July 1, 2025
Homestead + 4 More Falls Trail
near Toccoa, GA
This was one of the more challenging hikes we've taken. Except for the first mile on Pumping Station Rd, most of our hiking was on poorly or not identifiable paths with extensive overgrowth and numerous blow downs. This was the most bushwhacking we have done on any hike. We did find all five of the waterfalls, but could not get close to Sharp Rock Falls. However, Filmy Fern and Homestead Falls were quite impressive and made the hike worth the effort. This was a difficult hike made more difficult by the 80+ temperatures, very high humidity and no winds. It would be a bit easier in the winter with more visible paths and cooler temperatures. Lastly, parking is very limited with a small pull-off on the right for 2 cars just before the Davidson Cove Lane intersection. See: Homestead Falls: https://hikingwnc.com/737-homestead-falls/ for further details. Since I had to double back to find lost water bottle, actual mileage is closer to 4.2 miles.
Today's hikers: Jane Voss, Jenny Bell, Kim Johnson, Ken Pardue, Bobbie Broussard, Matt Henderson & Toby, Mike Bell.
The route
4.7 mi · 548 ft climbing · 5h 4m out, 3h 37m walking · 1.3 mph moving
Elevation
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- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
24 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (25)
Homestead Falls... today's prize, but we did have to work for it. Good Job everyone! Today's adventurous hikers (L-R): Jane, Jenny, Kim, Ken, Bobbie, Matt & Mike w/Toby Getting started at the trailhead. Very limited parking just this side of the gate. Stay off private land! The gate at the entrance and the road we walked for the first mile which led us to finding two falls along the way. This Blackeyed Susan was one of the few wildflowers seen today. Our first stop was Lovely Ledge Falls. Photo by Jane Voss. Lovely Ledge Falls took a bit of bushwacking to get to it, but it was a good start to the day. Left photo by Jane Voss. Next stop was Sharp Rock Falls. We didn't see a safe way down to it with the extensive overgrowth. It was trickly getting down this embankment to go onto Filmy Fern Falls. We crossed some shallow water while still on the way to Filmy Fern Falls. Kim is trying to work her way up the creek to the base of the Filmy Fern Falls , but .... We found it was easier to walk further up the hill to come into Filmy Fern Falls from the side. Oh yes, much easier. Matt and Toby checking out Filmy Fern Falls. One of the more discernible paths. In some cases we just guessed at the path looking well ahead and checking our GPS track. We did see quite a bit of colorful fungi as we trekked along. Right center photo by Jane Voss. This is Grand Shoals, but well covered by accumulated blowdown debris. The path we took closely follows this unnamed creek leading into Davidson Creek. We spotted this black snake sunning. He didn't seem to mind us or move so we just left him alone. These flags were found getting closer to Homestead Falls which helped route us around blowdowns. Rhododendron still in bloom at the base of Homestead Falls. Right photo by Jane Voss. First sight of Homestead Falls. Taking a break after a long 3 hours, much of which was bushwacking. On our way back on an old logging road, but still overgrown with numerous blowdowns. A tired group of hikers about to finish this hike