Tuesday, July 5, 2005
My wife and I hiked Keown Falls Trail 7/4/05. It took about an hour and was enjoyable. I would recommend it to others.
Monday, November 10, 2003
The Keown Falls trailhead is typical for Georgia park trails (approach road, gravel lot, parking drop box) except for three rather nice features; a clean, if very basic, restroom, an open A-Frame rain shelter and a well-marked, stone lined approach trail. There is a water pump of drinkable water here as well. Its obvious from the first that Keown Falls has its share of local regulars but I was pleased that the impact (with one notable exception) was only moderate. A note about most Georgia mountain falls first though. Most appear to be highly seasonable, dry many times and often only a light cascade at their best. Still, I was very pleased with the general atmosphere and visual appeal of the site. The first leg of the trail is about 1 mile, ending at the Keown Falls overlook deck. I'd say this is a light hike suitable for anyone in regular health and children with supervision. It is not handicap accessible, however. We met a few folks on this leg, who were friendly and informative. From here hikers may choose the lower trail which loops back or the upper trail which crosses the Johns Mountain Trail and Tihoti (sp?) Trails within sight of the overlook deck.
Monday, February 3, 2003
I hiked this trail for the very first time on February 3, 2003 on a very warm day. I was surprised to see the gates unlocked. They have a very nice picknic area, with pleanty of tables and grills. They also have restrooms available, and they looked rather new from the outside. The posted sign said that the falls were flowing, so Tag and I (Tag is my one year old Black Lab) headed for the trail. We went left at the split, and walked up the backside. This route took us to a smaller water fall, and then underneath Keown falls. We then walked up to the observation deck, and then back down along the creek. This was a pleasant hike and had wonderful scenery. If your ever around the area stop and check it out. There is a day use fee of $2 per vechicle. This helps provide trail maintance as well as the new restrooms that were added.
Saturday, October 20, 2001
This is "home territory" hiking for me and I've walked this trail more than 30 times. I prefer doing it counter-clockwise which means walking up the tumbling creek, crossing, a few switchbacks that have an excellent stand of blueberries in July, and then the steep rocky climb to the overlook. This trail is "moderate" at worst and a relatively short walk at that. After enjoying the view from the overlook, descend back down the way you came a short distance, then head west on the trail section which goes behind the falls, continuing on a level section of trail that is wet with lots of loose rocks. Here the trail skirts the base of some rocky bluffs with several small waterfalls. After crossing a little creek at the base of a small falls, the switchbacks resume taking you down through a (usually) dry section of forest back to the parking area. Note: the main gate at the paved access road is usually closed from mid-November until April. You can park at the gate and access the trail via the gravel access road but this adds about a mile to your hike (both ways).
Saturday, October 20, 2001
This is "home territory" hiking for me and I've walked this trail more than 30 times. I prefer doing it counter-clockwise which means walking up the tumbling creek, crossing, a few switchbacks that have an excellent stand of blueberries in July, and then the steep rocky climb to the overlook. This trail is "moderate" at worst and a relatively short walk at that. After enjoying the view from the overlook, descend back down the way you came a short distance, then head west on the trail section which goes behind the falls, continuing on a level section of trail that is wet with lots of loose rocks. Here the trail skirts the base of some rocky bluffs with several small waterfalls. After crossing a little creek at the base of a small falls, the switchbacks resume taking you down through a (usually) dry section of forest back to the parking area. Note: the main gate at the paved access road is usually closed from mid-November. You can park at the gate and access the trail via the gravel access road but this adds about a mile to your hike (both ways).
Monday, April 23, 2001hiddenpondHiked on 4/23/01. Everything was blooming and beautiful. Not too crowded and Falls were flowing. Best approach to trail is counter-clockwise (Moderate Hike). A Clockwise approach could be strenuous due to prolonged incline. If you apporach from counterclockwise direction, a smaller and less dramatic falls are about 300-400 ft past Keown Falls. Unusually pretty because of green moss and vegitation at this second set. Notes: 1) Watch out for Hunters in area hunting Wild Turkey which you will see. 2) Path from 1st falls to 2nd falls (300-400ft) is well defined but worn w/ unstable rocks for footing - be careful. 3) Falls do not always flow - a sign posted at trailhead will tell you if they are flowing. Plan accordingly. 5) Poision Ivy All over 6) Don't make the mistake I did - The falls mentioned for the John's Mountain Trail are the same falls as in Keown Falls trail!! The two loops interesct eachother at the falls.
Saturday, April 14, 2001
Just hiked it today (04-14-01). Native azaleas, trillium and many other wild flowers abound. Even found a patch of about 6 Jack-in-the-pulpit. Beautiful with more water over the falls than I've seen in previous 4-5 visits. BUT, wear long pants. LOTS of poison ivy everywhere!!
Tuesday, April 18, 2000
I,ve made this very pretty hike several times.The main falls are beautiful when flowing, but the cascades leading to falls are well worth a closer look. Photographers will appreciate moss covered boulders and pretty foilage surrounding these small waterfalls. Have also experienced red tail hawks flying overhead while standing on the observation deck.
Friday, January 21, 2000
My wife and hiked the Keown falls Trail on a cool, rainy Sunday. The mist and nip in the air added to the hike. Trailhead is well marked as the trail ascends up the mountain. The view from the deck was great. They are adding railings to the upper part of the trail near the falls which will help get up the rock steps...
Tuesday, July 27, 1999
it was a nice short hike. the "first" falls, is scarcely more than a trickle, but the 2nd falls is really quite pretty. we went down into them and cooled off under the showering waterfall. the observation deck is nice too. the second half of the loop is very neat because its more wooded and less traveled on. a good hike for beginners looking for a moderate workout.
Saturday, April 10, 1999
This trail was a fairly easy trail& well worth the climb. The falls were beautiful & the paths well maintained. We traveled counter clockwise where the trail splits, and only in a few places did we encounter spots where we had to climb through or over rocks along the trail. Once to the falls you have a choice of either going to the observation area where you can continue on the John's Mountain trail (do that one clockwise), or continuing on the Keown Falls trail back to the parking lot and have a picnic next to a stream (which we did). After the Keown Trail & the picnic, we drove to the John's Mountain trail which is right up the road and has a gorgeous view of the valley.
Trail Length:1.8 miles
Location: Walker County
Features:falls.
Last hiked:07/10/98 | Type of trail:Loop
Our rating:Easy
Your rating:Easy (32)
Date added:01/01/1994
Trail Usage:
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