Cool Springs and Mill Creek Falls Loop is a 4.5 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Chatsworth, Georgia that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is best used from April until September.
Fort Mountain State Park charges a $5 parking fee. You can also purchase an annual pass that is valid at all Georgia State Parks for $50.
January 15, 2021December 15, 2020Good mountain hiking.
December 12, 2020Trees down in several spots, but nothing too crazy. Great trail, take the steep part first. My 13 year and I backpacked this.
November 27, 2020November 12, 2020Nice trail! The fall colors were lovely. There were still several downed trees across the trail at several points that we somewhat challenging to pass.
November 10, 2020November 9, 2020November 1, 2020We hiked this a few days after tropical storm Zeta came through. There were multiple downed trees that made the trail impassable at points. We we were able to go off trail and get around them, but it was not easy. Otherwise, beautiful views. We read the previous tips and started at the Cool Springs lookout and trail head first.
October 10, 2020last part completely uphill
August 23, 2020It's a bit confusing figuring out where to start this loop. We started at the Gahuti trailhead in the overlook parking lot. We turned left at the 301 bike trail a little over 1.5 miles in. The sign says the trail isn't authorized. You'll follow 301 along the creek and connect with 302 to get back to the overlook. You'll end at the Gahuti trail entrance directly to the left of the overlook. In retrospect, we might have done this in reverse. The last hour or so was a fairly strenuous steep ascent. Overall, beautiful views and waterfalls, not too many others on trail, and well worth the hike. As others have said, I would describe it as difficult rather than moderate.
August 1, 2020August 1, 2020June 26, 2020As other reviews have noted this is more of a hard than moderate. We followed the AllTrails map the whole way except for walking a bit beyond the turn off on the Gahuti. (Maybe a tenth of a mile). It was six miles for us. We hiked clockwise starting at the overlook. We followed 301 and then the Gahuti back to the start. The first 1.5 miles was a steep descent. We were surrounded by stinging nettles much of the way down. Wear appropriate pants or it will not be comfortable. The hike along the stream was beautiful. Unfortunately there wasn’t much area around the falls to sit and enjoy as there was stinging nettle there too. The way back was up a steep climb. We were glad we went the way we did, because climbing up the steep hill through the. nettles after a long hike would be painful. We saw no one else on the trail once we left the overlook. Overall it is a nice hike, but not if you are planning for a moderate 4.8 mile hike. .
June 11, 2020Recorded 5.8 miles. Not sure how it’s 4.9 as stayed on the loop all the way. Everyone has their opinion I guess, but no way I would rate this as moderate. I’m older but pretty experienced hiker and this was definitely on the Hard side. Good workout though with a few good sights but mostly in the woods. Lots of poison oak!
June 7, 2020Great trail. Hardly anyone on it on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Great little spot to cool off in a a waterfall about 2 miles in. 2 in shape adults and we found it pretty strenuous, probably wouldn’t describe it as moderate.
May 25, 2020Beautiful trail with views, waterfalls and small creeks. Very well maintained and well marked. Don’t miss going to the overlook...breathtaking!
May 3, 2020We had a hard time figuring out where to start this trail. We hiked off the trail on the 301/302 bike trail until we ran into the Gahuti trail head where it splits. Most of the trail we were on said “not authorized or special use permit”....it was beautiful though! Great hike along the mill creek falls. We ended up going about 6.5 miles and the last 35-40 minutes of the hike we’re straight up. Definitely not a path for new hikers, but our family is pretty experienced and we had fun. Bring extra water in the warm months for sure!!
April 22, 2020Super pretty waterfalls and creek views with incredible mountain lookout views at the top by the parking lot. Had to take a few breaks but I’m not an avid hiker. Saw so many salamanders. Lots of poison ivy and stinging nettle along the trails and creeks right now.
March 19, 2020Lots of rocks & roots. AT app recorded 5.9 miles & 1800' elevation change! .Falls were fantastic Hard trail
February 17, 2020I have been to Fort Mountain hundreds of times but I have never done this trail. I was looking for something close to home and this one peaked my interest. Fort Mountain is an amazing park. My family and I spend a lot of time up there. But back to the trail. First, I would say make sure you have a map and can read a map, other wise you will get lost. Definitely not a hike for the first timers. The elevation drop as you are desending down the mountain is rocky and steep at times. You drop elevation quickly. The trail is well maintained. There was some brush over the trail at times probably from all the rain we have had the last few weeks but nothing obstructing. The waterfall was beautiful. You walk along the creek probably about a mile or so until you reach the falls. The ascend was not easy if you are not use to walking a steep incline. I had to stop multiple times to catch my breath. Definitely a great hike, definitely will do again.
February 2, 2020Was a good trail saw a few beautiful waterfalls in the canyon but not a great hike for people that aren’t hikers in a daily basses.
February 2, 2020January 22, 2020Hiked this yesterday, it was very cold, lots of ice. Great views along a well maintained and marked trail, a bit rocky in some places though so trekking poles might come in handy. A great workout overall, I will be back!
December 23, 2019I only did a 3 mile round trip section of this trail - from the Coolsprings Overlook to the bottom of the mountain and back up. Trail was an old logging road and easy to follow. A few blowdowns and moving water over the trail but good hike anyway.
