Trails & Waterfalls
The southern Appalachian Mountains are crisscrossed by trails and streams. Visitors can choose from dozens of outstanding hikes within a 15-minute drive of Highlands.
Trail Hikes
Chinquapin Mountain Trail
This trail, which heads out to the right from Glen Falls trailhead, ascends gradually and then in a series of switchbacks to the top of nearby Chinquapin Mountain, elevation 4,183 feet, where it affords terrific views.
Whiteside Mountain
Whiteside Mountain was formed by molten rock pushed to the surface in what geologists call an ‘igneous pluton’ — so this hike traverses stone formed a billion years ago. If you dare, an unmarked spur from the midpoint of the hike descends to The Devil’s Courthouse, a formation surrounded by sheer drops of nearly 700-feet.
Scaly Mountain
Trailhead: Osage Overlook
This steep trail rises into the woods, its dappled path tunneling through rhododendron thickets before opening up at the summit for magnificent views.
Jones Knob and Whiterock Mountain
Trailhead: Jones Gap
This trail, which departs the parking lot to the west, climbs slowly but steadily, with a first shorter spur ascending Jones Knob and a longer section ascending Whiterock Mountain. The views at both summits are terrific.
From Beegum Gap to Rabun Bald
This trail summits Georgia’s second-highest peak, where an old wooden fire-tower serves as a handy platform for a picnic. On nights when Clemson University’s football team is playing, you may be able to make out the stadium lights, some 30 miles to the southeast.
Sunrise and Sunset Rocks
This trail gradually ascends a narrow gravel road to a broad western-facing slab of rock overlooking the town and countryside, at its best bathed in the rays of the setting sun. A spur at the top leads to a smaller, eastern-facing viewpoint aptly named Sunrise Rock.
Waterfall Hikes
Dry Falls
Visitors can cross behind this 40-foot curtain of descending water on a walkway without getting a drop on them, though they may be moistened by the lingering mist. During full moons, some adventurous spirits visit these falls at night.
Glen Falls
This trail, one of the area’s most popular, is on national forest land. Heading left from the trailhead, the path descends along a creek in a series of switchbacks, frequently bringing you to the water for views of various falls. The 800-foot descent is easy on your way to the bottom, but save some energy for the climb on your way back.
Secret Falls
The trail descends gently through lush forest until arriving at a large, majestic falls and beneath it a shallow wading area. Once lesser known, the “secrecy” of the place is long gone but that doesn’t detract from its spectacle.
Bridal Veil Falls
This waterfall is visible from U.S. 64, a web of droplets spreading like a transparent garment as they plunge to earth. (Another portion of the falls is hidden in the brush above the highway.) Years ago, the road actually ran behind the falls itself, but now there is a parking area for motorists to stop and get a closer view.
