Spruce Flats Falls

Our final waterfall hike for this trip to the GSM is up to the Spruce Flats Falls. This trail is not clearly identified when driving up, but once you find it, they have directions clearly identified to help folks along the actual trail to the falls.

The start of the trail begins at the GSM Institute at Tremont. This trail is full of rocks and roots as well as a couple slippery areas. We saw plenty of folks with sneakers and no hiking sticks, but we were glad to have on boots and our hiking sticks. I relied heavily on them myself, especially after a slip and fall on a nice slippery rock. Bruised knee but no lasting injuries, just a little wounded pride as I fell right in front of a couple heading to the falls as we were headed back.

The falls themselves are beautiful! Out of the three falls we visited on this trip, I think this one was the tallest. The main upper falls were wide with a small side fall coming down into a pool of inviting water.

The middle section of the falls came to a shallow pool which we easily crossed. We found ourselves a rock to perch on like a couple of birds and enjoyed our lunch right there by the falls. We had worked up a sweat so we sat and relaxed a little longer.

We weren’t able to see the final descent of water downstream, but the sound filled the air. Braver souls could be heard making their way down…ah, to be in my teens or twenties again! It wasn’t easy to get a picture without others in it, this is the best I could do.

According to AllTrails, the trail is 1.8 miles out & back with 413 ft. elevation gain. The rating is moderate, and we agree with the rating due to all of the rocks and roots. However, I’d definitely do it again when I get to visit again.