Big Shoals Falls is the fourth of five beautiful waterfalls along Stekoa Creek. It lies in the lower Stekoa Creek gorge, about one mile from the Chattooga River, and a few hundred feet upstream from the smaller Mill Shoals Falls. Of the three waterfalls found along the public section of Stekoa Creek, Big Shoals Falls is my favorite. The roaring power of this 35-foot waterfall is incredibly majestic. The massive pool below Big Shoals Falls is about as impressive as the waterfall itself. It’s likely at least 12 feet deep near the falls and extends over 250 feet downstream, hemmed in by scenic bluffs and punctuated by a small sandbar.

Big Shoals Falls is accessed using the same route as Mill Shoals Falls, using a network of moderate unmarked trails from Wolf Creek Church Road (FR 515). However, the established trail ends at Mill Shoals Falls. From there, continuing upstream to Big Shoals Falls requires a more precarious off-trail scramble up and around Mill Shoals Falls. I hope to see a better path established in this area with increased visitation. It is remarkable how few visitors this waterfall sees, given its sheer power and beauty.

For detailed directions, see page 325 in Mark Ozboyd's "Waterfalls of Georgia" guidebook.