June 11, 2024
Beech Creek Trail
near Tate City, GA
Definitely a technically challenging, but fun hike. Despite the rocky and occasionally overgrown conditions and a steep initial climb, the trail is in fair condition. We did have to make 3 shallow water crossings, but with the fairly low flows, we crossed with little or no wet feet. The rewards are a beautiful surrounding forest with almost continuous views and sounds of Beech Creek. In addition, with a bit of effort and careful footing, you get to enjoy the 40-foot Bull Cove Falls and 150-foot High Falls. We saw a few wildflowers along the trail, some we haven't seen this year. A 7.2 mile/2,200-foot elevation gain version of this hike around Big Scaly Mtn. may be more desirable in the winter which also eliminates doubling back on the same trail.
TODAY'S HIKERS: Jack Tredman, Shelia Getman, Roger Willis, Ken Pardue, Claudia Pardue, Heather Wall & Toby & Mike Bell.
The route
5.6 mi · 1,857 ft climbing · 4h 42m out, 3h 30m walking · 1.6 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%
26 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (28)
High Falls on Beech Creek. Doesn't look like 150-feet high, but it is. Today's hikers (L-R): Jack, Shelia, Roger, Ken, Claudia, Heather with Toby & Mike This is the lower trailhead marker just across from the parking area on the west side of the access road. No warmup on this trail. A steep climb at the beginning. A fair amount of Japanese Spirea along this trail. Our first water crossing on Beech Creek. Not too deep and could be rock-hopped today. Looks like a wild rose, but it is not. Heather was right, it's a Purple-flowering Raspberry. Jack Treadman and Ken Pardue at the second wet crossing at the branch at Bull Cove. Ken and Claudia Pardue climbing some large boulders on their way up to Bull Cove Falls. A first look a Bull Cove Falls through the trees. Bull Cove Falls from the piled blown down of trees at its base. You've got to be careful in accessing this fall. Bull Cove Falls is surrounded by very tall rock cliffs. And guarded by an overhanging hornet's nest spotted by Roger Willis.. Goat's-beard (L) and Wild Hydrangea (R) And now the third and most tricky wet crossing. Each of us seemed to have their own technique and path . . . some wet and some dry. Some of the interesting fungi seen today. A scenic cascade right along the trail headed up to High Falls. Meadow Evening-Primrose (Top) and Fire Pink (Bottom) spotted by Ken Pardue further up the trail. Tony Presley identified this structure as the, "corundum mine loading area." The cliffs above this area are known for bear to "raise and den" their young. Eh Heather? How about that? Finally, High Falls. Lots of blowdown and not possible to get very close. Gotta get that picture. So much pretty water along this trail. One more time across Beech Creek. How many hikers can you find in this picture? Toby says, "Come on Jack. I deserve a treat!" Just a few more wildflowers seen on the way back. This Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly seems to be in the last stage of it's life. Beautiful, but sad. Some of the trail conditions encountered today. Photos by Heather Wall.