An important thing to keep in mind when viewing waterfalls is that they look a lot better with water flowing over them. This summer is starting out as a hot, dry one and when rainfall is low, water volume over the falls is reduced and they aren’t nearly as impressive. If you plan a trip to include waterfall viewing, try to go after a good rain. With the hurricane season getting under way, maybe an ill wind will blow us some good.
It seems as if just about everyone carries a camera these days and waterfalls just beg to be photographed. If you have an adjustable camera and know how it works (aperture, shutter speed, ISO, that kind of stuff), get a lightweight tripod and bring it along. Moving water is one of the most interesting things to photograph, but to get the most out of it you need to vary the shutter speed and slow it down to ½ second or less. Every shutter speed slower than 125 produces a different look. Try it; you might get hooked and have a new hobby.
Two of the most popular waterfalls are within state parks and are easily accessible by car. Leashed dogs are allowed in the state parks as long as you clean up after them. On the trails in the national forest there are no leash requirements and well-behaved dogs can run loose and get some exercise. Use good trail etiquette and call the dog to you when people approach from the other direction.
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Amicalola Falls has its own state park named after it. The biggest waterfall in the state at over 600 feet, it is viewable from many angles thanks to the paths, steps and viewing platforms alongside it. This is a really nice waterfall and you can spend a lot of time enjoying it. There are picnic areas in the park and a restaurant in the lodge. If you feel like getting some more exercise, the Approach Trail to Springer Mountain and the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail starts near the top of the falls.
From Dahlonega take GA 52 west for 18 miles to Amicalola Falls State Park.
Anna Ruby Falls is near Unicoi State Park just north of Helen. A scenic area within the national forest, the waterfall is a less than half a mile from the parking area. The trail follows Smith Creek as it cascades downhill, over and around boulders and rock outcroppings. The waterfall is formed by two streams – Curtis Creek falls 163 feet on the left and York Creek drops 50 feet on the right – to become Smith Creek at the bottom. There are two observation decks that offer great views of the falls.
Take GA 75 north from Helen to GA 356, turn right and go 1.3 miles to Smith Creek Road (FS 242) on the left.
A short distance from Anna Ruby Falls are two other waterfalls that are worth a look. Dukes Creek Falls is seen in pieces along a 1.1 mile walk. Early on, the upper falls can be seen through an opening in the trees. For much of the walk trees block the view, but occasional breaks in the tree cover provide a look at part of the falls. Two streams form this waterfall; Davis Creek falls 200’ in a broken cascade and Dodd Creek is a 15’ falls at the base. Both can be viewed from the observation deck at the base of the falls.
Take GA 75 north from Helen to GA 356, turn left and go 2 .3 miles to GA 348 ( Richard Russell Scenic Hwy). Dukes Creek parking is 1.7 miles on the left.
A little over a mile past Dukes Creek is the parking area for Raven Cliff Falls. The 2 ½ mile hike to the cliffs is the best part of this trip. The waterfall can be barely a trickle during dry periods and is best viewed during the rainy season or after a good rain. It spills 30 feet through a grotto formed by two granite outcroppings on the side of the cliff into a small pool at the bottom. This is a great walk anytime.
Now for something a little more vigorous. Panther Creek Falls is a pleasant surprise located deep in the woods and worth the 3.5 mile hike to get there. The falls itself is active and attractive, and the pool at the base is large enough splash around in, if you have the nerve. The general opinion around here seems to be that water cooler than 85 ° is too cold for swimming. Mountain streams are a little colder than that, but those brave and hardy enough to get wet will enjoy a refreshing swim on a hot day. You can swim over to the falls and climb up on the rocks to let the water pour down on you.
Below the pool the stream is even more appealing, with frequent shoals, big boulders to hop around on, and long, deep pools to get wet in. Kids, dogs and many adults will enjoy this place. For a dog, this is paradise; a long walk in the woods where he can run around and enjoy being a dog and a variety of water features that any dog would love.
There is one tricky area that you should consider on this trail. At about the one mile point the trail makes a sharp left turn and goes through a narrow crevice in the outcropping, requiring an 8-10 foot climb to a higher level. This is not difficult and presents no problem. Coming back is another story. The crevice is too narrow and steep for dogs to make it down, and they have to be carried. With a small dog this is not a problem, but if you have a big dog be sure someone is strong enough to pick the dog up while balancing in the crevice, turn around and climb down to a place where you can place him on the ground. People do it every day.
Take 985/365 north. From Cornelia take GA 441 north for about 9 miles, past the town of Hollywood. At the sign for Panther Creek Picnic Area and Trail Parking turn left, then make a right onto Historic 441 and the parking area is a short distance on the left. The trail begins across the road from the parking area.
These are just a few of the many waterfalls to visit in Georgia. We will have more in future issues and even more online at critterchatter.com. If the summer stays dry, wait for rain. Keep an eye on the weather reports, since often they get rain to the north while we get little or none here. If it rains mid-week, head for the mountains that weekend. Don’t forget the tripod. Or the dog.
