There seems to be some confusion over whether or not these falls are called Dicks Creek Falls or Waters Creek falls since the two streams merge near the waterfall. My vote goes to Dicks Creek because the falls themselves are AFTER the merge along what is known as Dicks Creek.
Whatever you want to call them, I'm certain the beauty of the falls will surprise you. I've toured many waterfalls in the North Georgia area and have racked up a list that includes: Anna Ruby, Duke's Creek, Amicalola, Raven Cliff, Panther Creek, Toccoa, Minnehaha, all the falls @ Tallulah Gorge, and both the falls located within Smithgall Woods. Only Panther Creek, Tallulah and Toccoa have solid granite-like surfaces and not the black shale surfaces of the others. So I was surprised to find this one not only to be granite, but maybe the most granite-like surface of them all with a huge outcropping all around the falls.
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THE EXPERIENCE
There is almost no hiking required. The falls are broken up into two sections. The upper falls are visible from the road while the larger lower fall (approximately 18 feet in height) require traversing a short trail leading to the huge granite slab base. My visit was during a severe drought here in Georgia and still the water flow was excellent. I can't even begin to imagine how thunderous the falls would be in times of normal or heavy flow.
From the road a long finger-like granite outcrop will lead you to the best photo area of the upper falls. Continue along the granite as it descends to a small pool area above the main falls. Off to your left will be a root laced trail leading around a ginormous boulder. From the top of the boulder you can get a great aerial view of the larger falls, or continue down the trail to the base of the falls. The pool of crystal clear water at the base looked to be about 6 or 8 feet deep in some areas. The shiny stones at the creek floor would fool you into believing they were gold nuggets.
Dicks Creek is loaded with cascades and smaller waterfalls, so if you are feeling adventurous I would recommend hiking downstream. Several other photo opportunities await within 100 yards. The parking area is just above the upper falls and signs are very specific to park ONLY in the designated area. Honestly, the road is too narrow to try and park anywhere else!
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FINAL THOUGHTS
Although this may be one of the furthest waterfalls from Atlanta, it is definitely worth the drive. I would imagine making a day of it with fun family picnics while playing in the fresh waters. I didn't see any 'no swimming' signs, so I assume it would be allowed. The main road leading to the falls is US Hwy 19. Lots of historic markers along the way made me want to stop and read each one, but I was on a mission and had a limited amount of time. The area is rich in Civil War history as well as Cherokee Indian history. You could spend an entire weekend driving to all of the historical sites around the area. Once you turn onto Dicks Creek road from Hwy 19, there is a camp called Falling Waters. What you may miss is the large waterfall that is just to the rift of the sign (off in the woods). There is also a historic home with an old condemned bridge as a driveway. Look for the history marker just before the bridge (which by the way is private property, so do not cross). The monument reads:
"Nearly a century ago, Wheeler W. Dunn (1885-1960) and other brave pioneers of Georgia worked these beautiful Appalachian Mountains. These pathfinders labored long hard days,from sun up to sun down, through all seasons - in all conditions (there were no labor boards or paid vacations!) These were real men. Our ancestors' toil and sweat built this country paving "our" way for a better future. The original bridge which carried those proud men to work has been restored and is now being dedicated by Lowell S. Dunn to all the Dunn family past, present and future. September 15th, 1996."
Nice monument wording. Ironically slaves did the same thing, except never got to claim any land or wages for their vacation-less labor. Needless to say by the condition of the bridge, it has not been maintained over the past 20 years since its restoration.
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