Hike #: 2
Name: Anna Ruby Falls
Location: Chattahoochee National Forest, Georgia
Distance: 0.8 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Moderate
I'm not going to lie, the walk up to Anna Ruby Falls is fairly steep. It's not hiking up to Blood Mountain, or even as bad as the walk up to the top of Clingman's Dome, but you are definitely walking up hill. However, the walk is short, the path is paved (and thus easy footing), and the view at the end is well worth it.
The neat thing about Anna Ruby Falls is that it isn't just one, but two creeks that make up the falls. From one direction comes Curtis Creek,, and from another comes York Creek. Both make their short journey from Tray Mountain, before going over Anna Ruby Falls. Below the falls they come together to form Smith Creek, which continues on its way to the Chattahoochee River, and eventually the Gulf of Mexico.
Unlike DeSoto Falls*, Anna Ruby Falls is frequently busy, even in the winter. It is up a short road from Unicoi State Park, which has a large campground and a lodge. In addition, it is just a short drive from Helen, a popular tourist town that is kind of like a North Georgia Gatlinburg. When I went it was February, so it wasn't packed, but there was plenty of company.
There are many great falls to see in the North Georgia Mountains. Some require considerable effort to reach, but many do not. Anna Ruby Falls should be on any persons list of Appalachian water falls, especially considering how easy it is to reach. Provided you don't mind a bit of an uphill walk.
*This may make this feature, although it will also be in "Hiking the Lists"
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