Conasauga Falls Trail is a 1.5 mile (roundtrip) trail that offers quick and easy way to see and experience a beautiful waterfall and enjoy a quiet day by the creek.
Directions:
This nice falls is in the Hiwassee Ranger District of the Cherokee National Forest. From the intersection of the Cherohala Skyway and Hwy 68, head south on Hwy 68. Drive an additional 2.4 miles and turn right on FR341. Look for a large forest service sign. Drive about a mile on pavement, take the right fork and drive another 1.5 miles to a right hand turn. There may be a sign pointing towards the falls. This road ends after 0.5 miles at the parking area and trailhead. The hike is only about a mile and easy to moderate. It ends at this beautiful 30' falls. There were plenty of smaller cascades and swimming holes.
A easy hike all down hill to the falls
A nice little getaway hike not hardly any traffic at all
Follow the winding Waterfall Byway west along U.S. 64 beginning at the intersection with N.C. 215, north of Rosman in Transylvania County. This byway earns its name from the 200 waterfalls that surround the route. In fact, the county, in which the route begins, is known as the ‘Land of Waterfalls’ for the many waterfalls and trout streams in the area.
Cross the French Broad River, whose Cherokee name means “racing waters,” near Rosman at the beginning of the route. It is about seven miles to the curve where U.S. 64 crosses the Toxaway River at Toxaway Falls (pictured here) on the left and Lake Toxaway to the right. Do not park on the shoulder of the road; it is unsafe for both motorists and pedestrians. Local merchants have provided some parking so that you may view the falls. From Toxaway it is about three miles into the Sapphire Valley resort area. Pass by Lakes Fairfield and Sapphire, both privately owned, before crossing the Horse Pasture River, located about 1.5 miles east of Cashiers.
The town of Cashiers, located at the intersection with N.C. 107, is about 10 miles from Toxaway Falls. Cashiers (pronounced “Cash-ers” by locals) is one of the oldest resort communities settled by Low Country South Carolinians who wanted to get away from the coastal summer heat and humidity. South Carolina Governor and Confederate General Wade Hampton’s summer home, “High Hampton,” was located south of Cashiers and is still a favored resort area. The headwaters of the Chatooga River are within the town’s limits to the west.
From Cashiers it is four miles to Cowee Gap. From the gap, at the head waters of the Cullasaja River, it is eight winding miles to the town of Highlands, the highest incorporated community on the east coast. Follow U.S. 64 through this old resort town. Founded in 1875, Highlands was located here because it lies at the intersection of lines formed from Chicago to Savannah and from Baltimore to New Orleans. Highlands was designed by Charles Hutchins and Samuel T. Kelsey of Kansas, who also designed the resort community of Linville.
Cross Lake Sequayah on the outskirts of Highlands. Two miles west of Highlands pass by the 120-foot drop of Bridal Veil Falls. The water from this fall flows into the Cullasaja River to the south. Use the provided parking area (just west of the falls) to enjoy its beauty from either side or underneath where the old highway ran.
Dry Falls, located about one mile west of Bridal Veil, is on the left. This fall, on the Cullasaja River, is so named because you can walk underneath the roaring water and not get wet. The U.S. Forest Service has developed a parking area for visitors to explore and enjoy this waterfall. Enter the Cullasaja Gorge six miles west of Dry Falls. The gorge is formed by the Cullasaja River as it flows west into the Little Tennessee River. Note that the United States Forest Service has designated a portion of this route as the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway. About four miles from Dry Falls are the Cullasaja Falls. Located on the left heading west, this impressive cascade drops 310 feet in one-half mile. The drop may be difficult to see, so look carefully behind the trees far below. While in the Cullasaja Gorge you will be able to catch glimpses of the Cullasaja River below as it winds its way west. Also, enjoy the views of the Smoky Mountains and the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests while looking for falcons in the trees along the gorge’s cliffs. From the Cullasaja Falls, it is another two miles to the community of Gneiss, named for the metamorphic rock that abounds in this area.
From Gneiss it is about five miles to the community of Cullasaja where the gorge ends. From there it is another 2.5 miles to the U.S. 23/441 interchange with U.S. 64 in Franklin. Franklin is best known for the treaty council held here between Sir Alexander Cuming and the Cherokee Indians in 1730. In 1761 the Cherokee were defeated by a force of whites, Chickasaws and Creeks. A mound in town marks the site of an early Indian village, Nikwasi.
