July 15, 2025
High Shoals and Blue Hole Falls Trail
near Hiwassee, GA
This was actually a two-trail hike, one on the High Shoals Falls trail and the second on the Unicoi Lake trail. Both were easy hikes. We had warm, 75°F-85°F temperatures and high humidity, but fortunately we also had high cover providing good shade. Access to the High Shoals Falls trail is via Indian Grave Gap Road. which required a ~12" to 15" shallow ford across the low flowing Hiwassee River. This Forest Service road receives heavy use and thus, is rutted extensively in places with numerous large exposed rocks requiring slow travel. The trail itself is also heavily used with lots of exposed roots in many places. This trail also includes Blue Hole Falls which can be accessed by either of two short unmarked side trails. Both falls have viewing platforms. The second hike around Unicoi Lake was cut short by construction at the beach area so we concluded our hike after returning to that trailhead. We found just a couple of blooming wildflowers today.
Today's Hikers: Beth Hawkins, Jack Wintle, Vic Robson, Jack Treadman, Pam Hembree, Ken Kellerman & Cutie Pie, Jenny Bell, Edwin Pruitt, Angela Evans, Allyson Aldrich, Ken Pardue, Jane Voss, Mike Jones & Mike Bell.
The route
3.8 mi · 617 ft climbing · 2h 34m out, 2h 12m walking · 1.7 mph moving
Elevation
Hover over the profile to see the elevation and steepness. Your position will be shown on the map.
Part 1 of 2 · 2.7 mi
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
Part 2 of 2 · 1.1 mi
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
20 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (21)
Blue Hole Falls just above High Shoal Falls and only 20-feet high is still quite pretty and provide summer swimming for some. Photo by Jane Voss. Today's Hikers (L-R) Back: Beth, Jack W., Vic, Jack T., Pam, Ken K. & Cutie Pie, Jenny, Edwin, Angela, Allyson, Ken P.; Front: Mike B., Jane & Mike J. Reaching the High Shoals Falls trailhead requires fording the Hiwassee River. It was fairly shallow today and was crossed without any problem. Getting ready at the trailhead. There is parking for four cars at the trailhead, but numerous cars were parked along the road when we finished hiking. A nice trailhead sign here, but that is the last one you will see on this hike making it easy to miss the side trail for Blue Hole Falls. The upper part of the trail is fairly nice, but . . . . Then it becomes quite rooty in many sections requiring care in one's footing. A nice bridge to cross High Shoals Creek. High Shoals Creek above Blue Hole Falls has a nice cascade and view over the falls into Blue Hole. However, the side trail is not terribly obvious and requires care scrambling down and back up to the trail. Blue Hole Falls with a headlight in the eyes look. High Shoal Falls - 120 Feet consisting of two sliding cascades with only the lower cascade visible from the base. Photo by Jane Voss. Lots of high cover today, but it was still quite warm and humid. This large mushroom surprised many since we didn't see it on our way down to the falls. We had to settle for this Beggar-Lice and Joe Pye Weed blooms today. This large, but terribly leaning tree had us wondering how is was still healthy and still standing. Even Cutie Pie was ready to get off this trail and find a cool spot. So we headed down to Unicoi Lake, but grabbed a snack before hiking around the lake. This is an easy flat, wide trail. This was a good day for lake pictures with a nice reflection. Photo by Jane Voss. Upon reaching the beach area we were not allowed to continue around the lake due to construction of a new walkway along the shoreline. Photo by Jane Voss