Monday, June 27, 2005
Second time out there. Tried to find my way to the AT on this trail but as the original description goes it would take some bushwhacking. There was one spot where we saw "Indian Pipe" and we also saw some spotted wintergreen. We went after a good rain and found that it added to the rainforest effect. Great hike.
Monday, June 6, 2005
Hemlock Falls Trail is the ideal family hike as the gradual grade is much less strenuous that many trails in the area.It is a great midsummer hike, as it is a cool,shady retreat most of the way.It is not, however friendly to white sneakers, as we have witnessed numerous times! The trail-crossing rivulets provide sloppy going for 20 to 30 yards in a few spots, especially in spring. There are ample sightings of wildlife and wildflowers, from Squaw Brush to Trillium, salamanders to copperheads(watch your pets!)with a wonderful creek in view or earshot the entire trail. It culminates with a cool, accessible waterfall and rest spot. For aerobic hikers, a fast pace is easily maintained before the footbridge. Watch the slippery spots after you cross though!
Tuesday, February 8, 2005
Hiked with my 4 year old on 11/6/04. Very enjoyable, but not necessarily advisable for kids. My son loved it, but the path is not maintained and involves a lot of climbing over and around downed trees. Creek is always present with several nice rapids views that are good places for snack breaks. There is an apparent trailhead just outside of the State Park, but you can actually drive nearly 3/4 of a mile through to a small parking area near the actual trailhead. This cuts off that distance which is just a gravel road with no real wilderness scenery. The width and makeup of the trail feels wild and is therefore very enjoyable if you want to get away from the more civilized trails.
Monday, January 3, 2005
Beautiful scenery. More scenery available during the winter. Trail is wet, so be prepared - take waterproof hiking boots
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
The trail has many smaller waterfalls as it follows the creek to Hemlock falls. a wonderful hike. The upper falls of Moccasin creek are worth the hike, though a tough hike at best. A few slick slopes, 2 water crossings, many fallen trees and undefined trail in places make this not for the novice. We did see a water moccasin at the upper falls.
Saturday, February 7, 2004
We hiked Hemlock Falls Trail in January of 2004, and the description of the hike posted in 1997 is still accurate. The trail past the top of the falls peters out very quickly; there seems to be nearly no trace of it anymore.
Thursday, May 23, 2002
Great trail!! One of the most scenic mountain streams I have seen. Hiked this trail Saturday 5/25/02 after rain previous night. Falls were flowing well. There are actually several falls and drops along this trail, smaller than Hemlock Falls but very scenic. Camped out and it was a cold morning!!
Wednesday, January 23, 2002
Hiked Hemlock Falls Trail during this weekend (Jan 21, 02) and it was a nice simple trail. Not difficult and didn't really feel that long, plus the water was beautiful the entire way.
This is our family's second hike up this trail and on up to Moccasian Falls. On both our first overnight camping at the falls on New Year's eve 2000 (15 degrees -brr!) and our hike up this past Sunday, we saw no other humans! The upper part of the trail had many more blowdowns since the winter, but was still manageable for my 8 and 10 year old kids. The pool at the upper falls is one of the best swimmin' holes I've been to. Beware of sudden weather changes. We got caught in a violent thunderstorm while at the upper falls, which turned the trail into a slippery, messy but fun hike on the way down.
Sunday, March 4, 2001
August, 1997 This trail is easy when dry, I would rate the hike moderate in wet periods due to the slippery footing caused by numerous springs alongside the trail. I found it a wonderful experience and hope to return time and time again to recapture the beauty of Georgia! Sandy D. Smith, California
Monday, February 26, 2001
This was a beautiful trail. To say the least I was surprised that I have never heard of this trail before. I found this trail on this site, and hiked it this past weekend. It is well worth the trip.
Sunday, October 10, 1999
The Hemlock Trail is a nice stroll but I encourage all thrill seakers to continue on further to Moccasin Falls! This is not as easy as the Hemlock Trail but a well earned suprize awaits hikers.
Wednesday, September 1, 1999
A favorite of mine because of the cascading stream that parallels the trail and the rhododendrons that keep the trail cool, even on the hottest summer days. That, and the fact that the trail is uphill to the falls, making the trek back to the car (or tent) most pleasant. There are several good primitive sites near the trailhead and near Hemlock Falls. The falls aren't more than 20' high, but are nicely shaped with a large, deep pool and wide viewing area to catch the mist. Moccasin Falls are another mile up on an unmanaged trail that feels like 2 miles and requires a water crossing, but is worth the effort. The falls are probably 40-50' high and require a steep decent to get to the viewing area and pool. Nice viewing/sitting area at the top of the falls for the sure-footed. Note: Moccasin falls is appropriately named; take special caution in late summer & early fall before the slithery ones go into hibernation. Hemlock Falls is a managed trail and is visited often enough to scare off any dangerous creatures.
Saturday, August 21, 1999
Although hiking on this trail is easy when dry, I would rate the hike moderate in wet periods (usually spring) due to the slippery footing caused by numerous springs alongside the trail.
Trail Length:1.5 miles
Location: Rabun County
Features:falls, stream, camping.
Last hiked:05/18/1997 | Type of trail:In and out
Our rating:Easy
Your rating:Moderate (38)
Date added:05/18/1997
Trail Usage:
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