Hemlock Falls Day Hike at Moccasin Creek State Park 

Join us for a guided hike to Hemlock Falls at Moccasin Creek State Park. Our route follows Moccasin Creek through a shaded corridor of hardwood forest, rhododendron thickets, and rocky stream crossings before arriving at the cascade itself. This hike is a more rugged experience than other hikes in the waterfall series, with uneven terrain and several creek crossings that add a sense of adventure to the journey. 

This experience is best suited for participants comfortable navigating more complex terrain and wet conditions, but the effort is rewarded with one of North Georgia’s most picturesque waterfall settings. Expect a relaxed pace, time for photos and interpretation, and a deeper appreciation for the mountain watersheds that feed Georgia’s rivers.

Schedule & Activities

Meeting Location: 3655 Highway 197, Clarkesville, GA 30523 

The Hemlock Falls Trail begins on Andersonville Lane (across from the State Park Entrance) and runs alongside Moccasin Creek for about 1 mile to the falls. We’ll then make multiple stream crossings (most involve small wood bridges) hiking upwards to reach the top of the falls. Afterwards, we will circle back down the falls before returning via the same 1-mile path. Expect a 3-3.5 mile hike in total.

Plan Your Trip

Arrival Time:

Meet at the Hemlock Falls Trailhead on Andersonville Lane, directly across from Moccasin Creek State Park entrance, by 9:45 a.m. Look for the Georgia Conservancy sign.

What Should I Pack:

Sturdy waterproof hiking boots, trekking poles (if you have them), 2 liters of water, snacks/lunch, extra socks, sun protection, and a daypack. 

How Long Is the Hike?

3 miles round trip; moderate elevation gain (~500 feet).

Accessibility & Terrain:

Natural dirt trail with rocky, uneven surfaces, moderate elevation gain, and several creek crossings. Trails may be wet or muddy.  

https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/v/gc2026waiver

Every participant will be required to fill out completely and sign, our online waiver. The waiver link will be included in your big tickets confirmation email as well as the 2 weeks out trips detailed email. If a paddling trip, all participants must have basic paddling skills, wear a PFD/Life vest, and be capable of self-rescue in the water. No more than 2 children under the age of 12 per adult guardian. While Georgia Conservancy staff and other Outfitters may assist on some trips and be available with medical and/or First Aid training (those individuals will be identified), we cannot personally ensure the safety of all participants. Unlike a commercial trip in which paid guides to direct you through each bend of the river or lead you into the wilderness, Georgia Conservancy trips, whether a paddle, adventure, or service trip, are all designed to be your adventure, and as such, you are responsible for your own safety. All participants are assuming risks (some of which are outlined in our liability waiver) while participating in a Georgia Conservancy Stewardship Trip.

1.) Cancellation/Refund Policy: Georgia Conservancy trips are non-transferable and are hosted rain or shine. The Georgia Conservancy reserves the right to cancel or shorten any trip before departure as well as change the itinerary. If you have any questions about the trip price and what the payment includes, please contact Shaundon Moore (smoore@gaconservancy.org) before you register.

Notification Prior to the Trip Refund Policy

• 20 days or more Full refund using the original method of payment
• 8 to 19 days Refund total paid less $10 processing fee*
• 4 to 7 days Refund 50% of total paid*
• 3 days & under No refund
• * We cannot guarantee the refund in the original method of payment and refunds may be made by check.

If a trip is canceled and not rescheduled by Georgia Conservancy, then all participants will receive a full refund using the original method of payment.

If a trip is canceled and then rescheduled, each participant may receive a full refund if they request cancellation within 1 week of being notified of the new trip date.

2.) Acceptable Behavior and Policies for Participants (Alcohol, Drugs, Tobacco): As part of our mission to provide healthy experiences we have several policies for behavior on trips. All illegal substances are prohibited. There’s one easy way to wreck your trip (and your friends’) with the Georgia Conservancy: overconsumption of alcohol. Alcohol can pose a serious risk to your health and others when consumed during a trip and will dehydrate you. That being said participants 21 years of age or older ARE welcome to B.Y.O.B. (Bring your own beverages) and enjoy them on GAC trips if used in a responsible manner that does not jeopardize the safety of yourself and others. If your behavior negatively impacts other participants that behavior will not be tolerated. Please be considerate of smoking around others.

3.) Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC): All water-based programming participants (including all paddlesport programs) must acknowledge the ability to perform the following EEC: -Breathe independently (i.e. not require medical devices to sustain breathing) -Independently maintain sealed airway passages while under water -Independently hold head upright without head / neck support -Manage personal care independently or with assistance of a companion -Manage personal mobility independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance -Follow instructions and effectively communicate independently or with the assistance of a companion -Paddlesports program participants must also acknowledge the ability to perform the following EEC: -Independently turn from face-down to face-up and remain floating face-up while wearing a properly fitted life jacket -Get in / out of a paddle craft independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance -Independently get out from under a capsized paddlecraft -Re-enter the paddlecraft following deep water capsize independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance -Maintain a safe body position while attempting skills, activities, and rescues listed in the appropriate course outline, and have the --ability to recognize and identify to others when such efforts would be unsafe given your personal situation.

4.) Discrimination and Harassment Policy: No harassment of any kind will be tolerated by any participants or staff during any Georgia Conservancy event. It is your responsibility to report any misconduct to the staff or other Georgia Conservancy Authorities. 

5.) LNT/Recycling: The Georgia Conservancy strives to adhere to Leave No Trace (LNT) Guidelines for all trips/events. We provide recycling options for every trip as well so please ask us before you throw away any recyclables in the wrong container.

Participants are responsible for any rental gear they receive during a trip. If you are unfamiliar with the set-up or correct function of the gear it is your responsibility to seek out a conservancy staff member to show you. We love talking gear so don’t be afraid to ask questions!