Thursday, July 7, 2005
My wife and I, spent part of our honeymoon at Desoto Falls In July of 1993. We Found It On Our Way Back From Gatlinburg. We Camped Two Nights. WE Enjoyed IOt So Much We Have Returned Every Year. I am Happy To Announce That We Now Return With Johnathan, Nathan and Lauren... This Place Is Special To LaDonna and I and The Three Kidders Are Staritng To Look Forward To The Annual Trip As Well.. Desoto Fall Will Always Be Special To Us. Tim, Cartersville GA
Sunday, April 3, 2005
Hiked to the lower and middle falls the first week in March. The lower falls trail is narrow and kind of steep, but very short. The lower falls are fairly small. The middle falls trail is easy and the views of the creek along it make it very nice to walk. It's wide and mostly flat with a few slopes; the falls at the end are awesome and way better than the lower falls. The upper falls trail is definitely still closed. Incidentally, if you follow the parking signs for non-camping, you have to walk through the campground areas to reach the trailhead at the bridge over the creek. The trail is in the Chattahoochee national forest, so there's a $2 parking fee, and restrooms in the parking lot.
Monday, March 21, 2005
The trail was excellent. You walk next to a sizable stream of pure mountain water. We took our dogs and they enjoyed wading in and getting a long cool drink. There are some pretty good hills but it is mostly flat. There is an upper and lower falls. The upper falls are 3/4 of a mile north and the lower falls are 1/4 of a mile south. If you walk the whole thing it is 3/4 in + 3/4 out + 1/4 in + 1/4 out = 2 miles. Part of the trail on the upper falls is still blocked off and there are signs posted that people have died after slipping on the rocks. There are also some trails along the stream going south. Bring a picnic. There are many picnic tables and there is even one covered fire pit if you would like to stay a little longer and cook a picnic dinner there. The fee for parking is two dollars but there is no one to make change. You have to drop the fee in an envelope. We had a good time.
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Went up with my seven year old daughter and our neighbor. Packed in a lunch, took some good pictures at the upper and lower falls. Awesome trail. We had a great time. I will go back, maybe to camp.
Monday, November 1, 2004
An easy hike taken on the last weekend of October 2004. The trail is in good shape. There is an approx. 1/2 mile round trip to one of the Falls and one the runs a little over a mile round trip to the other. I would recommend them both. The Longer trail has quite a few man made steps as you near the bottom.
Sunday, October 31, 2004
A nice easy hike to both falls. Nice to see. Campgrounds looked good with new fire rings and lantern posts. Hot water is a very welcome addition. Will camp there in the future.
Friday, June 11, 2004
Visited both Upper and Lower falls on May 22, 2004. The hike was wonderful and the falls beautiful. One thing to be aware of though. On the bridge right before you reach Upper Falls was a yellow jacket nest. They were angry and stinging anyone who walked on the bridge.
Friday, September 26, 2003
I hiked the Desoto Falls Trails 11 Sep 03. The Upper Falls trail is wide and open with a few marshyspots and some undulating terrain but I would rate it easy. The Lower Falls trails runs along the brook at the entrance an then turns to the right with a steep ascent. The roots, rocks and uneven ground in addition to the climb would incline the rater to give this trail a moderate rating. It says a 1/4 mile hike but it seems further than that when you are making the climb. Lower falls is a small waterfall and is not impressive. Upper Falls however is majestic and the height and depth of the falls make it truly unique; well worth the 3/4 mile treak in to see it. Keep in mind I am 50 years of age and not the most physically fit person on the trail; but I do have very strong legs.
Wednesday, August 13, 2003
Hiked on 08/08/03. Wear good waterproof shoes, the trail was muddy with parts under 2-4" of water. Overall a good hike.
Saturday, May 10, 2003
The upper part of the Desoto Falls Trail is closed and has been for 5 years. The trial now is only a 3/4 mile trail to the "upper", actually middle falls, and a 1/4 mile trail to the lower falls. hiked 05-08-03
Tuesday, April 22, 2003
I last Hiked this trail in April 2003. The trail from the lower falls to the upper falls is still closed but you can still access both falls. Easy hike, take the kids.
Sunday, March 16, 2003
i hiked the trail with my kids allision 6 and holly 8 we had a nice hike to the middle fall then spent quite a while in the lower falls swimming and wadeing we brought along some kfc chicken to keep up the energy level hikeing takes away the only mishaps was slippery rocks here and their and the heat we hiked it on 7 19 02 it was 89 we made lots o digital photos and we welcome any swimming and wadeing digital photos from any hikers or groops send to chrishere1129@aol.com
Monday, October 7, 2002
I hiked Desoto Falls Trail on Sunday, October 6. I was pleasantly surprised that the trail was not busier. I really enjoyed this hike. Based on the information I read here, I took the lower falls trail first to get the "hard part" out of the way. Even though the ascent was somewhat steep, it was perfectly doable, even for someone like me who is recovering from knee surgery. However, I would not recommend this particular portion for anyone who was not in relatively good physicial condition. I had a little more trouble coming back down, because the step downs are somewhat deep in a few places, and I don't have full knee stability yet...should be fine for the average person, though.The trail to the upper falls was a delight! Uphill almost the entire way, but very gradual. The only "steep" areas were very short. And, the falls at the end of the trail were well worth the trip! I stayed for quite some time and just enjoyed the cool air and the scenery, and even met a nice couple from Florida. Both trails are easy to follow and well-maintained. The creek is almost always within eyesight -- and definitely always within earshot -- on the upper trail. Please, however, make sure you stay on the trails -- not only for your own safety, but also to protect the ecology of the area. I know it's tempting to go exploring, but we risk damaging the ecology to the point that we won't have such beautiful places to go to anymore!If you go, I hope you enjoy these trails as much as I did.
