Rabun County

Warwoman Dell Falls, Georgia

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I don’t remember the specifics of the hike to Warwoman Dell Falls. I don’t think it was a long hike. What I do remember is I tried to visit the waterfall unsuccessfully when I first visited the area in 2009. I then successfully visited the falls when I visited the area again in 2017.

Warwoman Dell Falls in March 2017

There is a parking are for Warwoman Dell, which leads to other hiking opportunities in northeast Georgia. When I visited in 2009, I remember being barely able to rent a car…I was barely 25, which is often the requirement to rent a car. I think I was worried that I would somehow damage the vehicle. As I was driving by the road that leads to the parking area, I realized that it was rather odd. The road leading to the parking area is steep and I was concerned I was going to scrape the bottom of the vehicle. These waterfalls are out there, and cell phones weren’t so reliable, so I made the decision to skip this waterfall.

In 2017, with cell phones now being much more reliable and me being a little bit more reliable/confident now that I was older, the turn didn’t seem as daunting. So I turned down the road and parked, and then wandered to the falls. It seemed to be a short hike to the falls, but there wasn’t much water flowing. I then headed across the street to find Becky Branch Falls. There are so many wonderful waterfalls in this area, so if you have a lot of time, stop to see these falls. Otherwise, I would honestly choose to see other falls.

Directions:

  1. From Clayton, GA at the intersection of GA-441 and US-76, head east on Rickman Street, which turns into Warwoman Road (or Dusty Lane).
  2. After 3 miles, you’ll come to Warwoman Dell. Turn right and go downhill to the parking area for Warwoman Dell.
  3. You’ll then hike a bit west to the falls.

Accessibility: 10/10 (easy)
Height: 10′
Hike: 0.4 miles round-trip

Where in the World is Warwoman Dell Falls?

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Estatoah Falls, Georgia

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I’ve debated for a bit about whether to post anything on Estatoah Falls, and I’ve decided that it’s worth it. Let me start by saying that this waterfall is on private property. There’s no way to get closer to the falls, and there’s not really a good place to stop and view the falls. One book I have mentions a pull-off along the road (GA-246), but there isn’t really any true pull-off to see the falls. I found that the best option was to turn down a road that comes before the falls. (There’s no designated place to view the falls there, it’s just not a busy road.)

So why am I posting about Estatoah Falls. Well, first, I think it’s a cool waterfall. Even from afar, this 200′ can catch your eyes. Just make sure to stay on the road. If it were accessible, it would be very popular…which is why I can understand keeping it private! And second, I don’t think I realized that Estatoah Falls is a continuation of Mud Creek Falls. Mud Creek Falls is also known as Little Estatoah Falls because it’s on the same creek. You can very easily visit Mud Creek Falls by heading into Sky Valley.

Directions:

  1. From US-23, turn onto GA-246 heading east. After about a mile, if you look to your right across the fields, you should be able to get a glimpse of Estatoah Falls.
  2. I found that turning onto Kelly’s Creek Road allowed me to get a “better” photo of the falls, not that it’s the best picture. (Kelly’s Creek Road isn’t wildly busy, which is the only reason I mention it.)

Accessibility: 10/10 (easy)
Height: 200′
Length of Hike: No hiking here (can be viewed from the road)

estatoah

Estatoah Falls in March 2017

Where in the World is Estatoah Falls?

Bad Branch Falls, Georgia

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Rabun County in Georgia is a treasure trove for waterfall hunters. Some of these falls are easy to visit, while a few others require more effort. Bad Branch Falls requires more effort, at least to get there in the first place. The journey involves driving 6 miles down the paved, but very curvy and winding, Lake Rabun Road. Then there is another 3 mile drive down a curvy, winding, unpaved road. The unpaved road was by no means dangerous, but it can be tiresome. It’s out there in relative isolation, and I had lingering thoughts of cars breaking down.

