February 27, 2026
Tabor Falls & Nearby Features
near Mount Airy, GA
This exploratory hike around Tabor Falls aimed to confirm routes and locate key scenic features. Recent rains left trails and roads muddy. Starting at the end of Sellers Dr. (FS 89A gate), we followed a mix of Forest Service roads, old logging routes, faint trails, and some bushwhacking. Logging activity has significantly altered the northern section since 2023. We navigated to an old railroad spur and crossed the Middle Fork Broad River, briefly exploring and wading into the beautiful rock and brick culvert before heading downstream. About 0.3 miles along the river, we located the scenic Sandy Bottom Waterfall but did not descend to its bottom due to steep terrain. Continuing downstream and failing to find an easy crossing, we waded across the river and climbed a long, moderately steep draw to reconnect with FS roads. From there, we followed an orange-blazed trail to Tabor Falls, crossing a creek twice. The main falls feature an impressive 50-foot drop, though access to the base requires a risky scramble. Attempts to continue to Lower Tabor Falls were abandoned due to hazardous terrain, but we did easily locate Upper Tabor Falls in a Mountain Laurel thicket. The hike ended with a steady 0.8-mile climb on a well-designed switchback trail. Overall, the route is moderately difficult to difficult, with risks including water crossings, steep climbs, and narrow, exposed paths. One surprising bonus to this hike was seeing a good number of Trout Lilies in bloom. Cooler seasons are best for this hike, and while the route was successful, further exploration and refinement is possible.
Today's Hikers: Heather Wall, Jack Treadman & Mike Bell.
The route
6.5 mi · 883 ft climbing · 4h 57m out, 3h 16m walking · 2.0 mph moving
Elevation
Hover over the profile to see the elevation and steepness. Your position will be shown on the map.
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
30 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (35)
Today's most significant features: L-Tabor Falls & R-Abandoned RR Culvert. Photo by Heather Wall. Today's Exploratory Hikers (L-R): Mike, Jack & Heather. Trailhead and parking at the end of Sellers Drive where it turns into FS 89A. Headed up FS 89A. It had rained the night before. As we continued up FS 89, we passed by this interesting work by a woodpecker. Nice neat job with rounded openings. Our first of several wet crossings today. This one was easy. Where FS 89 ends, the trail continues on as an old road bed. Nearby is a faint trace of a trail that lead to the east side of the river neat the RR culvert. The old road intersects into the old railroad bed leading to the top of the rock culvert. Heather leads the way down the constructed railroad bed high above the river and rock culvert we are to see. Upstream view (L) and downstream view (R) of the Middle Fork of the Broad River where the rock culvert passes through. We find a path down the steep and high embankment to the rock RR culvert. First look. Wow! That is really something. We decide to wade in to see the brick ceiling that Heather points out. Beautiful. Heather and Mike decide to wade into the culvert, but not all the way through. . . . The water is really cold. Left photo by Heather Wall. So we head down the river in search of a waterfall Heather knows about. Photos by Heather Wall. There it is, Sandy Bottom Falls, a 20-foot double sliding cascade. Photo by Heather Wall. Rather than turn back, we rely upon a previous hiker's track and continue downstream on a fairly decent trail. Upper photo by Heather Wall. The trail was fading so we decided to cross the river. Oops, we're on an island, but getting off was worse. Both Jack and Mike fell. Photos by Heather Wall. So, up the fairly steep, but long draw in search of the logging road we knew was somewhere up there. Following the ridgeline to the logging road. Now we're headed on a section of log strewn FS-89 that takes us to the Tabor Falls Trail. We easily rock-hop this shallow creek leading to Tabor Falls. But the next crossing back is so easy . . . right Jack? Oops! An unnamed mini waterfall above Tabor Falls. Got to be careful with these wet leaves and slippery flat rocks. At the bottom of 50-foot Tabor Falls, really impressive, but a steep scramble in and out. Selfie time! One of the big surprises today, one of several in bloom Trout Lilies clusters. Another view of Tabor Falls, 150 feet down the creek. These rope lines were helpful for getting down and out for this last view of Tabor Falls. Left photo by Heather Wall. Searching for Lower Tabor Falls, but the trail became too dangerous to continue further downstream. Photo by Heather Wall. A small horseshoe-shaped waterfall further downstream, but too dangerous to try to get closer. Heading back uptrail. Another small waterfall as we head up-trail in search of Upper Tabor Falls. Upper Tabor Falls off the main trail, but only marked by remnants of orange survey tape. Headed back to the trailhead on a very nice mountain bike path with switchbacks no less. A bit tiring, but rewarding hike. Good job Jack and Heather!.