Enjoy a birds eye view of tumbling cascades to then cross the river and get a close up view on this short hike at Carters Lake Recreation Area just outside of Ellijay, Ga. Good for kids and dogs, this easy trail is an excellent way to explore this scenic waterway.

The large parking lot should be more than enough except on the most busy days. The trailhead is about halfway down the lot on the opposite side from the restrooms and pay area, marked with a large sign.

This trail is like most in Georgia, rocky and rooty, but not so much that it's a burden. At .2 miles cross a gravel road, continuing straight. At .3 miles you'll come to one corner of a triangle intersection where the path splits but the two trails connect to each other by connector trail just a few steps further.

Staying to the right will take you to the upper observation deck with an excellent view of the multi-tiered cascades along Tails Creek. Head back to the intersection taking the other path to cross the creek by way of a long wooden bridge.

The trail heads away from the water, then makes a sharp turn to the right. Immediately after this is a 4-way intersection. Uphill to the left is the only direction that is not a part of this trail and eventually leads to a private property sign. Head down to the right to chill by the water or head straight to arrive at the lower observation deck for a close up view of Tails Creek tumbling over the many cascades.