Not to deter anyone from visiting Bad Branch Falls, but to further complicate things, there aren’t any clear signs for the falls along this road. Lower and Upper Crow Creek Falls are both found further along the road. The only way to identify that trail is by intently looking for a small creek. In the case of Bad Branch Falls, the falls if further back, so it is much easier to miss the creek area. (And the unmarked trailhead might not be right where the creek is found, if I remember correctly). I honestly think it was pure chance that I seemed to notice a trail heading slightly uphill, and only after driving by it two or three times. (Turning around along the narrow, curving, road was another stress-inducer.) In the end, it helps to set the odometer, and pay attention like a hawk for the not-very-noticeable trail!

If you can find the trail to the falls, you’re in for a treat. I find Bad Branch Falls to be particularly beautiful. There is something about the slanted rock formation that is very intriguing to me. The water cascades down it in a unique fashion. I wasn’t as impressed by the falls on Crow Creek, so I was glad when I found this taller falls nearby. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re willing to just let your worries go away and enjoy the journey.

Directions:

  1. You’ll be travelling along US-441 north of Tallulah Falls.
  2. About 2 miles north of Tallulah Falls will be Old US-441.
  3. Turn onto old US-441, heading west for about 2.5 miles.
  4. Turn left on Lake Rabun Rd. and go for 6 miles. You will come to a dam with a road that crosses the lake/river right before the dam.
  5. Turn left and cross the dam.
  6. Go a short distance and turn/veer right onto Crow Creek Rd.
  7. Start watching your odometer. Travel for 2.9 miles on Crow Creek Rd. It will be rather narrow at points, so be careful!
  8. Right around the 2.8 mile mark, start paying attention for a trail that will be on your left. It will be unmarked, and if I remember correctly, it seems to climb uphill. The only way it is really noticeable is that the trail is at least moderately worn.
  9. I don’t remember if there was an official place to park. There might have been a make-shift pullout right near the trailhead, though I have a feeling I just tried to pull over as much as possible. While the road is narrow, it is not very busy, at least not in early March. (A recreation area with restrooms might be just past the trailhead, so pay attention to that as another possible point to help you find the falls.)
  10. After finding the trailhead, it’s a rather short hike to the falls.
  11. The falls on Crow Creek are just 0.8 miles further down the road. You might be able to use them as a basis for finding Bad Branch Falls, as the falls on Crow Creek are easier to find.

Accessibility: 9/10 (easy)
Height: 30′
Length of Hike: 0.4 miles round-trip

Bad Branch Falls in March 2009

Where in the World is Bad Branch Falls?

Lower Crow Creek Falls, Georgia

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There are two drops on the Crow Creek, which I’ve designated as Lower and Upper Crow Creek Falls. What I remember about these two falls is the trip you have to take to get there. These waterfalls, along with many other waterfalls, are located in the mountainous, or at least very hilly, regions of northeastern Georgia.

To get to the falls, you’ll start out on a paved road, which will soon turn into a dirt road. Along that dirt road, you’ll begin to realize that there are a LOT of twists and turns, and it can get a little bit dizzying. In total, you’ll drive around 10 miles along these crazy roads. It’s rather exciting once you finally reach the falls, since you’ll be able to get out and regain your sense of balance! The Lower Creek Falls, which can be seen directly from the “road”, is rather small. I showed up at just the wrong time when the sun was shining directly above the falls.

Directions:

  1. You’ll be travelling along US-441 north of Tallulah Falls.
  2. About 2 miles north of Tallulah Falls will be Old US-441.
  3. Turn onto old US-441, heading west for about 2.5 miles.
  4. Turn left on Lake Rabun Rd. and go for 6 miles. You will come to a dam with a road that crosses the lake/river right before the dam.
  5. Turn left and cross the dam.
  6. Go a short distance and turn/veer right onto Crow Creek Rd.
  7. Start watching your odometer. Travel for 3.7 miles on Crow Creek Rd. It will be rather narrow at points, so be careful!
  8. Right around the 3.7 mile mark, pay attention for a creek to your left. This will be Crow Creek. Park on the side of the road, since there is no parking area.
  9. You can see Lower Crow Creek Falls from the road. Take the trail behind the mound to get to Upper Crow Creek Falls.

