Three Forks waterfalls hiking and swimming

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Three Forks waterfalls hiking and swimming

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Rabun County, GA

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, Aug 29 2009 8:45 am >> N/A (Carpool Departure: 9:00 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Sun, Aug 2 2009 9:00 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Fri, Aug 28 2009 3:45 pm

Event Duration:

per itinerary

Difficulty Rating:

D4: Moderate to Difficult

Trip Leader(s):

Tony C
Tracey Steiner

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Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

15 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

This is the most popular waterfall hike that the AOC offers every summer, and for good reason...the scenery is just lovely and the swimming is a lot of fun. I recently learned this route from fellow trip leader, Dean Merat, so this should be another opportunity for everyone to enjoy this very special area.

We'll start out our adventure with a quick creek crossing...very minor with low water levels...sometimes you can even rock hop across. Or walk across a fallen tree trunk if you are extra confident in your balance.

Our first waterfall is a beauty on Overflow Creek, about 3 miles into the hike. We will take a long break here to enjoy the view but probably save most of the swimming for later...maybe a bit though if it is a hot day and that cool water is too tempting.

From here will proceed about about 2 more miles to "Three Forks", so named for the junction Holcomb, Overflow and Big Creeks that come together to from the West Fork of the Chattooga River. Plan on a long, leisurely (at least an hour) break here for lots of swimming and exploring. There are swimming holes and rock jacuzzis to enjoy...and you can go behind the last little waterfall off of Holcomb Creek and hike up the creek just a bit to an beautiful hidden gorge with multiple waterfalls and cascades.

After we leave Three Forks, we will make our way about another mile to see two additional waterfalls on Big Creek, the first will be a quick stop and then at the 2nd, we will take another swimming break and just fully take in the magnificent beauty of this area.

After this last waterfall, it is about a 2 mile hike out to our cars. The total distance is 8.4 miles with about 1500 feet of total ascent...so a solid D4, but it should feel a good bit easier because of the rolling terrain and the long breaks along the way.

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

We travel up I-85, then I-985 north to Clayton, GA; where we turn right onto Warwoman Road. Follow this until its end at Highway 28. Turn left (north) and follow Hwy 28 4.4 miles to the trailhead on the left side of the road (and just 1.3 miles south of the NC border).

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

213Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

9:00 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $85.20 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance: Please review the AOC cancellation policy.