Big Scaly Mountain Waterfall Loop

Big Scaly is the mountain just below Standing Indian.  This hike is a loop of about 11 miles and has about 2,500 feet of elevation gain.

We will start with the acension of Scaly Ridge and then down to Beech Creek for the first of 3 stream crossings (this first one often requires boot removal). We will follow the rushing stream up Beech Creek to the switchbacks under the cliffs of Big Scaly. Then we will take a quarter mile side trail to view the 200' High Falls and have our lunch break.

Returning to the main trail and continuing up, we will eventually reach the high flat valley between Big Scaly Mountain and Standing Indian that leads to Case Knife Gap.  At the Gap we will take a left uphill for a one mile round trip to the summit of Big Scaly Mountain at 5,060' and an  overlook that affords a fine unobstructed view to the west.

Then we will backtrack down to Case Knife Gap and left to continue down the Chimney Rock trail. A few miles down the trail is an optional quarter mile side trail to the left to view Chimney Rock (keep your eyes peeled for the cairn on the left if you don't want to miss it).  Here, the rock climbers can scramble up the pitch to another fine viewpoint.

Then we go down to end of the road we parked on. We will walk about a mile down this road to get back to the cars.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS NOT A BEGINNER HIKE *** You must be in good physical condition. You also need to be able to hike long distances and keep a moderate pace. This is a loop trail, so you will not be able to turn back once on the trail. ***

That said, this is not a fast hike.  The pace is moderate, and we plan to hike as a group.  We will take several breaks to let slower people catch up.  If you like to charge ahead of the main group, or if your legs get sore if you have to wait for people, you may want to sign up for another event.

There are a few dining options in Clayton for those interested.  Please coordinate dinner arrangements at the carpool with your driver to be sure that everyone in the car has the same plan.

Take I-85 N to I-985 N which turns into US 23/441 to Clayton GA. Pit stop at Chick-Fil-A on left! (For bathrooms and "to go" only - we do not plan to sit down and eat.)  Then go West on US 76 about eight miles. Turn right on Persimmon Rd, near the volunteer fire department and sign for Tallulah River Campgrounds. Continue about 4.2 miles to left at Tallulah River Rd. This road will turn to gravel after a mile or so and leads thru gorge to Tate City. Follow to NC state line. Trailhead parking will come up soon on the left. 

The road leading to the trailhead is gravel, so if you are uncomfortable driving at a reasonable speed on gravel please sign up to ride in someone else's car.