Accessibility: 10/10 (easy)
Height: 5′
Length of Hike: roadside

Lower Crow Creek Falls in March 2009

 Where in the World is Lower Crow Creek Falls?

L’Eau d’Or Falls, Georgia

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leau dor

L’Eau d’Or Falls in March 2009

I am not a big fan of heights. Tallulah Gorge does nothing to calm this fear. When visiting Tallulah Gorge, you’ll be able to see drops of 750+ feet, and boy that can be weird. There are multiple waterfalls on the river below.

L’Eau d’Or Falls Falls is the only waterfall that I got a very good view of from above. You can walk down to the river below. Let me correct that statement. You can climb down 650 steps to get to a suspension bridge that hangs 85 feet above the bottom of the river. Anybody can go the suspension bridge, though only a certain number of people are allowed to hike further into the gorge. Ask the park rangers for more information. I definitely wasn’t going to do that, though.

Directions:

  1. From Clayton, Georgia head south on US-23/US-441/GA-15.
  2. On your left, you’ll see a sign for the entrance to Tallulah Gorge State Park. Turn left and head down that road.
  3. Park in the parking lot, and follow the multitude of different trails to explore the park.

Accessiblity: 10/10 (easy, from the “rim”)
Height: 46′
Length of Hike: 0.2 miles round-trip

Where in the World is L’Eau d’Or Falls?

Upper Crow Creek Falls, Georgia

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Upper Crow Creek Falls in March 2009

Some waterfalls are inundated with people, making it hard to even get a picture. Upper Crow Creek Falls definitely does not have that problem. While the actual hike to the falls is short, the drive to the falls is not. It requires a drive down a considerable length of dirt road near Lake Rabun in Georgia. Because of this, it’s unlikely that many people visit this waterfall, but it makes for the perfect spot for somebody wanting quiet and peace.

Directions:

  1. You’ll be travelling along US-441 north of Tallulah Falls.
  2. About 2 miles north of Tallulah Falls will be Old US-441.
  3. Turn onto old US-441, heading west for about 2.5 miles.
  4. Turn left on Lake Rabun Road and go for 6 miles. You will come to a dam with a road that crosses the lake/river right before the dam.
  5. Turn left and cross the dam.
  6. Go a short distance and turn/veer right onto Crow Creek Rd.
  7. Start watching your odometer. Travel for 3.7 miles on Crow Creek Rd. It will be rather narrow at points, so be careful!
  8. Right around the 3.7 mile mark, pay attention for a creek to your left. This will be Crow Creek. Park on the side of the road, since there is no parking area.
  9. You can see Lower Crow Creek Falls from the road. Take the trail behind the mound to get to Upper Crow Creek Falls.

Accessibility: 9/10 (easy)
Height: 15′
Length of Hike: 0.4 miles round-trip

Where in the World is Upper Crow Creek Falls?

Sylvan Falls, Georgia

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Sylvan Falls in March 2009

While Sylvan Falls might not be the most spectacular waterfall in waterfall-loaded Rabun County, I still envy the bed and breakfast owners who live right near Sylvan Falls. The waterfall doesn’t have a lot of water flowing down it, but the scenery is pretty enough.

The waterfall can be view from the road, which a very nice thing about this falls. I don’t know if you can get out and view it, though. The waterfall is on the B&B’s property (Sylvan Mills Bed and Breakfast Website), so I didn’t even try. I just took the pictures from my car.

Directions:

  1. From US-441 north of Clayton, you will turn onto Wolffork Road. If you are heading north, it will be a left turn.
  2. Go 2.3 miles to Taylor Chapel Road. Turn left.
  3. After a short distance, you will see the bed and breakfast on the right. The waterfall will be right after the house.

Accessibility: 10/10 (easy)
Height: 50′
Length of Hike: roadside

Where in the World is Sylvan Falls?

Minnehaha Falls, Georgia

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Minnehaha Falls in March 2009

Off in the remote parts of Georgia are some surprisingly beautiful waterfalls. Minnehaha Falls is one of the more accessible falls in this area around Lake Rabun. The trip to the falls involves a whole lot of twisting and turning at 25 mph on roads that hug the mountains, so get ready to get a little bit dizzy! But when you finally get to the falls, you’ll be extremely happy you’re a little bit dizzy.

