Anna Ruby Falls Scenic Area

These beautiful falls are located in the Chattahoochee National Forest and are readily accessible for the price a few dollars and a little bit of hiking. The water cascading over the drop offs is created by two creeks. The Curtis Creek falls drop 153 feet and the York Creek falls are a much shorter but still spectacular 50 feet. The water at the bottom of the falls is then considered to be part of Smith Creek which flows into and forms Smith Lake - the centerpiece of Unicoi State Park.

To get to the visitors center you will need to drive through Unicoi State Park (driving directions). Unfortunately the fees for the Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area and Unicoi State Park have nothing to do with one another. If you want to visit both places, you have to pay a fee at each one. If you are only visiting the falls you are allowed to drive through Unicoi State Park for free.

Once you drive through Unicoi Park you will enter forest service property and soon arrive at the Anna Ruby Falls Visitor Center. Here is where you pay your $3 recreation use fee (per person, 16 and older; free for kids under 16) and access the trailhead.

a view of the twin Anna Ruby Falls

You can reach the falls via a ~ 1/2 mile paved trail that leads from the parking lot to two viewing decks. From there you get a nice view of both falls. More adventurous hikers can also walk the 4.6 mile Smith Creek Trail, which connects the base of Anna Ruby Falls to Unicoi State Park. Another interesting trail that begins at the visitors center is The Lion's Eye Trail. It runs along Smith Creek and is designed to provide visually impaired individuals an opportunity to visit the creek and learn about the local environment. The trail has hand rails and braille signs.

visitors center at anna ruby falls recreation area

The visitor center, gift shop and recreation area is open daily with a few holiday exceptions. The facilities open at 9:00 a.m. Closing times vary by season (see the National Forest Ruby Falls webpage for more details). There is a gift shop - offering local crafts and paintings - snack and drink machines, and restrooms. Outside there is a deck that overlooks the creek and along the creek you can find picnic tables and barbeque grilles. Below is a you tube video of one person's hike to the falls!


 

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