Smith Creek to Anna Ruby Falls

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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.

Smith Creek to Anna Ruby Falls

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Smith Creek Trailhead, Unicoi Campground Road, Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, Sep 27 2025 9:30 am >> Sat, Sep 27 2025 2:30 pm (Carpool Departure: 7:45 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Thu, Sep 18 2025 6:00 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Fri, Sep 26 2025 6:00 pm

Event Duration:

5 Hours

Difficulty Rating:

D4: Moderate to Difficult

Distance:

9 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Linda L

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You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.

Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

1 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

Please join me for a hike on the Smith Creek trail to Anna Ruby Falls. The trail is in the Chattahoochee National Forest and leads to the headwaters of Smith Creek and then to the Anna Ruby Falls. We start with a moderate .5 mile and then a 2 mile climb up to HIckory Ridge. Then we descend 2 miles to the waterfalls.

There are stream crossings and the trail may be overgrown in some areas. There are also technical areas of rock scrambling.

We will have our lunch at the falls and then go back the way we came. We will not be going to the visitor center.

This is a moderately paced, 2.7 mph, D4 hike with 1700+ elevation gain. You should be able to keep the pace with the group with minimal rest breaks. We will stay together as a group. To join the hike, please have solid D4 AOC hiking experience in the last 4 weeks.

Please plan to arrive 10 - 15 minutes early so we can start the hike promptly at 9:30 a.m.

Required Items to Bring:

Trail hiking shoes

Wear appropriate clothing

Water (2 to 3 L)/hydrating drinks/electrolytes

Lunch/snacks

If in carpool, money for carpool driver

GA State Park Pass or $5.00

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

Hiking Poles, if you use them

Hat/Sunglasses

Sunscreen

Bug Spray

Poncho, in case of rain

If you plan to join carpool, towel, change of clothes, bag for hiking shoes

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

The Smith Creek Trailhead is located on Unicoi Campground Road inside Unicoi State Park. From 985 North, turn left on Duncan Ridge Road. Turn right on Helen Highway. Turn right on 356. Turn left on Unicoi Campground Road.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/qytcGKr9Rt7AiH5H9

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

76Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

7:45 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $30.40 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:

There are restrooms at the park lodge. There are also restrooms in the campground across the street from the trailhead.

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

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

Registration for this event opens at 9/18/2025 6:00:00 PM