Hiking

To book your vacation, go to

www.vrbo.com/240253 or www.homeaway.com/255978.    

Trails and Parks of Big Canoe

Big Canoe is host to many beautiful parks, each with its own appeal, special features and lovely trails. These trails range from broad paved paths to forest footpaths, meandering among trees, streams and meadows.

There are maps in the kiosks at the main entrances to the trails. Be sure to stop there to see all the details and features about the trails and parks. The trail names match the color of their corresponding trail. Bicycles may use the paved and gravel trails. North is up on all the maps.

When hiking, be mindful of the trail lengths and carry water as needed. It is a good idea to take your cell phone along with the emergency numbers.

To view maps of the trails and parks of Big Canoe, click on the pdf file below.

To learn when and what wildflowers will be in bloom and on which trail, click on the pdf file below. 

Lower Falls 

Blackwell Creek Trail

Length: 1 mile

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate - at one point there is a steep embankment with steps. If you are concerned with the difficulty, it is easier to hike if entered near the Scout Hut.

Features: The trail follows along Blackwell Creek with the water flowing over the rocks in the stream. Walking through a mature forest with many large hemlocks is a relaxing experience. This trail features benches with meditation books and Bibles in the small boxes near the benches.

This trail follows through the Robert B. Platt Botanical Garden. The Botanical Garden is a natural area with a mature forest with many plants native to this area including native flowers, ferns, rhododendrons, Carolina Hemlock and American Beech. A pioneer cabin that you can explore is near the beginning of the trail and there is a reflecting pool and benches for you to relax on.

How to get there: Traveling north on Steve Tate Highway from the Main Gate, take the first left into area with the amphitheater. You can park on the left. The entry to both the Botanical Garden and the Blackwell Creek Trail is to the right of the parking area. You can also continue past the first parking area, turn right at the first road, continue past the amphitheater to the Scout Hut and enter the trail to the left of the Scout Hut. The trail is a loop, so you will come back to where you started.

Covered Bridge Trail

Length: 2 miles round trip

Difficulty: Moderate; at one point there is a steep hillside with several steps.

Features: One of the most beautiful areas on all the trails in Big Canoe awaits you at the end of this trail. In an area that is green year round because of the Canadian Hemlock, rhododendron and mountain laurel surrounding you, Blackwell Creek flows over a rock ledge and around huge boulders creating an awesome setting. Below the water cascade is a large rock in the middle of the creek. The creek is forced through a narrow channel in the rock creating a masterful display of nature at work. This rock is a great place for a picnic or just to sit and hang your feet in the water absorbing nature around you. Consider shedding your shoes and wading in the creek between the picnic rock and the waterfall. It feels great during a warm North Georgia summer.

A reminder of the past of this area will greet you as you walk alongside the creek below the Covered Bridge. You will see stacked stone columns that are the remnants of the supports for a bridge estimated to be over a century old. Look closely in the undergrowth between Blackwell Creek and Wilderness Parkway and you will see where the pioneers used stacked stone to support the road leading to the old bridge. Imagine these structures being build by hand uses horses and wagons to bring material to the site. Based on the remnants we can still see, the bridge must have been an impressive structure in its day.

This is an enjoyable hike in any season. Wildflowers grace many parts of the trail in the Spring and Summer, especially in the area just after you cross Wilderness Parkway. In late June, this is a great trail to see the Rhododendron in bloom. Also along this trail, about 50 yards downstream of the wooden steps, is a rare Mountain Camellia, Stewartia ovata, which blooms in late June. The bloom is white, about the size of a dogwood, with purple filaments and a yellow stamen, an absolutely stunning flower. If you see this tree in bloom, please do not pick the blooms. We need to allow them to propagate. Because of the evergreen nature of many parts of this trail, this is an exceptional hike to enjoy once the leaves fall and the weather turns chilly.

How to get there: Traveling north on Steve Tate Highway from the Main Gate, take the first left into the area with the amphitheater. You can park on the left. The entry to the Botanical Garden, the Blackwell Creek Trail and the Covered Bridge Trail is to the right of the parking area. You can also continue past the first parking area, turn right at the first road, continue past the amphitheater to the Scout Hut and enter the Blackwell Creek trail to the left of the Scout Hut. The Blackwell Creek Trail joins the Covered Bridge Trail. There are signs to guide you, so there is no fear of losing your way.

Indian Rocks Park Trail

Length: Total length 0.8 miles; divided into three (3) trails.

