Map showing campground location near Ellijay, Georgia

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Long Creek Falls Appalachian Trail

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Three trout streams converge at this dispersed camping area along the Appalachian Trail, accessible via unpaved Forest Road 42 and a roughly one-mile hike. Campsites are spread along the creek with no formal amenities. Food storage matters here: bear bags or canisters for hikers, car storage for those who drive in. The site sits within the camping near Rich Mountain-Cartecay Tract Wildlife Management Area and draws early-season AT thru-hikers coming down from Springer Mountain. Side trails lead to steep drop-offs and swimming holes. Anglers should check Georgia DNR regulations before fishing, as lure and hook restrictions apply. This spot works best for self-sufficient hikers and anglers comfortable with primitive conditions.

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Map & DirectionsLong Creek Falls Appalachian Trail is located in Georgia near Ellijay

Public Campground

Coordinates

34.66948485 N
84.4347874 W

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Access

Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Drive Time

58 min from Gainesville, GA
1 hr 16 min from Cleveland, TN
1 hr 17 min from Rome, GA
1 hr 21 min from Chattanooga, TN

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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Long Creek Falls Appalachian Trail

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out of 5

2 Reviews

Kayla S.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 13, 2018

Long Creek Falls/Three Forks

This is a walk in/drive to campground off of an unpaved forest service road. There are no amenities. If you drive in, keep your food in your car. If you hike in, store your food properly with a bear bag or canister. Three different trout streams come together here and the fishing is fun. There are rules about what kind of lures/hooks you can use, so be sure to do your research.

Anna R.

Ranger

Reviewed Jul. 26, 2018

Ranger Review: Morsel Spork at Long Creek Falls

Campground Review:

is a nice flat section of the Appalachian Trail that can be accessed by forest road 42 and offers an easy 1 mile hike in the the falls. Campsites are dispersed in the area along the creek and often have remnants of thru hikers coming down from Springer Mountain in the first days of their hike to Maine. The falls are great for sitting and cooling off. The dispersed campsites are all along the creek so there is ample water all around. Some of the sites and side trails lead to steep drop offs that allow you to scramble around and find some good swimming holes

Gear Review: As a Dyrt Ranger, I get to Review cool gear on my camping trips. This trip I tried out the Morsel Spork and Morsel XL utensil for cooking and eating camp food. The Morsel Spork is the smaller version and good for kids hands. My kids used it to eat Mac and cheese right out of the Dehydrated food bag. One end is a Spork and the other end a really cool spatula th hat can be used for stirring, cooking, or serving. There is a nifty hole so you can hook it to your pack or hang it on a gear wall. The heavy duty plastic makes it light weight and rugged. wall. The heavy duty plastic makes it light weight and rugged. The Morsel XL is longer and goes all the way to the bottom of the larger portion Dehydrated food bags. These were designed with this type of food in mind so there is no waste! They also clean up super easy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What activities can visitors enjoy at Long Creek Falls?

Visitors to Long Creek Falls can enjoy hiking, fishing, photography, and nature appreciation. The area features three trout streams converging, providing excellent fishing opportunities. The waterfall itself is a beautiful destination for photography and peaceful contemplation. Hiking opportunities abound, as the site connects to the Appalachian Trail, allowing for day hikes or longer backpacking trips. Wildlife observation is also popular in this pristine forest setting.

How do I get to Long Creek Falls trailhead in Blue Ridge, GA?

The Long Creek Falls trailhead is accessible via Forest Road 42, an unpaved forest service road near Blue Ridge, GA. From the trailhead, it's an easy 1-mile hike to reach the falls. The trail follows a relatively flat section of the Appalachian Trail. While the forest road is unpaved, it's generally passable for most vehicles in good weather conditions. For specific directions from your location, consult a detailed map or contact the Chattahoochee National Forest office for current road conditions.

Is camping allowed at Long Creek Falls in Georgia?

Yes, camping is allowed at Long Creek Falls in Georgia. The area offers dispersed camping along the creek with no formal facilities or amenities. These primitive campsites are located near the Appalachian Trail. Since this is a dispersed camping area, there are no fees or reservations required. Proper food storage is essential - either keep food in your vehicle if you drive in or use a bear bag/canister if hiking in. Be prepared for a true wilderness camping experience with no facilities.

What is the best time of year to visit Long Creek Falls?

The best time to visit Long Creek Falls is during late spring through early fall when weather conditions are most favorable. Summer offers warm temperatures ideal for enjoying the refreshing creek waters, while spring brings higher water levels at the falls. Fall provides beautiful foliage colors enhancing the scenery. The area sees traffic from Appalachian Trail thru-hikers, particularly in spring as they journey north from Springer Mountain. Weather can affect forest road conditions, so checking forecasts before visiting is advisable, especially during winter months when access may be limited.

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