Keown Falls/Johns Mountain - Member Hike

Hike Name:	Keown Falls/Johns Mountain
Country:	United States
State:	Georgia
Nearby Town:	LaFayette
Rating:
Directions:	75N to exit 320 Resaca. Turn Left (west) onto US 136 for 12.5 miles. Turn Left onto Furnace Creek Road. Dead end into Pocket Road (unlabled at this intersection), turn Left. About 2.5 miles on right will be Keown Falls Picnic Area
Total Hike Distance:	4.60 miles
Hike Difficulty:	Moderate to Difficult
Permit Required:	No
Hike Type:	Roundtrip, Loop Hike
Hike Starts/Ends:	Keown Falls Picnic Area
Trails Used:	Keown Falls Loop and Johns Mountain Loop Trails
Backcountry Campsites:	No
Backcountry Water Sources:	Streams
Management:	U.S. Forest Service
Contact Information:	Unknown
Best Season:	Winter, Spring
Users:	Hikers, Dogs
Road Conditions:	Primary Paved Roads, Secondary Paved Roads
Hike Summary:	This hike is a figure 8 loop trail. You start on the Keown Falls trail (best to go counterclockwise). The trail begins by following a stream until you reach the switchbacks. For approximately .5miles you will climb gradually to the falls. At about .6 miles you reach a stone staircase that leads you up to the falls over look. The falls are very seasonal and may or may not be flowing. From the overlook you will see the Johns Mountain Trail intersection. Take this trail to the left (more gradual inclines going clockwise). For 2.5 miles you will hike along the ridge lines of Johns mountain. During the winter there are some fantastic views of the valleys below. You will pass through several boulder fields which are fun to climb on and a nice place for lunch. At 2.5 miles you reach the Johns Mountain overlook and parking lot. From here the trail takes a hard right and starts a fairly steep descent back to the Keown Falls Overlook at 3.2 miles. Go half way back down the stone staircase and take a right to go down to the bottom of the falls. From her you can hike under and behind the falls. The rock overhang is absolutely beautiful. Continue under the falls and out the other side along the trail. You will pass several places where the water is seeping out from the rocks. In the winter some may be frozen with some beautiful icicles! Continue down the switchbacks to where you began. These trails can be hiked individually if you want a shorter hike.