Smith Creek Trail to Anna Ruby Falls

Let's avoid the crowds and enjoy a weekday hike to Anna Ruby Falls. This is a lovely out and back hike with Anna Ruby Falls as the mid-point highlight.

The trail begins at Unicoi State Park and follows the Sautee Ditch, a historic gold mining waterway. It goes through a fern-covered, hardwood forest. The are no mountain-top views on this trail, but if the leaves have not reappeared, we will see small waterfalls and more of the forest. Or perhaps some early wildflowers.

There are several stream crossings on this hike, so hiking poles are strongly recommended. I have never had a problem getting across any of these though. Still, be sure you have waterproof hiking boots with good tread.

Once we arrive at Anna Ruby Falls, we'll enjoy the view of the falls then hike down to the visitor center for a brief lunch break before hiking back the same trail to our cars.

We will hike at a truly moderate pace. We will not be racing up (or down) the trail. We will hike at a pace that allows us to enjoy the scenery and stay close together. So - no turtoises  and no hares on this hike please.

Elevation is approximately 2300 feet. I ask you have some recent D4 or solid D3 experience for this hike.

There is no carpool for this event. There is adequate parking (remember your state park pass) at the trailhead. There are no restrooms in the parking area, but you can take a short walk down the hill to the campground restrooms. Also, you can stop at Unicoi Lodge just across the street on your way in to use the facilities there. Drive past the left turn onto Unicoi Campground Road and make and immediate right into parking lot for the lodge.

The trailhead is located in the Unicoi State Park campground. Click here for Google Maps trailhead location. The left turn onto Unicoi Campground Road is just past Unicoi Lake Dam.

Since the trailhead is located inside Unicoi State Park, you'll need to bring $5 for the daily parking fee or a Georgia State Park annual pass.