·                                 Indian Mounds Trail is 0.3 miles,

·                                 Indian Mounds Loop Trail is 0.2 miles and the

·                                 Lake Petit Trail is 0.3 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Features: You do not want to miss the "Indian Rocks". Multiple round, stone stacks built by native Americans cover the hillside near the start of Indian Rocks Park Trail. Stop to read the signs and speculate on why and when the structures were built. You can then follow the small stream down to Lake Petit. Along the way, contemplate how this small stream has carved crevices into solid rock over the eons. Before heading back to your car, take a few minutes and look for the ducks that nest along this inlet of Lake Petit.

Indian Mounds Trail begins at the parking area on Woodland Trace and ends at Quail Cove. Indian Mounds Loop Trail has a blue blaze and forks to the left from the Indian Mounds Trail when you cross the stream eventually rejoining the Indian Mounds Trail. The Lake Petit Trail is the continuation of the Indian Mounds Trail across Quail Cove to Lake Petit. It also has a blue blaze.

Getting There: The easiest way to find this trail is to cross the Petit Lake Dam, stay right at the fork onto Petit Ridge, turn right on Quail Cove, then left onto Woodland Trace. Parking is available on Woodland Trace across from the intersection with Little Beaver.

Jeep Trail

Length: 2 miles, but this can be divided into segments to meet your desires.

Difficulty: Easy - unpaved road

Features: Walk, jog, or bicycle on an unpaved road that parallels Disharoon Creek through a broad, flat valley. If the grandchildren are along, let them wade in the clear waters of Disharoon Creek at the crossings. Don't forget to look for your favorite animal tracks in the muddy areas along the road.

Disharoon Cabin was originally located in the woods to the right of the entry road to Sconti Restaurant, off Wilderness Parkway. It was the core of an "added-on-to" house and typified the mountain homes that were on the property of Big Canoe at the time. It was dismantled, moved and rebuilt in Nature Valley. The mud chinking came from the creek near the existing site.

On the left of the Jeep Trail, where the Lower Falls Trail crosses, are rock mounds built by either pioneers or native Americans. The purpose or origin of these mounds is not known.

Also along the Jeep Trail is "The Diggings". These are probably the result of backbreaking labor with pick and shovel by some long-forgotten prospector, perhaps in search of gold. It is also possible that the Cherokee Indians who were native to the area created the diggings.

Toad's Glen near the Lower Falls is a great spot for lunch or a quiet carefree (if you remembered the mosquito repellant) dinner.

Just before you reach the Lower Falls, on the left is the replica of a moonshine still. These stills were the source of the original "Mountain Dew". Home brew created in stills like this gave warmth and cheer in the winter and was the base for many home remedies.

You will not have any trouble finding the Lower Falls when you get there. The sounds of the cascading water draw you in. Bring your camera. This has to be the most photographed sight in Big Canoe.

Between the Lower and Upper Falls is a large area covered in ferns in the warm seasons. By hiking the Jeep Trail you can see both the Upper and Lower Falls and the Disharoon Cabin.

Last but not least on the hit parade for the Jeep Trail is the Upper Falls. Much higher than the Lower Falls, but with a narrower path, the water over thousands of years has carved it own path through the solid rock. You will wonder how a spiral was carved in rock by running water and just how deep are those small pools where the water hits after its steep drop.

Getting There: You can access the Jeep Trail in three places:

Wilderness Parkway: Parking is available between the intersections of Valley View Drive and Wild Ginger. Look for the signs.

Mountain Mint: At the end of Mountain Mint

Yellow Root: Two parking spaces are available at the end of Yellow Root (off Indian Pike). A path leads from the parking spaces down to the Jeep Trail.

Nancy Womack Trail

Length: A total of 0.8 miles

Difficulty: Downstream of Valley View this trail is easy. Be careful of the stream crossings, rocks can be slippery. Upstream of Valley View, the trail eventually becomes steep - but is well worth the effort. One note of caution: there is a healthy growth of poison ivy on the last leg of this trail approaching the view of the falls. You should consider wearing long pants when hiking this trail.

