November 4, 2025
Coleman River & Tate Branch Trails
near Clayton , GA
Another "great day for a hike" on a crisp fall, 41 °F to 65 °F, sunny day. The first hike was on a truly beautiful trail with continuous views and rushing water sounds along the scenic Coleman River. These views were enhanced by the still present late fall leaf colors. The river itself has numerous large boulders and cascades. This trail was in very good condition although a few passable blowdowns were encountered. After returning to the trailhead, we proceeded up the Tallulah River Road to the Tate Branch Trail, parking on a 3-4 car pull-off just past the Tate Branch Campground. The trailhead for the Tate Branch Trail is not well marked or visible, but proceeds up what appears to be an old logging road that has been blocked by a couple of earthen "dams." The trail quickly became apparent and we continued up this also well-maintained trail for 1.6 miles before returning. The Tate Branch Trail parallels its namesake, although the branch is mostly hidden by Rhododendron. Both trails are a moderate, but continuous incline on the outbound legs, making these an easy to moderately difficult hike.
Today's hikers (L-R): Evelyn Hoult, Allyson Aldrich, Jane Brown, Angela Evans, Renée Corbett, Lynn Steele, Lynn Hotle, Jenny Bell, Mike Bell & Phil Steele.
The route
5.8 mi · 915 ft climbing · 4h 3m out, 3h 24m 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 · 2.0 mi
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
Part 2 of 2 · 3.8 mi
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
22 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (22)
The Coleman River, truly one of the prettiest trails we have ever hiked. Photo by Evelyn Hoult. Today's hikers (L-R): Evelyn, Allyson, Jane, Angela, Renee, Lynn S, Lynn H, Jenny, Mike & Phil. Although we didn't see it, this plaque is located 100 yards or so from the trailhead. A nice start. Lots of large boulders in and around this river. The climb up is not really too steep. While these may look like different pictures of the same feature, they are all different cascades. Now that's some fall color. More great views. This is listed on the Georgia Waterfall Index as Coleman River Cascade (15'). A Maple tree showing off its yellow color in the morning sunlight. This old guy accidentally took a picture of himself. Wonder what he is thinking? Now where is that Tate Branch Trailhead? Are you sure this is the right way to go? I guess so . . . thank goodness. More fall colors being backlit by the sun. An occasional brief view of Tate Branch. A striking stand of tall Poplar trees with one curious dead, fire-burned tree with vertical branching caught all our attention. Let's take a break . . . in one of the few shady spots along this trail. Is this the headwaters of the famous Tate Branch? Maybe. This beautiful fall-colored tree seemed to stand out among the rest. On our way back. Long shadows on this fall day.