Our last hike of the autumn season was Sunday, November 9th to DeSoto falls in Lumpkin county. There was still a lot of foliage left and the scenery was beautiful with temps just right again for a hike. We chose the upper falls which was a 1.5 mile hike total (in and out). I would say this was a moderate hike with up and down terrain. Trail went from wide and clean to narrow and stumpy. There was a cross on the side of the falls where someone fell to their death. Signs warn you not to go past the observation deck but just a few weeks ago, my husband (he’s a volunteer firefighter) had to assist Lumpkin County in a rescue as someone attempted to climb to the top. 🙁
Once we got to the observation deck, the view was well worth it as you can see below.
DeSoto Falls
The Trail headed back was amazing as the sun was really shining against the Autumn color!
A little more info about Desoto Falls. The DeSoto Falls of Georgia are located in Lumpkin County, Georgia along Frogtown Creek. There are actually three waterfalls on Frogtown Creek, called Upper DeSoto Falls, Middle Desoto Falls and Lower DeSoto Falls. The upper waterfall drops 200 feet, the middle waterfall drops 90 feet (27 m) and the lower waterfall drops 35 feet. The overall height of the falls, as measured inclusive of non-vertical falls, cascades and steep stream bed, is 480 feet (150 m).[1] DeSoto Falls are located at an elevation of 3,560-foot (1,090 m) on Rocky Mountain. The DeSoto Falls are named for Spanish explorer Hernando deSoto, who passed through Georgia around 1540. According to a sign posted on the DeSoto Falls Trail, a 2.4-mile (3.9 km) in and out hiking trail to the falls, a plate of armor was discovered at the base of the falls in the 1880s. The falls are part of the Chattahoochee National Forest and located in a 650-acre area designated the Desoto Falls Scenic Area. There is also a campground located along the banks of Frogtown Creek.
I got a shot of Frogtown creek on the way up too! So relaxing listening to the creek on our walk.
To reach the falls from Dahlonega head north on GA9 / Morrison Moore Parkway for 13 miles, then turn left onto US-129 for 4 miles. The trails will be on the left. On our way back down blood mountain, we decided to visit Dicks creek falls. This area holds lots of childhood memories for both me and my husband. Many times as a kid, our family would go up there on a hot summer’s day too cool off. Lots of clean flat rocks to sit on and water shallow in places to sit a lounge chair in and relax. Let me say this, even in the middle of July when it is nearing 100 degrees out, this water will be COLD!
Dicks Creek Falls
Dicks Creek Falls is located in the Chattahoochee National Forest just below the confluence of the Dicks and Waters Creek in Lumpkin County. To reach the falls go north from Dahlonega 13.7 miles on US19 to Mt. Pisgah Church Road (one half mile before reaching the junction of US19 and US129 at Turner’s Corner) marked by a US Forest Service sign indicating Waters Creek Campground. Turn left on this road and go 2.6 miles to the falls which will be on the left. This falls and the shoals above it are popular for wading and sunning in the summer, however care should be exercised when walking on the slippery rocks and under no circumstances should one dive into the pools.
This view is from the top looking down on Dicks creek Falls. 1740
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If you’d like to see the short video clip of DeSoto falls, visit my YouTube channel and watch.
Waterfall Hikes of North Georgia is a great guide to our beautiful waterfall adventures! It includes 60 hikes to more than 200 waterfalls, all on public land in the mountains of north Georgia.
Each hike entry lists a general route description, mile-by-mile hiking directions and how to get to the trailhead, GPS coordinates, map and elevation profile, and photographs of the waterfall(s) to be seen. Waterfalls range from popular destinations like Anna Ruby Falls to major rapids like Bull Sluice and the remote cascades at Three Forks. Hike distances range from a few footsteps to 12+ miles; casual strollers and experienced hikers alike will find walks with waterfalls to suit their style, all within about an hour of metro Atlanta. Thanks for visiting and reading! ~Mish
