Kelly Falls is located in the Paint Creek Corridor in the Cherokee National Forest. While not the most impressive waterfall by height (it’s only 15 feet), it is still quite pretty.
You’ll find that it’s very easy to get to so there’s bonus points for that if you’re trying to decide to visit it or not. The drive to the waterfall is scenic and peaceful.
The waterfall is located 0.6 miles from the three way fork in the road at the entrance to Paint Creek Campground. Take the paved road down to the right. The waterfall will be on your left side about 0.6 miles. Kelly Falls is located below road level so you’ll probably want a passenger with you to be on the lookout for it so you don’t zoom right past it.
Once you see the waterfall, pass it and park at a pull off on the right. If you reach Dudley Falls (a nearby waterfall which has it’s own parking lot), then you missed it.
After parking, walk back to the waterfall on the side of the road. Be sure to keep a lookout for on-coming traffic, although the road isn’t very busy. While you can see the waterfall from the top of the road there is a short, slightly steep trail that will take you to another view of the waterfall right by the road.
While there’s no place directly to picnic here, there are several places nearby that are quiet and have restrooms. There are several areas in the Paint Creek Corridor if you like to fish and the creek is stocked with trout during the summer months.
If you would like to see another waterfall, just go two miles down the road to see Dudley Falls. This waterfall is also roadside. You can view Dudley Falls from the parking lot or walk down a few steps right in front in front of it. Dudley Falls is also a 15 foot waterfall.
National Forest literature also mentions Ricker Falls in the area, but we were unable to find it on this trip. We will try again on our next trip.
Hｅу there! One of my friends shared this site so I came to take a look. I’m definitely enjоyіng the information. I’m book-marking and will be checking back to see more waterfalls! Thank you for sharing!
I live near here and visit frequently. Be sure to check out all the areas nearby. There’s lot of great areas to hike!
I’ve driven by this one before and didn’t even realize it. It’s a little below the road line, but since you mentioned this I specifically looked for it. After viewing this falls I continued down the road and took a swim at Dudley Falls followed by a picnic lunch. Nice little outing.