One of a dozen waterfalls in the Blue Ridge area, and one of the easiest to reach, Fall Branch Falls is a moderate uphill climb to the main falls. A good idea for a family fun day in the Aska Road area, the shaded footpath parallels Falls Branch, where a cascading stream is surrounded by a thick Chattahoochee National Forest. Following the Benton MacKaye Trail for about a quarter mile, a short spur leads out to the falls viewing platform. Like most other waterfall sites, waterfall fans have polished the rocks along the creek bottom right below the major 30 foot drop. The footpath continues to the top of the falls, where climbers can have their king(queen)-of-the-hill photo taken from below. All Fall Branch Falls visitors are warned to be cautious around this slippery environment, especially at the top of this 70 foot cascade.
   Although the Benton MacKaye Trail continues a few miles toward some excellent views from Rocky Mountain, most day hikers are quite content seeing this waterfall view. And in the heat of summer, another reward is found at the base of the falls where many stop to cool their feet before the easy trip back down to the parking lot on Stanley Creek Road. The trails here are lined with rhododendron, and during late June, Fannin County hikers are treated to their showy clusters (trusses) of blossoms. Often called the King of Shrubs, you'll often see this large-leafed evergreen in many American landscapes.

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