This past weekend, we found ourselves in Blue Ridge, Georgia. On our way up, we stopped at Bella Orchards in Jasper and hiked the Tumbling Waters Nature Trail outside Ellijay. While this post focuses on Tumbling Waters, I first have to mention the fun I had picking strawberries.
Bella Orchards
Dear Hubby (DH) and I went strawberry picking south of Atlanta a couple of years ago. The difference in taste between fresh berries and those from the grocery store is incomparable. A few weeks ago, I lamented that we hadn’t had time to do that activity again and I knew it was getting past strawberry picking season.
The route to Blue Ridge took us past the town of Jasper. Founded in 1857, it was one of the first settlements in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This town of 4,000 people boasts the nickname “Marble Capital of Georgia” since it produces most of the marble in the US. An example of the pink-veined marble can be found at the nearby Tate House. While driving through Jasper, I spotted a small sign, “Strawberry Picking – Bella Orchards – Turn Right.”
I asked DH to pull over while I googled the spot, Bella Orchards. It opened soon and we had time to make a stop. Also, the Facebook page mentioned that strawberry season was coming to a close and this was one of the last weekends for picking.
Bella Orchards is a family-run farm that lies about 1.5 miles off Hwy 76. The posted signs gave us step-by-step directions. When we pulled up, the owner was opening the front gates. The cost is $7 per person to fill up a quart of strawberries. DH caught up on emails while I entered the strawberry fields to fill up my quart. Soon, families and other people stopped by for strawberry picking. Back in the car, we tasted the sweetest and juiciest strawberries ever.
Tumbling Waters Nature Trail
We headed north to Ellijay, Georgia (the Apple Capital of Georgia). The Tumbling Waters trail lies at the Ridgway Recreation Area at the northeast end of Carters Lake, about 12 miles west of East Ellijay.
I’d never heard of Carters Lake and was surprised to find this tranquil spot. It turns out that Carter’s Lake is the deepest reservoir in the state and offers 63 miles of shoreline. However, since federal lands surround the lake, development is restricted. You won’t find mega-mansions, boat docks, and lots of boat traffic here.
The US Army Corps of Engineers operates the recreation area. The fee is $5 or free if you have an annual pass. Fortunately, our America the Beautiful pass includes not only National Parks and US Forests, but also federal lands, including the US Army Corps of Engineers.
There were restrooms and signage in the large parking lot. This detailed map shows the entire lake, recreation areas, and amenities.
On the Tumbling Waters trail
The trail to the waterfalls is only about 1/3 of a mile. However, it is hilly and has many tree roots. The trail is easy to follow as it is marked with red blazes.
The trail also offered views of Carters Lake through the trees. Soon, the roar of rushing water greeted us and we knew we were getting close.
We encountered a fork in the trail. We followed the path to the right, leading about 150 feet up the hill to a wooden overlook pavilion. Here, we gazed at the tumbling waterfalls.
This trail ends so we backtracked to the fork and took the other path over Tails Creek. A long, wooden bridge offers incredible views of the rushing waters.
On the other side of the bridge, kayakers had stopped to wade in the water. There are four boat launches along the lake at Ridgway, Doll Mountain, Dam Site, and Woodring Branch Recreation Areas.
The trail directed us to the left once we crossed the bridge. The path ascends and then turns right so that hikers follow along Tails Creek. A few side trails lead to the water’s edge, but we continued to the overlook. The views of the tumbling waters are entirely different on this side.
We backtracked and took a trail to the water’s edge. I can’t describe it well, but these falls seem flatter than the other side. Mountain laurel was in full bloom and these beautiful petals added a spark of pink and white to the lush green landscape.
Conlusion
Tumbling Waters Nature Trail is perfect for families, dogs, or older adults. The complete trail is only one mile long, but you can make it shorter by not going to both overlooks. Parking is plentiful, and restrooms are located in the parking lot. The fee is $5. For more information, visit this website here.
Bella Orchards is a fun place to pick strawberries when in season. The cost is reasonable and you don’t have to supply your own bucket. Bring cash as that is the preferred payment method. I also recommend that you wear closed-toe shoes or boots if there have been recent rains, since the ground can be muddy. For more information about Bella Orchards, see its Facebook page here.