Anna Ruby Falls Visitor Center & Gift Shop — Attraction in Clayton

Went on the wrong hike to Anna Ruby Falls last year (The Smith Creek to Anna Ruby trail, its a five hour hike...) and it was about 5pm when my friends and I arrived to the visitor center. There were three people working inside. We asked for a ride back, as we were too weak to make our way back to Unicoi park and didn't feel safe walking back down the road and definitely not back the way we came with the sun going down.

The rangers joked at us and made fun of us and refused to drive us back until they were off shift, but we weren't allowed to hang around. My assumption is they thought we didn't hike the 5 hour trail but rather the concrete paved wheel-chair accessible one. We had to trust their word they were going to pick us up after shift. They made us walk down the road (no sidewalk) for 40 minutes until one of them managed to drive past us and pick us up.

I can't believe that three people on shift, not one would drive us back when we were obviously bedraggled and forced to walk down the road with the sun setting.

TLDR: Double check which hiking trail you're going on, first and foremost, but also don't expect the people who work for Anna Ruby Falls to care about you or...

Anna Ruby has been on my bucket list for a while now and I was so excited to go! Nestled above Unicoi, the drive up the mountain is beautiful.

Parking is cash at the guard house or card at the visitor center. The restrooms are clean and have ample stalls.

The hike up to the falls is paved, but deceptively steep. Some parts can be a struggle to get up. There is seating along the way to stop and rest, but be warned, it is STEEP.

But, while it's steep, it's gorgeous. Climbing up, you see the falls emerge and the view is spectacular. There are two viewing decks, with the top one almost right up against the falls. The top deck has plenty of seating, which we took advantage of before making our way back down.

Definitely a trip to make if you're...

Our family visited Anna Ruby Falls two weeks and loved it. There were steep areas, but you can hold on to rails, sit down and take a breath, or just stand still and breathe. We went in the morning on a beautiful day, and it wasn't too crowded; however, those we passed were friendly. If you're a lover of chasing waterfalls, Anna Ruby Falls should be on your list. These falls were one of a few we visited in Georgia and South Carolina and they did not disappoint. They make for beautiful springtime memories. It's a short hike to the falls, water cascades to your left and right to make great pictures. I think the two most Awesome sights I saw on this hike...was Anna Ruby Falls and my air conditioned vehicle waiting for me in the...