AOCs 25th Anniversary Hike: ANNA RUBY FALLS (From Unicoi SP) - Tue, Apr 14 2026

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.



AOCs 25th Anniversary Hike: ANNA RUBY FALLS (From Unicoi SP)


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: ANNA RUBY FALLS   Hike: AOCs 25th Anniversary Hike: ANNA RUBY FALLS (From Unicoi SP)  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Tue, Apr 14 2026  8:18 am >> Tue, Apr 14 2026 12:30 pm
Registration Opens: Sat, Jan 31 2026 7:07 pm
Registration Cut Off: Mon, Apr 13 2026 7:07 am
Event Duration:4 Hours 12 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D4: Moderate to Difficult (Exploratory)
Distance:8.7 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Kiran
Email Trip Leader(s)
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:12
Minimum Group Size:2
Number Registered So Far: 11 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Note: This is an "EXPLORATORY" trip. This means that there are parts of this trip, or perhaps the whole trip, that is new to your Trip Leader(s). However, they are confident that this will not be an issue.
This note is here so that you can make an informed decision. When a Trip Leader isn't personally familiar with a trip, there is an increased chance of things not going as planned and you need to be prepared. The Trip Leader may have additional details in the itinerary.

Itinerary:

 

 

 

 

Come join us on this 25th anniversary edition of the hike that started it all! The very first AOC hike was led by the club's founder Amy Pickwick on April 14, 2001, to Anna Ruby Falls. Amy recalls that the hike was "...a standard route from a main parking lot out and back" so we'll assume they departed from, and returned to, Unicoi State Park, and that is exactly what we will do.

From the parking lot at Unicoi, we'll pick up the Smith Creek trail, which parallels Smith Creek before climbing up Hickory Ridge to Smith Mountain, then traversing the southern flanks of the mountain to Anna Ruby Falls. We'll take in views of the twin Falls (fingers crossed for a heavy flow), have a snack/lunch, and shout "Happy 25th AOC!!!" before heading back on the Smith Creek trail to Unicoi State Park and our vehicles.

IMPORTANT: You must have recent D3+ (or equivalent) experience to attempt this strenuous hike which involves a 1500+ foot elevation gain. Also, you must be able to maintain a pace of 20 - 24 min/mile = 2.5 - 3 mph. So, if you have mobility issues, are recovering from injury, or prefer a slower pace, please sit this one out!

 


Required Items to Bring:

 

Weather appropriate clothing

Hiking boots/shoes w/ good traction

Water (2 to 3 litres), and

Your SOH (sense of humor)

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

 

Trekking poles

Hat & sunglasses

Raingear or poncho (just in case)

Snack/Lunch

Camera


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

On the day before the event, I will email participants the exact meeting location and detailed directions.


Notes:

  • Please, no unregistered guests or +Ones!

  • Late cancellations, particularly within 36 hours of the event, make it difficult for those on the waitlist to attend. Please be courteous to your fellow AOC members and cancel with as much notice as possible. 

  • Please note: When an event has an active waitlist, the trip leader reserves the right to assign a “no show” to members who sign up and fail to attend the event.

  • If you need to get in touch with me, the best way is to TEXT me with your NAME at 4O4 7-Five-4 5OO5. FYI, thanks to those annoying robocalls, calling me will send you to my voicemail, but feel free to leave a message.

  • I usually hike RAIN-or-SHINE! However, in case of severe weather or other unforeseen emergencies that warrant a cancellation, I will text/email you at least TWO HOURS before the start of the event.


* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cost Includes:

There is no cost for this event, however, Unicoi State Park charges a $10 entry fee per vehicle.

If you have the annual Georgia State Park parking pass, you're in for free! 

If not, get your pass here:

https://gastateparks.org/ThingsToKnow?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21191413850&gbraid=0AAAAADshGt05I519MVjL66JpaYiqtCn6f&gclid=CjwKCAiA7LzLBhAgEiwAjMWzCOUP8pjW0PHkuoSNOrOU-574yqEYj6Qs7ZlWq7hNlA1r3mTb1LsjyRoCvMcQAvD_BwE


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.
*Note:

  • If Life happens, and you need to cancel, please go to the AOC website and deregister by the deadline. If the site will not cooperate, TEXT me with your NAME at 4O4 7-Five-4 5OO5.

  • In order to earn credit for this event, participants must begin and complete the entire hike/event with the group, or within the stated time frame.