Big Bend Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainPhoto Credits (1)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
4.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
300 ft
About Big Bend Falls
Big Bend Falls is a scenic waterfall located along the Chattooga River in the Ellicott Rock Wilderness, Georgia. It is one of the largest waterfalls on the Chattooga River and is known for its powerful flow and remote setting.
The Setting
Big Bend Falls sits at 1,900 feet within Sumter National Forest, in the hills of Georgia.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Kings Creek Falls (70 ft) lies 1.0 miles to the northeast. Also nearby: Spoonauger Falls (50 ft, 1.6 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Big Bend (#223), a 4.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 300 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
BIG BEND #223
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
2.50 miTrail Description
The trail to Big Bend Falls follows the Chattooga River Trail through a forested area with occasional views of the river. The path is well-marked but includes some rocky and uneven sections. The final approach to the falls may require careful footing due to the terrain.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Big Bend Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Big Bend Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are the best times to visit due to mild weather and vibrant foliage. Summer is also popular, but the trail may be more crowded.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Sumter National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 45°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
The trail can be slippery, especially after rain. Exercise caution near the river and falls, as the currents are strong. Always stay on marked trails and avoid venturing too close to the water.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Chattooga River, 1.5 miles away, not on Big Bend Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
49 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 17 years of record
0.82 ft
Water depth at gauge
45°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 45 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge CHATTOOGA RIVER AT BURRELLS FORD, NR PINE MTN, GA (2 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
49 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
53 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
65 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
50 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
43 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
46 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
43 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early January to early February, peaking in February.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Tamassee hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Big Bend Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Big Bend Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 47°F to 38°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 51 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 176 feet through Big Bend Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 1,904 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 71 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 182 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northwest, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,904 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 176 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Big Bend Falls is accessed via the Chattooga River Trail, which is located in the Ellicott Rock Wilderness. The trailhead can be reached by driving to the Burrells Ford Campground area, which is off Burrells Ford Road (Forest Service Road 646).
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Burrells Ford Campground parking area. It is free and typically has enough space for visitors.
Elevation
1,900 feet above sea level
Coordinates
34.953145° N, -83.118762° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the trail can be rocky and uneven. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail. Be prepared for limited cell service in the area.
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With 4.5 miles and 300 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
Spectacular Mountain Views With Your Own Private Hot Tub!
Foxhunt at Sapphire Valley
The Wells Cashiers
Red Top Tree House
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
West Fork Campground (Clayton, GA)
4.8 miles away · 5 sites
Overview All Campsites at West Fork Campground are reservation only, you must reserve through recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777Visitors to this 5-site campground marvel over the picturesque bird's eye view of the world renowned Chattooga Wild and Scenic River. Situated along the west fork of the river, this area offers isolation and adventure all in one. Visitors often comment they feel as though they've been swept back in time and are looking out onto the great frontier of the past when
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Ellicott Rock, Burrells Ford Campground, and other sections of the Chattooga River Trail.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, black bears, and numerous bird species. Be cautious and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Cities near Big Bend Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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