trail itself can be moderate, but the cumulative effect of the distance, elevation changes, and water crossings makes it a challenging endeavor. Some sections have been described as a 'battle,' especially if there are fallen trees obstructing the path.
For those seeking solitude, arriving early in the morning is recommended, as the falls can become more populated later in the day.
Experiencing Jacks River Falls in Winter
+1 This phenomenon is not only visually striking but also highlights the challenging conditions required to witness it. Accessing the falls in winter can be even more difficult than usual. Snow and ice can make the already rough roads treacherous, and the trails themselves can become slippery and hazardous. This rarity means that those who do make the effort to visit during such conditions are often rewarded with a sense of profound solitude and the chance to witness a truly unique natural event.
It's a testament to the wild and untamed nature of the Cohutta Wilderness, offering a different perspective on this already impressive landscape. 
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