Lake Trahlyta Spillway

Lake Trahlyta Spillway is a waterfall in Vogel State Park that flows over engineered stone steps in a continuous cascade roughly 50 feet tall. The water falls surrounded by thick forest that covers the surrounding landscape.

The spillway takes its name from Trahlyta, a Cherokee woman whose burial site is located several miles away at Stonepile Gap. The modern waterfall was created when a dam was built to regulate water release from the lake.

The spillway sits within a recreation area built on traditional Cherokee lands, showing how modern parks connect natural spaces with the heritage of the region's first peoples.

Access is through a roughly 1-kilometer loop trail from the main parking area with only minimal elevation change. The path is well-marked and passes through forested terrain, so sturdy footwear is useful.

The water flows consistently year-round because it is channeled through engineered stone formations that regulate the flow. This design makes the waterfall a dependable sight regardless of seasonal weather changes.

Location: Union County

Part of: Wolf Creek

GPS coordinates: 34.76980,-83.91680

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:09