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Beautiful Dicks Creek Falls is one of the highlights of both the Bartram Trail and the Chatooga River Trail. The trail allows access to the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River area from Sandy Ford Road.

Combining scenic beauty, a waterfall, and a hike with gently flowing river just about makes our day, so Dick's Creek Falls is pretty much on the agenda when Rabun County is the destination. The trail heads almost due east from the back of the small parking lot towards the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River National Recreation Area. At first the trail meanders beside quiet Dick's Creek, slowly moving away from the creek the closer to the falls. Along this portion of the trail, which is level, there are occasional paths to the creek, normally rewarded with a small cascade.

At the intersection of the Bartram Trail, the Chattooga River Trail and Dicks Creek Trail there is a bridge which crosses the Dick's Creek for hikers on the Bartram Trail. Just after this intersection the trail begins the easy-moderate descent to the Chattooga River Wild and Scenic National Recreation Area.

The Wild and Scenic designation has allowed the Chattooga River to retain the natural beauty with which it was endowed and makes the rugged river a destination for outdoors enthusiasts. After the designation was received, access to the river was greatly restricted, bridges were destroyed, and nearby roads were torn up. It is easy to see why this was an important move when hiking this portion of the trail. As you begin the descent the Chattooga River Valley opens up to give an incredible 180-degree view. The sight is spectacular, and the roar of the river, pounding over rocks, is actually louder than the din of the nearby falls.

Continue down to the river and spend a few minutes enjoying its splendid beauty. On the return watch for two trails coming off the main path to the left. These are the falls access trails, and they can be difficult to hike because of the heavy underbrush. The first trail goes to the base of Dicks Creek Falls, at this point wide and full, and so noisy it is surprising that they can't be heard over the river. The second trail is access to the top of falls, where they are narrower, almost fresh out of the creek above. While both trails are rewarding, the lower, (or first) trail is the better of the two.

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Dick's Creek Falls
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