Cochran Falls - Georgia’s second highest waterfall

Please read the entire event description prior to signing up for this event.  If you are not comfortable climbing extremely steep hills (100%+ grades in places), doing some scrambling, ascending/descending using rocks, branches, and roots as handholds, etc, etc, then this particular event isn’t for you.  But if that stuff excites you and you have a sense of adventure, then this should be right up your alley.

Cochran Falls is Georgia's second highest cascading waterfall (~600 ft) and due to its seclusion, it is seldom visited. Due to the recent rains, there should be some nice flow going over the waterfall. We will be hiking to the Len Foote Hike Inn at Amicalola Falls SP, where we will take a break on the lawn and enjoy the splendid views. But the route there is what will differ from most hikes. We will be starting the hike along the lower reaches of Cochran Creek and then following a 'trail' that parallels the creek upstream. We will reach the base of Cochran Falls, which cascades down a total of 600 feet. There are several good viewing spots, including one at the base of a huge cliff. From the base we will circumnavigate the cliff and continue along an unmaintained 'goat trail', paralleling the waterfall until we reach the top of the falls - there is a great view from the top of the waterfall. The hike from the bottom to the top of the falls is extremely steep, can be slippery, involves some scrambling, using trees/branches/roots as handholds, and climbing over rocks in places.  It can be a bit intimidating to some… especially on the descent.

After taking time to enjoy the scenery and great views from the top of the falls, we will continue along a trail until we intersect with the Len Foote Hike Inn Trail at which point it's about 1.5 mi to the Inn. Once at the Inn, we will take a break on the lawn or patio which have spectacular views of the valleys below.  The Inn has water, lemonade, iced tea, and sometimes snacks such as bread, cookies, and fruit for a donation. Please do not take snacks or drinks without leaving a donation in the “hiker snack/drink donation box”.

After leaving the Inn, we will retrace our steps back towards the cars, possibly making a couple short stops for some other quick views of the falls.

The hike will be about 10 miles will have about 2,400 feet of ascent... but the terrain is rugged and difficult in certain stretches. There may be some blowdowns along the route, requiring some finessing to get around/over, so be prepared for that. There will be a creek crossing at the very beginning (and end) of the hike, which may require removing boots for crossing. You should have good coordination and balance to do this hike.  If you do not have previous D4+ hiking experience I will be contacting you to determine if this hike is appropriate for you.

This is a carpool only event unless there are extenuating circumstances.