Emery Creek Trail — Attraction in Georgia

NOT THE TRAILHEAD!!! So many people are posting pictures and reviews here as if this was the TRAILHEAD of the 3 mile hike on Holly and Emery Creek that goes to the waterfalls - it's not! Directions WARNING!!! Do not click on or put "Emery Creek Trail" on Google Maps or GPS and think you are going to the great Emery Creek Trail along Holly Creek and Emery Creek with 10 creek water crossings you must walk through and great swimming holes and waterfalls. I did just that and followed my GPS and ended up on top of a mountain - my GPS told me I was at my destination but there was nothing but forest. ( I was driving so I didn't check the maps until it was obvious I was in the wrong place). You CAN access the Emery Creek Trail from the top of Little Bald Mountain at the Ball Field Dispersed Camping area but, you would be descending the mountain for 4+ miles before you hit the upper waterfall. This is not the popular end of the trail. It looked rarely used. This might be a nice hike on its own but we only went 30 minutes in and then turned around because it was getting late and we wanted to find the creek and swim. Also the sign here that says "Overlook 0.3 miles" does not mean waterfall overlook. It's a mountain view mostly blocked by trees but there is a nice northern slope covered in ferns. When I was finally able to get cell signal and look at the map I saw "Emery Creek Trailhead" for the 1st time down on the CCC road. I came in from 575 and it would have been a lot better coming 75 to 411. We checked out the trailhead and swam in the creek. Didn't mind the drive in the mountains and we saw a bear we would have missed if we didn't take the detour up to the...

Hiking in the beautiful Chattahoochee National Forest every Sunday has become my therapy. We take every precaution and everyone on the trails are super respectful by stepping to the side and allowing others to pass. Emery Creek Trail is a little over 6 miles on and off an old logging trail, and to get to the summit you'll have to cross the stream 10 times with the first crossing either to your waist or chest depending on how high the water is (probably one of my most favorite parts). The remaining crossings are ankle deep. If you take this trail (any trail) get the right shoes (we chose Salomon crossamphibians), a bear bell, bring extra water (freeze 2 bottles the night before), and take a hammock if you can ($18 on Amazon), lunch, and put everything in ziploc bags because you will get wet (so refreshing). There are no cell signals so plan ahead with Gotenna's, walkie-talkie's, or make sure someone knows where you are. We've been caught off guard with pop-up up horrible thunderstorms and had no communication. There are several fire pits and free primal camp sites and the absolute best part is its like walking through Jurassic Park....

The hike proved to be an unexpected but thoroughly enjoyable experience. I encountered more wet conditions than I had anticipated, yet it added to the adventure. The walk along the side of the river gave off a wonderful cool breeze. The waterfalls are awesome and can be seen along the trail. As I made my way along the trail, I found that there were plenty of smaller boulders and rocks, which assisted when crossing the flowing water. The water flow was steady and manageable, creating a pleasant backdrop to my journey.

Throughout the hike, I spotted multiple potential camping spots along the way. There were side trails and elevated areas that offered great options for setting up a campsite. The tree coverage was perfect, providing much-needed shade while still allowing for stunning views of the surroundings. From certain high vantage points, the vistas were expansive, making the trek even...