Minnehaha Falls is a waterfall in Rabun County, Georgia.
The 60-foot high fall widens as it quickly cascades in 3 - 5 foot
increments to a wide pool at its base. Minnehaha Falls is buried in
a wide, steep-sided cove packed with rhododendron, making this an
exceptionally beautiful hike in mid-to-late May, when the rhododendron
bloom. But the two RV Gypsies came across this trail at the beginning
of August so they did not get to enjoy the rhododendron.
This trail, which is run by the Forest Service, should not be confused with Minnehaha Falls in Minnesota, which is in a park run by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. When Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote about Minnehaha, he meant THIS Minnehaha Falls in Georgia with its limestone bluffs and river overlooks.
From the parking area, which is little more than a wide area in Bear Gap Road, the trail climbs a set of stairs with a hand-railing before turning left and entering the forest adjacent to a small creek on the right.
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Below: The two RV Gypsies on the trail to Minnehaha Falls. |
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Running along the steep-sided valley created by the creek, the trail climbed until it leveled. Once the trail leveled, there was little change in elevation to the falls. About 0.4 miles into the hike, a 10-foot high cascade should not be confused with Minnehaha Falls (see photo below of the little cascade of water). |
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Below: The two RV Gypsies
noticed that the trail and the creek ran nearly level with each other
and the sound of Minnehaha Falls filled the air. So of course, Karen
Duquette took a photograph through the trees. |
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Below: After the water flowed
past where the two RV Gypsies were standing in the above photo, the
water continued over a big rock, then dropped out of sight over the
edge. |
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Below: A man and a young child at the top of the falls. There was no railing there, so this would be a dangerous place for anyone, especially children. Remember that all waterfalls can be dangerous - so always use caution. You are responsible for your own safety, and the safety of your children. |
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Below: Nice scenery leaving Minnehaha Falls and before driving on the curvy roads again. |
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Below: A cabin by the water with a slide. But look at the huge distance from the end of the slide to the water's edge. It looked like fun to Karen Duquette. |
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A patriotic lady trying
to cross the road.
AFTER you have viewed all seven (7) sections above, please continue
on to the two RV Gypsies' adventures in 
