Rocky Mountain via Falls Branch Falls in Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, GA

Hike Rocky Mountain via Falls Branch Falls Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, GA

Class 1 6.2 miles 1800 gain 2-4 hrs Out + Back Jun 16, 2020
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Rocky Mountain via Falls Branch Falls GPX Track

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Access to Rocky Mountain can be made shorter by starting at the Stanley Gap Trailhead a mile or so to the west of the Fall Branch Falls trailhead, but I wanted to include the falls in my route, so I started at the much more popular option. An easy trail leads to Fall Branch Falls, where it was so crowded I didn't even bother to wait to get some alone time with the falls for a photo. Regardless, the falls are a nice mini detour. I should note that the old trail to Falls Branch Falls has been rerouted, so my route included on the map is the correct, new trail as of June 2020.

From the falls, the Benton McKaye Trail parallels the Falls Branch Falls Trail for a bit before ascending the southern ridge of Rocky Mountain. The trail was in great shape, and leads to the north side of the peak. An obvious social trail leads to the summit away from the Benton McKay Trail. There was even a little sign pointing to the summit. No views, but a nice little forest hike.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Rocky Mountain
3440 ft
1120 rise

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Falls Branch Falls Trailhead.
Falls Branch Falls Trailhead.
Popular, well-beaten trail to Falls Branch Falls.
Popular, well-beaten trail to Falls Branch Falls.
Image 2 from gallery
The Falls Branch Falls Trail comes down the stairs on the far left and continues on the trail on the far right. Where those people are would be my access to the Benton McKaye Trail after I checked out the falls.
The Falls Branch Falls Trail comes down the stairs on the far left and continues on the trail on the far right. Where those people are would be my access to the Benton McKaye Trail after I checked out the falls.
Falls Branch Falls.
Falls Branch Falls.
Image 5 from gallery
Just before starting up the Benton McKaye Trail, looking at Falls Branch Falls.
Just before starting up the Benton McKaye Trail, looking at Falls Branch Falls.
Along the Benton McKaye Trail.
Along the Benton McKaye Trail.
Junction with the Stanley Gap Trail. Starting to Rocky Mountain via the Stanley Gap Trail would have been a shorter hike, but would have missed Falls Branch Falls.
Junction with the Stanley Gap Trail. Starting to Rocky Mountain via the Stanley Gap Trail would have been a shorter hike, but would have missed Falls Branch Falls.
Image 9 from gallery
Image 10 from gallery
A minor view of Rocky Mountain on the left.
A minor view of Rocky Mountain on the left.
Image 12 from gallery
Image 13 from gallery
Some pretty forest walking with ferns and whatnot.
Some pretty forest walking with ferns and whatnot.
Image 15 from gallery
The Benton McKaye Trail goes past Rocky Mountain's summit (up on the left somewhere) to the peak's northern ridge.
The Benton McKaye Trail goes past Rocky Mountain's summit (up on the left somewhere) to the peak's northern ridge.
Small sign on the north ridge of Rocky Mountain, marking a social trail that would lead to the summit.
Small sign on the north ridge of Rocky Mountain, marking a social trail that would lead to the summit.
Along a social trail to the summit of Rocky Mountain.
Along a social trail to the summit of Rocky Mountain.
View back from just below the Rocky Mountain summit.
View back from just below the Rocky Mountain summit.
Rocky Mountain's viewless summit.
Rocky Mountain's viewless summit.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!