Tuesday, September 24, 2002
Hiked trail on 9/22/02. There are really 2 different falls and 2 trails. To the upper falls, the trail is 3/4 mi, and fairly easy. The lower falls is ironically mostly uphill and a moderate hike. this trail is only 1/4 mi. It was slightly raining when we went and only saw a few campers. Very pretty and the trails were well marked and easy to follow.
Sunday, September 1, 2002
My husband and I hiked this trail yesterday. I am scouting out hiking trails for the outdoors club I sponsor at the highschool I work at. This trail was uneventful to me. I admit, the falls were beautiful, but getting to them was not exciting. If I could do what Jonathon said and take the alternate route to the upper falls I would next time, however, the upper falls were off limits due to erosion. This would be a great place for the beginning hiker or a family.
Sunday, August 11, 2002
hiked trail today w/13 yr old and 7 yr old,trails are well maintained and landscape is wonderfull.lower and middle falls are open but trail to upper is closed making for a short day of hiking.middle falls is a must see even with water levels low its impressive
Monday, August 5, 2002
I recently visited Desoto falls with my wife and two boys(ages 2 and 5).We hiked to the lower falls. The hike was pretty short, about 1/4 mile. The park was is great condition. The creek is calm and a great area for small children to play. We spent 4 hours in the creek area playing. What a great day! H-
Monday, June 17, 2002
My wife and 6 month old son and I visited the falls Father's Day weekend. Trails are in great shape and it is an easy stroll to the upper falls...even with a kid pack. Even though we are in a bit of a drought, the falls had more water than expected.
Saturday, March 30, 2002
We hiked this in February with our two children (4 year old girl and 5 month old boy) in child carriers. The path to the upper falls has obviously been improved since the main passage was written. The new trail to the upper falls takes a sharp left and gradually climbs the mountain in a series of cutbacks... apparently much easier than the old path which takes you straight up. The total hike was not at all difficult and we are not expert hikers (particularly with children on our backs). The viewing area for the top falls was tiny, so I wouldn't recommend saving your lunch for the top if you are hiking on a crowded day (we had the whole 10 x 10 area to ourselves, so we were just fine). We had a great trip!
Wednesday, February 27, 2002
My girlfriend and I hiked the the upper falls portion of the trail. After about 3/4 of a mile we arrived at a wood platform a the bottom of the falls for viewing. This trail is well maintained and is advised for the whole family. However, if you want a more difficult challenge, right before you approch the upperfalls platform make a right on a different trail. You will see other small water falls, downed trees a thick underbrush. After 1/4 of a mile you will begin to climb a small mountain. Near the top make a right and follow around to a 100 foot cascade. (estimated hight) It is located directly past a gap that has some interesting boulders. (Many years back a land slide occured) I enjoyed this one. There is something for everyone here.
Wednesday, February 6, 2002
I hiked this trail January 27, 2002. The water flow was wonderful with all the rain that we have had lately. We actually went all the way up to the upper falls even though they were pretty covered with fallen trees. We obviously missed the "right" trail and made our way up the side of the mountain. We weren't the only ones that used that route because we saw several footprints along the way but we never saw anyone else on the trail. It was a rough hike up to the top but well worth it. We made our own way to the other side of the falls and sat on the huge rock, overlooking the falls, mountains, and even the road. Pretty dangerous so I really don't recommend this unless you are very use to hiking. The hike to the lower and middle falls were easy and could be done by families and beginning hikers.
Saturday, April 14, 2001
Desoto Falls is a great hike for the whole Family. Lets face it some people should not be let out of the mall. It is hard to Sue Mother Nature.
Saturday, April 14, 2001
Just recently hikied Desoto Falls Trail with my boyfriend and his 5yr. old daughter. One of the most beautiful hikes and the upper falls are fantastic. Easy hike for all three of us beautiful scenery. According to the other two reports I read, nothing in compasions to their reports. Definatly not dangerious at all especially if you've ever hiked befor or have any experience. I've hiked in Gatlinburg TN and compaired to those eligent hikes I was impressed with Desoto Falls.
Wednesday, August 2, 2000
Caution about the waterfall. My daughter and son-in-law are both in serious condition, one in Atlanta hospital and otherin a Military Hospital. Daughter slipped on algae covered granite by the DeSoto Falls, went over 2 levels of falls,her husband tried to save her, went over 3 levels (48 ft) himself. According to latest info, not uncommon to be killed in accidents there. Be careful!
Monday, February 7, 2000
I hiked the trail to the falls last weekend (2/5/00) after two weekends of bad weather. The trails should have been closed like most of the other trails and high drives in the area. The ice near the end of the trail was dangerous to say the least. All but one idiot turned back because the trail was virtually impassable. That idiot (me) made it to the falls but could not traverse the small hills back up because of the sheet of ice. Having unsuccessfully attempted many tries and falls, I had to physically scramble up the icy bank and trapse through the underbrush to bypass the two small hills that were impassable. Dan-ger-ous !!
Trail Length:2.0 miles
Location: Lumpkin County
Features:falls, family, stream, picnicking, camping.
Last hiked:11/04/1997 | Type of trail:In and out
Our rating:Easy
Your rating:Moderate (96)
Date added:01/01/1995
Trail Usage:
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