North Georgia offers a lot of great options for waterfalls. But very few offer you the opportunity to travers the river culminating in a waterfall that you can jump into. Jacks River Falls, located just on the Georgia side of the Georgia Tennessee border. Has a reputation for being hard to get to. There are two trail you can take. One is the easier and more popular Beech Bottom trail. The other, and one we will be focusing on today is the Jacks River Trail to Beech Bottom.
Key Takeaways
- Trail Difficulty: The Jacks River Trail to Beech Bottom is rated as moderate on All Trails, but it can be more challenging, especially after rain, due to numerous river crossings and obstacles.
- Footwear Recommendation: It’s essential to wear shoes with good grip and quick-drying capabilities due to the wet conditions and river crossings on the trail.
- Sun Protection: While there’s plenty of trail coverage, it’s still advisable to bring sunscreen for the exposed river crossings to protect yourself from the sun.
- Safety Caution: Before cliff jumping into the falls, it’s crucial to swim in the pool to ensure there are no hidden dangers or obstacles at the bottom. Always exercise caution when cliff jumping in backcountry waterfalls.
- Trailhead Location: Jacks River Falls is located in the Cohutta Wilderness area of North Georgia, accessible from the Beech Bottom Trailhead via the Conasauga River Trail.
- No Entrance Fee: There is no entrance fee or permit required to visit Jacks River Falls, as it’s part of the Chattahoochee National Forest.
- Hike Length: The round trip hike to Jacks River Falls from the Beech Bottom Trailhead is about 18 miles, a moderately strenuous journey that can take 6-8 hours.
- Camping Options: There are camping options in the Cohutta Wilderness area, making Jacks River Falls a popular backpacking destination with established campsites along the trail. Permits are not required, but Leave No Trace principles should be followed.
Jacks River Falls – via Jacks River Trail to Beech Bottom
Quick Trail Info
Distance: 14.8 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1,059ft
All Trails Link: All Trails Link Click Here
*Note that all trails rates this trail as moderate. Based on the trails conditions and water lever it should be rated as difficult.
The Jacks River Trail to Beach bottom takes hikers 7+ miles up the Jacks River connecting to Beech Bottom, and Jacks River Falls. Crossing the river close to 10 times each way. Making this a difficult but fun day hike. Perfect for hotter weather. And the falls make for a great place to take have lunch a take swim.
Tips for the Jacks River Falls – via Jacks River Trail to Beech Bottom
- This trail crosses the river more than a few times. You will be getting wet. And if it has rained recently the water can be swift on slick rocks. Making them hard to cross. Especially if you are carrying a larger pack.
- The trail is not well maintained and has a ton of blow downs and dead falls laying across the path. You will have to over, under, and around. See the video above for some of the obstacles. Again, this especially a tough if you have a larger pack.
- Plan on wearing shoes that have grip and that dry quickly.
- There is a good amount of coverage on the trail from the sun. But bring sun screen for the exposed river crossings.
- There is a swimming whole at the bottom and top of the falls. This is a great place to spend a few hours enjoying the scenery.
- You can jump into the falls, as you can see in the video. Before attempting this you should always do a swim in to make sure there is nothing at the bottom of the falls that you could get caught on. This is a real danger when jumping into any back country waterfall.
Conclusion
Jacks River Falls in North Georgia, near the Tennessee border, is a remarkable destination. The Jacks River Trail to Beech Bottom, covering 14.8 miles with an elevation gain of 1,059 feet, leads to this natural wonder. Hikers should be ready for multiple river crossings, especially challenging after recent rain. The trail is not well-maintained, so expect obstacles like blowdowns. Suitable footwear is a must, offering grip and quick drying. Sunscreen is essential for exposed river crossings. The falls are perfect for a refreshing swim, and they offer the thrilling option to jump in. Exercise caution by checking the pool’s depth before leaping. In summary, Jacks River Falls is an ideal spot for adventure seekers, combining the beauty of the falls with a challenging hike.
FAQs
How do I get to Jacks River Falls?
Jacks River Falls is located in the Cohutta Wilderness area of North Georgia. The most common trailhead to reach the falls is the Beech Bottom Trailhead, which can be accessed via the Conasauga River Trail. The trailhead is off the Forest Service Road 62.
Is there an entrance fee to visit Jacks River Falls?
No, there is no entrance fee or permit required to visit Jacks River Falls. It’s a part of the Chattahoochee National Forest, and access is free to the public.
How long is the hike to Jacks River Falls?
The hike to Jacks River Falls from the Beech Bottom Trailhead is approximately 9 miles one way, making it an 18-mile round trip. It’s a moderately strenuous hike that follows the Jacks River Trail, and it can take 6-8 hours to complete.
Can I swim in the pool at the base of Jacks River Falls?
Yes, you can swim in the pool at the base of the falls. The pool is a popular spot for cooling off, especially during the hot summer months. However, be cautious, as the water can be quite cold and swift, so use good judgment when swimming.
Are there camping options near Jacks River Falls?
Yes, there are camping options in the Cohutta Wilderness area. Jacks River Falls is a popular backpacking destination, and there are established campsites along the Jacks River Trail. Permits are not required for camping, but it’s important to follow Leave No Trace principles and be prepared for a backcountry camping experience.