Follow U.S. 23/441 South and U.S. 64 about 7.5 miles on the divided highway to the community of Cartoogechaye (pronounced “Car-too-gi-chay”). The mountains nearby are part of the Nantahala Mountain range in the Nantahala National Forest. Approximately four miles west, cross Winding Stair Gap, one of the early western passages along the Appalachian Trail. From here it is another two miles to the community of Rainbow Springs. It is 1.7 miles to Black Gap on the Clay and Macon county line.
While driving the 10 miles along the ridge crests of the Chunky Gal Mountains, enjoy the occasional scenic overlooks. Indian lore has it that a chunky maiden from nearby ran away to get married without her father’s permission. The dismayed thinner maidens of her tribe gave her the name ‘Chunky Gal.’ From the community of Shooting Creek it is about 8.5 miles to the town of Hayesville. About four miles east of Hayesville pass by Lake Chatuga, known as the “Crown Jewel” of the Tennessee Valley Authority lakes. The water is part of the Hiawasee River. Now the Clay County seat, Hayesville was named in 1891 for the county’s founder. Located in town is the site of Fort Hembree, one of the gathering places for the Cherokee who were forced to leave this part of the country for Oklahoma on what is known as the “Trail of Tears.”
About seven miles west of Hayesville, turn left onto Settawig Rd. (S.R. 1135) and follow it for 2.5 miles towards Brasstown. While in Brasstown visit the John C. Campbell Folk School, where craftsmen learn trades such as pottery, weaving and blacksmithing. From Settawig Rd. turn right onto Phillips Rd. (S.R. 1100) for one tenth of a mile to Brasstown Rd. (S.R. 1134). Turn left and follow Brasstown Rd. for three-tenths of a mile then turn right onto Cheringhelli Rd. (S.R. 1558). Follow Cheringhelli Rd. for 6.5 miles where the route ends in Murphy at the intersection with US 19/129 Bypass.
Murphy is the site of Fort Butler, a frontier fort in the early 1800s and a temporary stockade for the Cherokee who were on the “Trail of Tears.” Located at the junction of the Hiawasee and Valley Rivers, the town also was an early trading post. It is the southern terminus of the Great Smoky Mountains Railway (GSMR).
Because of winding mountain roads, travel time may be slow along the route. Travel time also may vary with the season.
Water recreation is not recommended in Great Smoky Mountains National Park due to numerous hazards and dangers. Drowning is one of the leading causes of death in the park. Innumerable injuries have resulted from people swimming and riding inner tubes in park waters.
Serious water-related injuries occur every year in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These injuries can easily be avoided. Medical assistance for injured persons may be many hours away. Closely supervise children at all times. There are no life-guarded swimming areas in the park.
River levels can rise rapidly after a heavy rainfall. A localized thunderstorm dumping rain far upstream on the park's highest peaks can create sudden and unexpected flood conditions at lower elevations. You may not even have felt a raindrop!
As river levels rise and water velocity increases, the risk of serious injury or drowning becomes greater. Do not wade in or attempt to cross a rain-swollen stream! Hikers must use good judgment when deciding to cross streams. It is better to turn back or wait for flooding streams to recede than risk your life in cold, swift waters.
Do not climb on rocks near waterfalls.
Use extreme caution when walking along riverbanks.
Over the years, several people have fallen to their deaths and many others have suffered serious injuries from climbing on rocks near waterfalls or along the riverbanks. These rocks are slippery due to mist and algae.
Do not dive or jump into the water.
Submerged rocks, trees or debris could be immediately below the surface of the water. .
If you find yourself accidentally swimming in fast moving water, do not try to stand up.
Most drownings result from getting a leg or ankle caught in an underwater rock ledge or between boulders. The force of the water will push you over and hold you under.
The standard defensive swimming position in fast water is lying on your back with your feet pointing downstream and toes up towards the surface.
Always look downstream and be prepared to fend off rocks with your feet.
Hypothermia
Exposure to cold water can quickly lead to hypothermia, an extremely dangerous condition involving the lowering of the body's "core" temperature. Hypothermia can kill you! Symptoms include loss of strength and muscular coordination followed by mental confusion and irrational behavior.
