After five years of procrastination, we finally did our waterfall hike at Lula Falls!
Since moving to Georgia and pursuing waterfall hiking as a hobby, we’ve been taunted and tantalized by wonderful pictures from this Georgia geological gem. Located in the Northwest corner of the state, wedged between Cloudland Canyon’s twin falls to the South and Chattanooga’s natural, commercial and Civil War attractions to the North, Lula Falls remained on our “to-do” list, but never seemed to get checked off.
Looking back, we remember the many reasons we skipped the trek. Located on private property managed by a land trust, the core preserve is open only on limited weekends. And since advanced reservations are required for the limited admission, we didn’t want to make arrangements far in advance, only to find ourselves with a scheduled visit on a weekend when Georgia’s weather gods were throwing thunderbolts from the sky. Then, we visited other waterfalls throughout North Georgia and Southern Tennessee. And, of course, don’t forget that COVID thing.
When the visit was finally scheduled, it wasn’t our doing. Our daughter and her family also love waterfall hiking, and it was she (encouraged by her husband, boys and dogs!) who finally made the arrangements, got the reservations and put the trip on our schedule. Thus, with arrangements completed, we piled our seven family members and two dogs into the Honda Odyssey for our own waterfall odyssey to this long-awaited destination for our waterfall hike.
Welcome to Lula Falls
Arriving for our 10 am admittance, we were welcomed and assisted by the friendly Lula Falls staff greeting us at the small, uncrowded parking lot. Given the hordes of visitors who have overwhelmed Georgia’s state parks on weekends during this year of COVID, we immediately appreciated the reservation and capacity control system in place at Lula Falls that helps preserve the park’s natural wonder and creates an uncrowded experience in nature.
Our biggest decision of the day now faced us: what route should we follow to the falls? Our hosts and the printed trail map provided to us recommended following the access road trail down for 1.5 miles to Lula Lake, then continuing down another 1/10th mile to the Lula Falls Trail, where we would begin a short descent to the base of the falls.
And that WAS our plan — until we had walked approximately 8/10ths of a mile, spotted a stream to our right and saw a footbridge leading off into the woods. Like dogs distracted by a squirrel, we immediately veered off our planned route for a different adventure.
Unplanned High Adventure
We followed the Ford Trail over the bridge, then intersected with and followed the Middle Trail through the wooded mountainside. Along this route, spring wildflowers bloomed all around. To the great annoyance of my family, I paused for pictures everywhere, collecting a beautiful photographic bouquet.
We gradually ascended approximately 200 feet, pausing briefly for the grandkids to strike a warrior pose at the intersection of the Jedi Trail. From there, we finished the ascent, snapped a few pictures at the bluff overlook and continued along Bluff Trail to the appropriately-named High Adventure Trail. Using helpful ropes on the steepest grade, we dropped back down into the rocky canyon finally reaching the Lula Falls Trail.
To the Base of the Falls
Scampering down over more rocks and boulders, we descended approximately 100 feet, emerging near the base of the 160-foot promontory where Rock Creek plunges as Lula Falls into the canyon. Directly in front of us, a small group of 20-somethings spread out on a large rock, enjoying the scenery just beyond the reach of the mist created by the falls. To our left was the falls, and more people taking cautious steps on wet, slippery rocks while attempting the compose the perfect photo. We chose the middle ground, and our son-in-law carefully guided the younger ones out onto larger rocks, while mom and grandmother aided the effort with nervous, instructional yelling.
The Return Journey
After the exploration and yelling were done, we started the steep, stair-aided climb back up 150 feet, then joining the North Creek Trail and gravel road back toward our starting point. We paused at the falls overlook, at Lula Lake, on a bridge and elsewhere – or more specifically, everyone paused while I continued to take photos.
By the time we returned to the parking lot, we had been gone for 2 hours and 41 minutes, walked 4.84 miles, and recorded 728 feet of elevation gain along the way, according to my trusty Garmin Fenix activity watch.
Our Next-Time Plan
We departed the waterfall hike tired and recognizing that we had left much to be explored on a return trip. Literally high on the list for our return is following the South Creek, Ovenbird and Turkey Trails to hike the length of the Bluff Trail, following the ridgeline along the 1700-foot crest. Hopefully, we won’t wait another five years for that.
Know Before You Go
The Lula Lake Land Trust visit website has all the details you’ll need for a convenient, safe and fun visit. Be sure to go through all the information there to plan your visit.
As mentioned, Lula Falls generally is open to the public on the first and last weekends of each month. Advance reservations can be made online only, with payment due at reservation time. A reservation is good for a parking space for a family vehicle, but NOT for passenger vans, busses or extra-large vehicles. No one is allowed without a reservation — believe this, as we saw the friendly volunteers cheerfully guide several reservationless visitors back to the exit!
Cancellations with refunds are allowed up to 48-hours in advance (which we didn’t know before!). There’s a waiting list available when all reservations are claimed.
The descent into the canyon at the falls base is rocky and can be slippery, so be mindful of your footwear. If you descend to the base (and at 65-years-old, we did it!), a 150-foot stair-aided climb back up is required, so beware of endurance limits for those with different physical abilities. The natural, rock and wood stairs don’t have rails, so those with balance issues may find walking sticks or hiking poles helpful here and elsewhere in the preserve.
There are limited picnic areas and primitive restroom facilities available. Aside from those “amenities,” you’ll need to carry anything else you might need, including water, snacks, bug spray and a first aid kit.
After Your Visit
The nearby towns of Fort Oglethorpe and Dalton offer a plethora of fast food, casual dining, lodging and other amenities. We stopped for a well-deserved post-hike treat at Cook-Out, ordering fresh and tasty milkshakes for all. And, you’re minutes away from Chattanooga, so combining Lula Falls into a Chattanooga-based weekend is simple and easy.