Features: This trail, named in memory of an avid hiker and a strong supporter of the hiking trails of Big Canoe, is one of the most beautiful trails in Big Canoe. The upper end of the trail follows a small, very clear, rapidly moving stream up a valley with steep hills on either side. You feel that you are alone with nature. You will cross the stream in multiple spots and will be fascinated as the stream runs over the rocks and creates mini-waterfalls. The grand finale of the trail is a bench overlooking Nancy Womack Falls, a 50 foot rock face with the stream cascading over it. In the Spring (early April) you can see multiple colors of violets blooming along the trail and in the Fall asters share their colors. Below Valley View, the valley widens and you walk across a "stone field" before winding along the creek to an end on the Jeep Trail. Follow the Jeep Trail to the right and enjoy the Upper Falls while you are there.

How to get there: The Nancy Womack Trail can be accessed from Valley View or from the Jeep Trail near the Upper Falls.

From Valley View: The stream and trail cross Valley View at the lowest point between Huckleberry and Columbine Drive. There is parking there for 3 or 4 automobiles. Upstream leads to Nancy Womack Falls and downstream to the Upper Falls.

From the Jeep Trail near the Upper Falls: Near the picnic tables at the Upper Falls, there is a sign that says "hiker return". Follow the path behind that sign and turn left on the Jeep Trail. Follow the Jeep Trail until you see the sign for the Nancy Womack Trail on your left - about 75 yards.

Upper Falls Trail

Length: 0.8 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Features: Walk along a very secluded area surrounded by a plethora of native evergreens. You will follow a small stream and enjoy the ferns growing in the moist areas under the towering hardwoods.

This trail culminates in the beautiful Upper Falls with the stream cascading over a steep rock. Carry your lunch and picnic on the tables at the Upper Falls and listen to the Falls during your meal.

How to get there: There are two ways to reach the Upper Falls Trail:

Mountain Mint: Park at the end of Mountain Mint and follow the Jeep Trail to the access point for the Upper Falls. Join the trail there

From the Lower Falls Trail: Follow the Lower Falls Trail to the Lower Falls, you join the Upper Falls Trail across the road from the Lower Falls.

Lower Falls Trail

Length: A hike of 1.7 miles from Lake Disharoon to the Lower Falls makes this the longest natural trail in Big Canoe. Don't let that discourage you because this trail can be accessed at several different points.

Difficulty: Moderate - Most of this trail is easy to hike, but there are some hills you will traverse.

Features: Following the course of Disharoon Creek, this trail exposes you to the wide variety of flora and fauna inhabiting Big Canoe. All through the warmer months, but especially in April, May and June, you will see wild flowers, shrubs and trees in bloom. You may also see the occasional fawn and hear the call of young birds still in the nest.

However, don't think all the fun is in the Spring. Hanging your toes in the cool waters of Disharoon Creek in the Summer or seeing nature cloaked in the color of the changing season in the Fall is another great time to enjoy this trail. Many of us don't hike in the Winter because it is too cold. But once you see the icicles that form where water cascades over the rocks, you may decide that this season is worth your efforts too.

The Grand Finale of this trail is the Lower Falls. If you haven't spent a few minutes sitting on the huge rock in front of the Lower Falls just absorbing the wonder of it all, then you haven't experienced Big Canoe. Bring your camera for this one. It is a great place to get your family's picture in front of a cascade of water. Take time to observe the plant life around the falls, especially the mosses and ferns growing under and in the water.

One caution, moss makes the rocks along the edges slick, so don't try to get too close.

Getting There: There are several ways to access the Lower Falls Trail:

From the Fitness Center, access the trail to the left of the indoor tennis court. Continue along this trail past Lake Disharoon and join the Lower Falls Trail there.

Wilderness Parkway: Parking is available between the intersections of Valley View Drive and Wild Ginger. Look for the signs. Access the trail just as the parking area road enters the parking area. You can go back over the road toward Lake Disharoon or to the right toward the Lower Falls.

Parking Lot on Yellow Root: Use the access trail from the parking lot to reach the Jeep Trail. You can reach the Lower Falls Trail by using the Cabin Loop Trail, or you can walk to the right on the Jeep Trail until it crosses the Lower Falls Trail.

Cabin Loop Trail

Length: 0.2 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Features: The Cabin Loop joins the Jeep Trail and the Lower Falls Trail. This is a great trail to take your time and explore. One arm of the trail follows alongside a small stream. Not only can you enjoy the sounds of running water, but along stream banks are one the best places to see the native flowers in season. You can explore the pioneer cabin and imagine living with a family of 10 or 12 in a home the size of some of today's living rooms. On the other hand, sit on the porch and imagine the tranquility they had that we have lost so much of today.

