This 1.8 miles roundtrip moderate hike climbs Johns Mountain, ending at the second overlook of Keown Falls. These high mountain falls frequently run dry.

Gordon Keown

Gordon Keown, an alumnus of Berry College, surveyed much of Northwest Georgia and these falls near the top of Johns Mountain are named for him. In addition to his role of surveyor, Keown became the acting director of Berry College following the death of Martha Berry in 1942. One of the major problems Keown faced was maintaining adequate staffing levels during World War II.

Frequently little more than a trickle and usually dry by the end of the summer, Keown Falls really only come to life after a spring downpour. A sign at the start of the trail will indicate the current water flow.

Just after the start of the trailhead is the path's most unusual feature, an A-frame roof over the treadway, for no apparent reason. Rocklined and gravel filled at the beginning, these amenities end at a tree in the middle of the path. At this point the trail begins to climb Johns Mountain.

Johns Mountain is typical of many of the mountains in Northwest Georgia. Ringed by large boulders just below the top like its taller brother to the west, Lookout Mountain, the mountain is part of a geological formation known as Ridge and Valley. The footpath steepens as it rises, turning into a series of switchbacks just below the top. The sound of falls can be heard just before a turn to some rock steps. At the top of the steps is a cool cove and the first falls. A second set of falls and observation deck are shortly ahead. The deck serves as a connector between the Keown Falls Loop and the Johns Mountain Trail.

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