Abrams Creek is the largest creek wholly within the national park The Abrams Falls Trail begins by immediately crossing a large wooden bridge over Abrams Creek, which follows beside the trail for most of its length. Just downstream from here Mill Creek flows into and is absorbed by Abrams, and a side trail leads about a half mile to the Elijah Oliver Place, one of the best preserved housing establishments in Cades Cove, which was once home to a number of settlers before the area was bought into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Abrams Falls Trail continues beyond this point gently, only taxing hikers for short periods as the trail climbs over ridges that the creek maneuvers great distances to bypass.
In fact, at Arbutus Ridge, 0.8 miles (1.3 km) down the trail, the river travels over a mile whereas the hiker traverses about two footsteps over the ridge. Most of this portion of the trail follows this same framework: gentle walking near the large stream, an uphill bout over a ridge, where the trail creek turns from the trail somewhat, but never drifts too far to be heard, and a subsequent reunion as the trail dips back down the ridge from which it came, along with a few mandatory rock-hopping creek-crossings. At 2.5 miles (4.0 km), however, this ends when the trail crosses over one more waterway, Wilson Creek, and arrives at the 20-foot (6.1 m) plunge of Abrams Falls.
Abrams Falls is one of the most popular destinations in the park for two reasons: its beauty and its 100-foot-wide (30 m) natural swimming pool, which is often littered with local children cooling off during the hot summer months.
The trail leading to Baskins Creek Falls begins with a short easy climb. At roughly one quarter of a mile into the hike, the trail levels off and you'll have some decent views of the mountains towards the west, as well as a few glimpses of Gatlinburg, if you're hiking in the winter or early spring. These views, however, will more than likely be obstructed by summer foliage.
At 0.9 miles you'll cross Falls Branch without the assistance of a footbridge. If hiking right after a long hard rain, this could present a little bit of a challenge if your goal is to keep your feet dry. The trail then veers off to the left and follows the creek down the mountain. This is a fairly rapid descent, making for a challenging climb on your return trip.
At 1.1 miles a side trail spurs off to the left towards the Baskins Cemetery. Go right to continue onto towards the falls.
Shortly thereafter, the trail crosses over the creek again, but this time, a much easier crossing.
At 1.3 miles, you'll arrive at a trail junction. Going straight for another 1.3 miles will take you to the eastern side of the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. To continue onto the falls, turn left at this junction.
The last 50 yards down to Baskins Creek Falls is a little rugged, but well worth the effort. Relative to their popularity, this 25-foot waterfall just might be the most underrated falls in the park.
It's also a great place to kick back and enjoy a picnic
The trail leading to Baskins Creek Falls begins with a short easy climb. At roughly one quarter of a mile into the hike, the trail levels off and you'll have some decent views of the mountains towards the west, as well as a few glimpses of Gatlinburg, if you're hiking in the winter or early spring. These views, however, will more than likely be obstructed by summer foliage.
At 0.9 miles you'll cross Falls Branch without the assistance of a footbridge. If hiking right after a long hard rain, this could present a little bit of a challenge if your goal is to keep your feet dry. The trail then veers off to the left and follows the creek down the mountain. This is a fairly rapid descent, making for a challenging climb on your return trip.
At 1.1 miles a side trail spurs off to the left towards the Baskins Cemetery. Go right to continue onto towards the falls.
Shortly thereafter, the trail crosses over the creek again, but this time, a much easier crossing.
At 1.3 miles, you'll arrive at a trail junction. Going straight for another 1.3 miles will take you to the eastern side of the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. To continue onto the falls, turn left at this junction.
The last 50 yards down to Baskins Creek Falls is a little rugged, but well worth the effort. Relative to their popularity, this 25-foot waterfall just might be the most underrated falls in the park.
It's also a great place to kick back and enjoy a picnic
Directions to Trailhead:
Starting from Light 8 in Gatlinburg, turn onto Historic Nature Trail / Airport Road. At 0.7 miles, veer right onto Cherokee Orchard Road. After driving another 2.2 miles, you will enter the one-way Cherokee Orchard Loop. Drive 0.9 miles on the loop before turning right onto the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. The trailhead for Baskins Creek Trail will be on your left after driving about 0.2 miles on this one-way loop.
