This trail offers one of the excellent views of the Ridge and Valley section of Northwest Georgia. It is also located in the Armuchee Region of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. The trail is a steady uphill trek for less than half mile. From the gravel parking lot, climb up to a viewing deck where you can immediately bask in the beauty of the habitat as you look at the scenic view of the town below and then the ridges and valleys from afar. The trail follows the high ridge peak of Johns Mountain to the overlook at the upper Keown Falls before returns back to Johns Mountain Trail parking lot.

Starting at the trailhead, pace forward onto a tower antenna near a small building. There is also another pathway at the opposite side of the overlook that starts with a steep downhill climb. Yet we will be taking the path where the trail blazes are. From the observation deck, the pathway continues towards the ridge top which is marked with white rectangular blazes. About 1.8 miles along the footpath, the trail moves downhill gradually as it steepens before it turns away from the ridge. The footpath can be rocky as it passes a dirt road where the flora thrives on the sides of the footpath.

Gently sloping on the sides, the ridge top extends further into the trail until its slopes drop abruptly. Approach a stream and cross it using a stepping stone until reaching a wooden footbridge that crosses over the creek where the Keown Falls’ water passes through. At the Keown Falls, check the view at the upper platform where you can be amazed by the scenic view of Dick’s Ridge and gaze down as the water plunges into a natural pool at the bottom of the waterfall.

From the upper platform, you may move down the lower observation deck for a different viewing angle of the spectacular high mountain waterfalls and the Armuchee Ridges and Valleys. The 60-foot drop from the Keown Falls rock ledge is more spectacular during the wet season since the waterfall at times runs very low and dry. This is one of Rome’s spectacular waterfalls but may be affected during drought conditions in Rome Georgia. The view can be interestingly unique and different for every season especially during summer and spring.

Then make your return trip through a steep climb for about a mile on an old logging road as it rises 80 feet for every .10 mile. This return footpath section is a bit difficult and can be challenging which leads you back to the parking lot.