Three Forks - Hike and Swim

Hope you can join me on one of my favorite summer hikes at Three Forks.

At the beginning of our journey there will be a small creek that we will have to cross. At times you can rock hop, but it may be necessary to get wet so bring something you can cross water with.

Our first destination is the spot for which this trip is named, "Three Forks", approximately 4 miles. Here is a little math to help. Holcomb Creek + Overflow Creek + Big Creek = Three Forks! These three water sources come together to form the West Fork of the Chattooga River. At this spot, we will play in the water and explore for around an hour or so. A really great spot to relax in the water and get a back massage in the cold rock jacuzzis there (not heated, but refreshing!)

After leaving our first water park, we will hike around 2 miles to Overflow Falls and take another swim break. At this location, there is a good swimming hole and even a fun area to jump from the top of the falls.

Once we have soaked in the sun and beauty of this area we will then finish our hike out to the cars. The total distance is around 8.3 miles and has about 1500 feet of ascent.

Based upon past trips, prepare for a little adventure. The trails are in good condition, but are not marked. It is possible we will take a wrong turn or two. The ascent to river is steep too.

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).

For those meeting at the event, I suggest meeting the group in Clayton and then following us to the trailhead. There is no cell phone reception a couple of miles after you leave Clayton, thus you will not be able to contact anybody to coordinate plans. 

Note: We leave the carpool at 8:15 AM with whoever shows up. Plan on arriving a little early to coordinate who drives. This is not a cocktail party where you can show up a little late. If you pull up at 8:16 AM you likely will be left behind. If you are not sure how long it will take to make it to the carpool, ARRIVE early.