The most difficulty I had with finding Minnehaha Falls was that I turned on the wrong road. There are two other waterfalls on another road along Lake Rabun. I misread the sign and then spent a while trying to figure out why I wasn’t finding Minnehaha Falls. Finally, though, all turned out OK!

Directions:

  1. You’ll be travelling along US-441 north of Tallulah Falls.
  2. About 2 miles north of Tallulah Falls will be Old US-441.
  3. Turn onto old US-441, heading west for about 2.5 miles.
  4. Turn left on Lake Rabun Road and go for 6 miles. You will come to a dam with a road that crosses the lake/river right before the dam.
  5. Turn left and cross the dam.
  6. After a very short distance, you will turn left onto Bear Gap Road, which is a dirt road.
  7. Go about 1.5 miles on Bear Gap Road to a sign indicating the trail to Minnehaha Falls.
  8. There is only parking for two or three cars. After parking, head up the trail.

Accessibility: 8/10 (easy/moderate)
Height: 75′
Length of Hike: 0.5 miles round-trip

Where in the World is Minnehaha Falls?

Mud Creek Falls, Georgia

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Out in the woods of Georgia is Sky Valley, a somewhat fancy leisure community and golf course that seems out of place. When you enter Sky Valley, it seems like any waterfalls would have disappeared with the buildup of the community, but off in a corner of Sky Valley is Mud Creek Falls. It’s actually a very pretty waterfall that is easy to access and even has a little picnic area next to it.

Mud Creek Falls is also known as Little Estatoah Falls because it ends up that it’s on the same creek (Mud Creek!) as Estatoah Falls. Estatoah Falls is Mud Creek Fall’s bigger brother, but it’s also the far more private brother. If you’re looking to get close to a waterfall, Mud Creek Falls is your only option here.

Directions:

  1. From US-441, turn onto GA-246 heading east.
  2. Go for about 4 miles to Bald Mountain Rd. It’s a little bit odd, as you will leave Georgia briefly, enter North Carolina, and then reenter Georgia.
  3. Turn right onto Bald Mountain Road, and go a mile to the Sky Valley gated community.
  4. Enter the gate and veer to the left toward the golf course area.
  5. After about 0.5 miles, you will turn right on Tahoe Lane, which is very easy to miss. If you’ve come to the golf course, you’ve gone too far.
  6. After you’ve turned on Tahoe Lane, go straight down to the end of the road, literally. There will be some curving and some unpaved road, but right at the end is the picnic area and Mud Creek Falls.

Accessibility: 10/10
Height: ~50′
Length of Hike: None (roadside)

Mud Creek Falls (55)

Mud Creek Falls in March 2009

Where in the World is Mud Creek Falls?

Ada-Hi Falls, Georgia

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Ada-Hi Falls in March 2009

Ada-Hi Falls is located in Black Rock Mountain State Park in Rabun County, Georgia. There was some water flowing over the falls, but not much. Ada-Hi Falls is larger than it appears, though some of the drops are below the platform. The walk to the falls is moderately steep but short, and there is an obvious trail down to the falls.  I’m not sure that I would go to visit Ada-Hi Falls solely for the sake of visiting the falls.  They weren’t particularly impressive, and the time and effort required to drive up the mountain to the falls may not be worth it.  If you’re visiting Black Rock Mountain State Park for other reasons, then stop by the falls!

Directions:

  1. From GA-441, turn into the entrance for Black Rock Mountain State Park.
  2. Continue on this twisting, winding road for a ways.
  3. As you enter the State Park, you will have two options. Turn left toward the campground.
  4. Find a place to park. I parked right near the state park cabin.
  5. As you are driving to your parking place, you will pass the trailhead to Ada-Hi Falls. Backtrack to the trailhead, and then from there you can head right to the falls.

Accessibility: 7/10 (easy/moderate, some steep sections)
Height: 35′
Length of Hike: 0.6 miles round-trip

Where in the World is Ada-Hi Falls?