TFF - Three Forks Fun (Hiking, Waterfalls, Swimming)

(Please read this entire itinerary and "notes" before registering)

This is one of my favorite areas in Georgia.  It's rugged, remote, lush and green, with clear mountain streams and waterfalls.

This hike will have a total distance of about 8.5 miles and about 1,900 feet of ascent, however, it will be broken up with a couple nice long breaks for lunch, swimming, and enjoying/exploring the surrounding area.

We will begin by hiking approximately 3 miles to a waterfall on Overflow Creek with a 'plunge pool' swimming hole. We'll spend a bit of time at this location for a snack, swimming, jumping off a waterfall (optional of course), and lounging. