Big Bend Falls is said to be the largest waterfall on the Scenic Chattooga River and can be reached via a 3.2 mile one way Hike from Burrell's Ford Campground. You can go directly to the falls via the trail at the end of the parking lot near the gate, OR take the trail directly across from the restroom facilities, which I would recommend! THAT trail leads you to Kings Creek, where you will find a stunning 70 foot waterfall. Once you've seen the falls, backtrack in the same direction you came until you see a side trail leading you to the Foothills Trail (white blazes). Eventually it will connect with another trail (green blazes) and you will follow it for approx. 2.8 miles. The Foothill Trail mostly follows the Chattooga River, but there will be a few sections of the trail that cut across higher elevations where the river is far below you or not visible at all. However, there are also several areas where you can walk out onto the river banks and take absolutely stunning pictures. It is no wonder the Chattooga is considered one of the most beautiful wild & scenic rivers in the southeastern United States! I would recommend using a satellite GPS trail tracking system that does not rely on the internet to find the falls. We ran across several backpack hikers that could not find the falls, which had us worried. However, ya' boy and his crew go t it done and found the elusive side trail that leads to the falls from the main trail. ~ INSIDER TIP: Once you cross the one-rail footbridge and see the signs that says Big Bend Falls [.8 miles], you will hike a number of switchbacks and sections with timber steps. The falls are not visible from the main trail, but you CAN hear them. The audible level of the falls is only slightly louder than the roar of the rivers rapids. However, once you are on the side trail down to the falls, you will hear the deep base tone of the falls much better. The trail down to the falls is just beyond a long set of timber stairs after the third or forth switchback. Immediately after the stairs is small a rock outcrop you must climb down and directly to your right after that will be a narrow opening in the thicket. The side trail entrance is here. ~ WARNING: The side trail is VERY STEEP and tight in some areas. You need both hands and feet to get down safely and it will require you to hold onto branches, roots or anything you can to keep from slipping. I would NOT RECOMMEND bringing small children on this hike. As a matter of fact, I would even go as far as to say it would be difficult (not impossible) for anyone shorter than 5 feet. There were some sections I needed my entire 5'11" frame to find the ground below me as I held onto a branch. ~ TRAIL DETAILS * PARKING AREA: YES [Burrell's Ford Campground] * RESTOOMS: YES * LENGTH: 3.2 miles ONE WAY to falls * DIFFICULTY: 5 out of 10 [main trail] / 9 out of 10 [side trail to falls] * ELEVATION GAIN: 785+ feet (one way) * WATERFALL ATTRACTIVENESS: 10 out of 10 | Kings Creek 6 out of 10 | Big Bend (mostly because of volume) * WATERFALL HEIGHT: 70 feet | Kings Creek 30 feet | Big Bend (but looks smaller) ~ FINAL TOUGHTS Some trail guide rate this trail as strenuous and others moderate. I would say it is mostly moderate, but the side trail climb down to the falls is no joke! It's not very long, but it requires great effort. Still, to those who risk it, there is a marvelous reward! Even without going down to Big Bend Falls it is a very rewarding trail, particularly in the fall season. The trail affords some seriously stunning views and photo ops of the Chattooga River, and Kings Creek Falls simply should not be missed! Also nearby are Spoonauger Falls, Licklog Falls and Pigpen Falls if you have the extra energy. ENJOY!!! 2020 / 80 read more

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