Brasstown Waterfalls Short Hike -- 8.2018

Sometimes in my exploring I run into hyped up spots that are lack luster.  Adversely, I also find some places that fly under the radar to be amazing.  Brasstown Waterfalls is definitely the later.

The day I visited Brasstown Falls in August 2018, we had three waterfall adventures total; Riley Moore, Kings Falls & Brasstown.  Brasstown was the second stop and probably the most impressive of the trio.  Gus and I had set out that morning to get some exercise, take in some nature, as well as possibly get some good footage for a waterfall series set of videos I have been making.  

On a side note, I have been very fortunate that Oconee State Park has reached out several times to utilize some of my videos and photographs for their own social media sites and even their Fall Brochure Guide.  We have another conversation approaching and I'm optimistic to a possible project.  This excites me, as a former video production major in college (I switched to business eventually) to allow me a creative outlet and maybe some beer money.

I fully buy into the notion we all have a unique talent or passion that we may have not explored or have the courage to pursue.  Everyone is good at something or at least has the ability to be good at something.  These examples can range to include anything:  photography, creative writing, design, Excel Wiz, drawing/painting, playing video games, running, working out, sports, etc.  I really do believe that if you wanted to, you can turn your passions into a hobby.  I see a lot of people test the waters, but then quickly give up.  If thats the case, then maybe thats not really your passion.  Anyways, there is always opportunities to grow your hobbies into possible "side hustles".  [End tangent]

As we drove up to Brasstown Falls, there were a ton of people in the parking lot, so much so that the car ahead of us turned around and headed back out the dirt road.  Gus and I being new comers had to check what the fuss was all about.  I spoke to one of the people in the group and she said they were with the YMCA and actually leaving after camping out the previous night.  Their group of about 20 people were on an mass exodus. 

As we approached the first set of falls, they were beautiful, but just visiting Riley Moore Falls earlier that day and had been at both Yellow Branch Falls & Oconee Station Falls previously, they seemed almost more of the same.  They are nice set of gradual wide falls slowly running down a vast sharp set of flatter slate rocks into a small pool at the bottom.  I took some videos and photos that came out pretty decent and started to pack up.  

I had noticed that trail kept going along the river, so Gus and I couldn't resist and decided to make the sojourn following a steep narrow path with plenty of exposed roots and rocks to negotiate.

All of a sudden I heard a thunderous roar as the music of the falls exchanged from the top section were I just was, to a new section I had not heard previously.  The volume and bass were magnificent!  As I peered down the hill I was delighted to unveil a large set of rolling cliff falls.  There was a noticeable path underneath the falls if you wanted to precariously walk under them.  I would say this set was almost the picturesque style falls that you imagine when you hear the word "waterfall".  Gus and I had to get a closer look!  

After spending a few minutes in the mist of the rolling set of thunderous falls, we decided to continue down the narrow path to see what other possible wonders were in store.  This was a bit of a gamble, but the first attempt paid off, so why not double down?  We were heading past a new cliff now, but the sound from the second set of falls was still ringing loud and clear in the quiet woods.  As we headed down towards the river bed, we then started to pick up the acoustics reverb off the tall walls of granite we had hoped for.  This third set of falls was parked over on the opposite side of the narrow river from us, but we were gifted with a very lavish swimming hole and little sandy beach area.  Who could resist?  As I excitedly removed my hat, shirt, shoes and socks, I debated on wether or not to go shorts on or underwear only.  I went for the underwear only option, but made sure to note that there were no others around to see my ill fitting briefs and headed into the surprisingly slightly cool refreshing pool.  

What a fantastic way to cap off a great surprise of a trip!  I must admit that I was ready to go home after the first set of falls and rate it "blah" with a capital "B".  However, this was an amazing little gem!  Not only a magnificent second set, but a third set of falls with a pool; I'm in!

Few lessons here:

1. Things my be more than they appear.  I could have stopped at the top and been none-the-wiser, but the extra push to travel further made me realize there was plenty more than my initial impression.  Same could easily apply to people.

2.  Push yourself just a little further.  Deciding to continue on from the first set of falls was obviously a great decision, but it was a risk.  I had no idea at the time what laid in store slightly further down the narrow path.  I went anyways and what a payoff!

3.  Don't just look at the experience;  live it!  Sure, a few videos and photos of the third falls would have still been pretty.  The choice to going in for a dip was a memory that Gus and I will now share and one that photos and videos don't do justice.  

Bottom Line:  Whether on a hike, exploring or in life, you never know whats really around you until you go look for yourself.  Don't take other peoples word for it, they probably stopped at the first set of falls.  Sometimes the greatest rewards are just putting in a little more effort or going just a little further until you find your payoff.  When you do find it, keep at least your underwear on please!  

Until the next one...

Click Here for a Link to the AllTrails site with directions

Hike Recap:
Short at 2 miles total, @100ft vertical, Fun Factor:  Huge

Here is the video I made at Brasstown Falls: