This easy hike offers both a birds-eye view and closeup encounter with Tails Creek as it gently cascades into Carters Lake. The there-and-back-again trail covers just over a mile round trip.
While the trail itself does not require you to get your feet wet, do yourself a favor and come prepared to dip your toes in the water of the wide, inviting stream.
The first part of the trail winds through the woods along the lakeshore before coming to a 30-foot-tall footbridge spanning the creek (see cover photo). Before crossing, follow the path to the right to an observation deck over the main drop of the falls. Then, retrace your steps to the bridge. Cross and head upstream to a second observation deck and some places to easily access the water.
The trailhead can be found in the parking lot for the boat ramp in the Ridgeway access area for Carters Lake. To reach it, head west 7.4 miles on GA-282/Hwy 76 from where it intersects with South Main Street in Ellijay. Turn left on Dotson Road. Continue straight as it becomes Hap Holt Road. After about 3 miles, turn right into Ridgeway and continue to the parking lot. A day-use parking fee of $5 applies for entering the area.
Paddlers can also navigate to the cascade by starting at the Ridgeway boat ramp and then heading upstream on Tails Creek.
Written by Whitney Sherill for Times-Courier's 2025 Mountain Summer Magazine