As America's eastern main mountain chain drifts southward, the Appalachian Mountains cross the North Carolina and Tennessee borders and end abruptly in northern Georgia and South Carolina. Unlike the remainder of the state, this mountainous section of Georgia is covered by the Chattahoochee National Forest and encompasses the state's highest peaks. Brasstown Bald, the highest peak of the Blue Ridge Mountains, tops out at 4784 feet elevation. To the east is Tallulah Gorge, its wonderful string of waterfalls, and nearby are two more popular sites at Panther Creek Falls and Toccoa Falls. This area in northern Georgia, as well as the three neighboring states, holds some of the highest and most photogenic waterfalls in southeast United States.
    At the Toccoa Falls College campus visitors come to see Toccoa Falls, a word meaning beautiful to the Cherokee. Located near the end of Forrest Drive, a short walk from the Gate Cottage follows along Toccoa Creek and leads to the wonderful scene where the Toccoa drops 186 feet into plunge pool. Here in this secluded glen you'll also find a memorial to 39 victims of a terrible tragedy. The area grabbed national headlines in 1977 as the 100 year old Kelly Barnes Dam broke above the falls. The massive wall of water brought a day of destruction and tragic death to the college and town below. The sad event not only brought an outpouring of support and aid from the community, but from all around the world.

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