We just bought a place very near the CW and I am more than looking forward to exploring it and other North Georgia trails in the coming months and years.

I am looking for some advice on a couple of initial day hikes just to get a feel for the place and to discover the trail heads closest to our cabin. Later on, I am sure to do some overnights. Estimating from Google Earth, our place is about 4.5 miles south of the TN line as the crow flies, equidistant between McCaysville and Jacks River Falls - about 6.5 miles.

What would be the best trailhead or parking area we could drive to - so we can hike to the falls and then down or up river to a place to camp on the water? Looking for low miles for this first time in as my brother will be with me and he cannot hike too far. I have also heard there is an abundance of blowdowns in the area. Still the case? (I plan to eventually hook up with the local volunteer group.) We will probably hang unless there is a good reason to use the tents.

Any insights are appreciated!