Stonewall Falls Trail
By Jim Qualls
Previously toasted by Outside Magazine as one of the top rides in the southeast, Stonewall Falls Trail continually gets reviewed as a rider’s favorite. Recently expanded to offer about 11 miles, this trail is a classic mix of challenging climbs, beautiful remote scenery, wildlife, some technical sections, and 4 creek crossings. Ratings always depend on the riders involved: This
usually gets rated moderate to difficult.
To The Trailhead
From Tallulah Gorge and Tallulah Falls on US Highway 441, go 2 miles north to left on Old Highway 441. Follow Old Highway 441 as it winds through the communities of Joy, Lakemont, and Wiley approximately 5.3 miles. Watch for the left turn onto gravel Forest Service Road 20—there is a sign for Stonewall Falls Trail and a small sign that simply says 20. Proceed up the gravel road just over a mile, stay to the right and park near the gate. Be prepared to pay $2 parking fee.
The Ride
Immediately a favorite since the first time I rode it, local mountain bikers are owed a debt of gratitude for what they have done. The loop is usually ridden counterclockwise: So, from the parking area and past the gate, its only a couple hundred yards on doubletrack to the left turn onto the new singletrack trail.
My first time riding Stonewall Falls Trail several years ago was on a cold February day—36 degrees for the high temperature. Back then you ground up winding gravel road for the first 3 miles until “above vulture level”, where you could look down on the birds and speculate whether they were staying close to keep an eye on you.
On that cold first time ride, and on repeat rides since, we found the trail offered all of the elements we wished for classic mountain biking. There’s some mud, narrow handlebar-wide stretches through the trees, mud, roots, rocks, switchback, open ridges through hardwood forests, tunneling stretches through dense rhododendron thickets, rocky technical descents, and loads of peace and quiet. Always hoping to see wildlife, I remember this was the first and only time I’ve ever seen ruffed grouse. We flushed up a couple over on the back side of the loop. The last mile offers 4 creek crossings, which my friends didn’t know about as we rode it that first cold winter day—most people find them more enjoyable on summer days. And there’s the namesake Stonewall Falls at the end of the ride: For some reason, my buddies didn’t want to linger at the falls with wet feet on that first cold ride, but most times you’ll want to take in the beauty of the falls, take some photos, maybe a dip in the pool at the base of the falls, and let the more pedestrian visitors you may see there in on a little of the fun you’ve had while riding this great trail.
You’ll Get Hungry—And Need A Place To Stay
Riders on strict, highly-calculated, Lance Armstrong-type diets will have their meals pre-planned and pre-measured. I, too, am gradually ratcheting up the strictness of my own diet. But let me recommend two of my favorite restaurants for great recovery meals after your rides (and for breakfast the next day), both of them on north on US 441 in Dillard, Georgia.
Friends from the days of my youth, Billy & Charlene Johnson offer wonderful food and desserts at Johnson’s Cupboard Café, 7388 Highway 441 North, in Dillard. I recommend the chicken pot pie and the apple pie a la mode. They also run White Hall Inn a very nice bed & breakfast across the road (which also features the Café). Tell the Johnsons I sent you.
Travelers to the region from all over the world also know about The Dillard House. Famous for its endless family style meals, the Dillard House offers a great view across the valley in Rabun Gap, as well as hotel accommodations, pool, trail rides on horses, and even a small petting zoo.
And That’s Not All
I recommend something cool to drink from Hillside Orchard Farms, just a mile or so south of the turn onto Forest Road 20 on Old Highway 441. They have every cider and jelly imaginable, plus much more—my favorites are the muscadine and scuppernong ciders and the moonshine jelly.
Downtown Clayton, north of Stonewall Falls Trail on Highway 441 offers a growing variety of accommodations, dining, shopping, and cultural events. Visit Rabun County’s website for loads of information.
And a couple of the many beautiful spots in Rabun County to visit while you’re there: Minnehaha Falls is oft-regarded as the most beautiful waterfall in Georgia. Also, Black Rock Mountain State Park in Mountain City is the highest elevation state park in Georgia, on the Eastern Continental Divide.