How to get there: The Cabin Loop Trail can be accessed at the cabin on the Jeep Trail. By parking on Yellow Root and walking down the access path, you will emerge at the cabin. You can also access this trial off the Lower Falls Trail between the Lower Falls and Wilderness Parkway (see the map). 

Wildflower Trail

Length: One Mile

Difficulty: Easy, very flat area

Features: Originally designed to showcase the wildflowers that grow in moist, natural forests, this area has been transformed over time by the tornado of November 2002 and over-grazing by Big Canoe's plentiful deer.

Originally designed to showcases the wildflowers that grow in moist, natural forests, this area has been transformed over time by the tornado of November 2002 and over-grazing by Big Canoe's plentiful deer.

How to get there: There are two ways to reach the Wildflower Trail:

Wilderness Parkway: Parking is available between the intersections of Valley View Drive and Wild Ginger. Look for the signs. Access the trail just as the parking area road enters the parking area. You should go back over the road toward Lake Disharoon and look for the signs for the Wildflower Trail.

From the Fitness Center, access the trail to the left of the indoor tennis court. Continue along this trail around the upper end of Lake Disharoon and join the Wildflower Trail there. 

Disharoon Lake Trail

Length: 0.6 miles

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Features: Hike along the edge of Disharoon Lake and watch the fish and people in the lake. In the summer, you may see turtles sunning on logs or floating with just their heads out of the water. This trail, like most in Big Canoe, is blessed with large Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel whose bloom you can enjoy in late spring or early summer. Hike in the early morning or near sundown and you may see deer grazing on the golf course as you pass by. This trail links up with the Wild Flower Trail, Lower Falls Trails and the Jeep Trail.

Getting There: Park at the Fitness Center. Look for the sign where the trail begins to the left of the Indoor Tennis Court between the Tennis Court and Wolf Scratch Drive.

McDaniels Meadows

Length: 2.5 miles

Difficulty: Easy - reasonably flat with crushed stone paths. If you approach from the parking lot in the Wildcat Recreation Area, there is one steep hill to climb.

Features: Wander along side a perfusion of wild flowers whose colors change with the bloom pattern of the season. Don't forget to linger on the small bridge near the parking lot to appreciate the plants, amphibians and fish along and in the stream. A don't miss part of McDaniel Meadows is where it crosses Yanegwa Path. This is a heavily shaded, moist area, with lots of ferns. Take time to observe how the stream has eroded the soil away from the roots of the trees leaving them standing on "fingers" along the stream edge. If your dog comes with you, they will enjoy a romp without a leash in the dog park. Bicycles are allowed on the paths in McDaniel Meadows.

Getting There: The parking for McDaniel Meadows is along Wilderness Parkway near the North Gate. You can also park in the Wildcat Recreation Area lot on Wildcat Parkway, walk the trails around the ball field and follow the paved trail down the valley over to McDaniel Meadows.

Wildcat Trails

Difficulty: Easy - there are some rolling hills, but overall it is an easy walk or a nice workout on a bicycle.

Features: Paved paths for bicycles, jogging or walking wander through meadows of wildflowers from Spring through Fall. Portions of the paths are through woods areas along streams. Stop on the bridges to look at the flora along the streams, it is worth your time. Many dogs enjoy these paths and it is not unusual to encounter deer.

How to get there: Access with parking is available at two sites:

Wildcat Recreation Area Parking Lot (on Wildcat Drive near the North Gate): Follow the sidewalk across Wildcat Drive into the wooded area.

On Wildcat Drive at the Pavilion: Follow Wildcat Drive into the Wildcat development. You will see a pavilion with parking on the right. Follow the unpaved path near the pavilion down to the paved path.

Waterford Lakes Trail

Length: 1.2 miles

Difficulty: Easy - moving from the lower lake to the upper lake is a little steep.

Features: The Waterford Lakes Trail loops around two small lakes featuring nesting waterfowl on small islands in the lower lake. If you look closely, you can see bream, crappie and bass floating among the tree tops remaining along the lake edges. In the Fall, the dam is covered with wild flowers.

How to get there: Exit Wilderness Parkway onto Wedgewood Drive, turn left onto Waterford Way into Waterford Estates. Continue on Waterford Way and park on either side of the dam. The trail is a loop and can be entered on either side of the dam.

 Disharoon Cabin accessible by Cabin Loop Trail or the Jeep Trail.

To book your vacation, go to

www.vrbo.com/240253 or www.homeaway.com/255978.