Rabun County: Hiking Trails, Lakes, and Cultural Heritage

Rabun County offers outdoor experiences, hiking trails, and insights into regional history. The Warwoman Wildlife Management Area encompasses 15,800 acres in the county on U.S. Forest Service land. Rabun Bald is Georgia’s second-highest peak. The lakes offer different activities: Moccasin Creek State Park is located on the shore of Lake Burton. The lake is suitable for water skiing, boating, and fishing; during the warmer months, you can rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and canoes. Lake Rabun covers 835 acres. Along its shore are 25 miles of green open spaces suitable for activities such as boating and hiking.

Hiking Trails and Waterfalls

The Rabun Bald Trail follows a steep, 2.9-mile hiking route to the summit. In Moccasin Creek State Park, the Hemlock Falls Trail is a 3-mile loop. The Minnehaha Trail follows Fall Branch for 0.4 miles to Minnehaha Falls; the waterfall is approximately 100 feet high. A relatively easy trail reaches Panther Falls after about half a mile.

Trails to other waterfalls also vary in length and difficulty. The 0.3-mile trail to Holcomb Creek Falls is moderately difficult to strenuous and leads to an overlook bridge; the waterfall has a 120-foot drop. Dicks Creek Falls plunges 60 feet into the Chattooga River on the eastern side of the county. From Sandy Ford Road, the trail at Dicks Creek Falls provides access to the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River area. A short trail of less than a mile begins at the bridge over the Coleman River and passes through the Coleman River Scenic Area. Conditions on these trails may change; check for current information before heading out.

River Landscapes and Routes

The Tallulah River Trail to Tate City is a 14.5-mile round trip. It runs north from Persimmon Valley Road to Tate City and the North Carolina border. The Tallulah River Road is a different route, offering a scenic drive to Tate City. FS 70 follows the Tallulah River through the 3-mile-long Rock Mountain Gorge.

The Appalachian Trail passes through Dick’s Creek Gap in Rabun County, where hikes in the county can begin. In 2021, Clayton was designated the 51st Appalachian Trail Community. Clayton and Rabun County welcome hikers with special services such as shuttle and drop-off services, as well as discounts at participating retailers. The designation and participating offers may change; check locally for current information before your trip.

History, Art, and Regional Cuisine

Foxfire Village Museum includes more than 20 historic log cabins with artifacts about life in the Appalachians between 1820 and 1940. Foxfire also offers hands-on heritage courses, including cooking on a wood stove and over an open hearth, as well as making sourdough bread and butter. Course times and registration requirements may change; check them before your trip.

The Rabun County Historical Society Museum and Archives displays historical artifacts, photographs, and documents across 2,300 square feet. A different perspective on the region can be found at the Hambidge Center, a 600-acre center for creative work with multidisciplinary artist residencies, workshops, and community programs. Public Saturday programs include artist talks, nature walks, visits to the gristmill, and gallery openings. Nature Rambles take place periodically and require registration. Their miles of trails pass through meadows, along streams and waterfalls, through areas with native plants and wildflowers, and through a gorge forest. Check the program schedule before your visit.

Wine is also among the offerings in Rabun County: Tiger Mountain Vineyards produces traditional European-style dry wines and offers tastings in its barrel room. Visitor experiences include guided tastings, walks through the vineyards, and a firsthand look at winemaking. If you plan to visit, check booking and operating details in advance.

Discover more destinations: Dillard, Tiger, Tattnall County, Cobb, Greene, Tift, Chattooga, Dekalb.

For the main travel overview: Georgia.