Cathy Ellis Trail

This is a short trail that goes down to the Chunannee Falls waterfall on the Alabama Branch just before it merges with Dukes Creek. The trail is quite narrow and passes beneath the foliage including lots of rhododendrons. The last part of the trail follows Dukes Creek for a short distance before you get to the waterfall. There is a very small swimming hole at the base of the waterfall if it is really hot. The trail is well marked with orange placards numbered 1 through 17 and a small picnic shelter is available at marker 3 just a short way off the road. The waterfall is named for a Cherokee Indian who once owned much of the land comprising the park. It was nearby along Dukes Creek where gold was first discovered in the area in 1828. The discovery of gold is one of the factors that lead to the removal of the Cherokee Indians from the area during the Trail of Tears in the 1830's. A US mint existed in Dahlonega a few miles to the southwest from 1838 until the start of the civil war in 1861. You'll have to hike down Tsalaki Road to get to the trailhead. No vehicles are allowed in the park.