Tugalo Park – Lake Yonah (Northeast Georgia)

For those of you that enjoy primitive camping, I recently found what I like to refer to as a “hidden gem”.

Not far from Tallulah Falls, Georgia, at the base of Georgia Power’s Tugalo Dam, is Tugalo Park.  This tiny park is right on the upper end of Lake Yonah, surrounded by the dam and the mountains. It is one of the many Georgia Power parks on the lakes.  Well-known to the locals, this little park remains hidden away from most everyone else.

A view of Tugalo Dam on the way down to Tugalo Park.

Tugalo Dam.

Tugalo Dam

The drive down to the base of Tugalo Dam is very scenic, with a view of the mountains and the forest.  It is all downhill going in, and (obviously) all uphill going out.  The gravel road is well maintained as Georgia Power workers use it on a regular basis to get to the dam.  There is quite a drop off to one side, so pay attention while driving in or out.

Amazing scenery driving down to Tugalo Dam

When you reach the base of the dam, you will see the entrance to Tugalo Park.  The park has a primitive campground which consists of 10 small graveled sites, suitable for tent or truck camping.   There is a tiny building that houses restrooms with flush toilets.  There are no sinks or showers.

Entrance to Tugalo Park

Driving into Tugalo Park, you can see the campground just ahead

There is also a tiny dock, and a concrete ramp for launching small boats.  There are plenty of places to fish near the dam, and from the banks.

The dock, and the boat launch at Tugalo Park

Lake Yonah

The lake borders both South Carolina and Georgia, so a fishing license from either state works out on the lake.  A fisherman there told us that South Carolina fishing regulations prevail on the lake; be sure to check the rules and regs!

Brasstown Falls – Westminster, SC

We took a drive today from Tallulah Falls, Georgia (where we are camp hosting) to Seneca, South Carolina.  The main purpose was to visit our bank, but we managed to have a bit of fun as well.

There are several waterfalls located off of US-76 near the Georgia-South Carolina border.  Some of them have signs along the highway, telling you where to turn off… and no further directions after that.  Locating them can be a bit of a challenge.  We decided we would pick one to stop at one on the return trip.

The first one we attempted to find was Riley Moore Falls.  Even with the help of the GPS on my smartphone, we ended up driving in a large circle without locating the trail to the falls.  At least it was a pretty drive, with some nice views!

On the hunt for Riley Moore Falls

We passed by an old mill as we got ourself back on the road.  We would have loved to have explored it a bit, but there were several “No Trespassing” signs posted.

The old mill

Further down US-76, we saw a sign for Brasstown Falls.  A quick look on the internet told us it was only about five miles off the main road, followed by a very short hike.  So off we went.

Like our previous attemp, there was no further signage.  We ended up stopping to ask someone, and having to backtrack a bit.  For the record: From US-76, you take Brasstown Road.  Follow it for approximately four miles.  The road will change from pavement to gravel.  Look for a road to the right that is not marked private; it is a forest service road.  Turn there, and follow it.  It will dead end at the trail that leads towards the falls.

The hike in was quite short, less than a quarter mile.  The trail ends a primitive camping area, part of Sumter National Forest.  However, while we could see the falls through the trees to the left of the camping area, there was no way to get to it without crossing a creek.

After falling off a log in a failed try at staying dry, we just waded down a bit, and then across.  It was not deep, and I got much wetter from falling off the log than I would have if I had just waded through it in the first place like my husband did… live and learn!

The log I tried to use to walk downstream. Notice the slippery green moss on it, not my best idea!

After climbing up the opposite bank, and following a little trail through the trees, we finally got to the falls.  I think it was well worth the trouble.

Little Brasstown Falls

Further down the stream, to the right of the camping area, are Brasstown Vascades, Brasstown Veil, and Brasstown Sluice.  These are reportedly lovely falls as well.  Unfortunately, I twisted my leg a bit when I fell off the log… so we decided hiking downstream would have to wait until another time.

All in all, it was a pretty successful adventure.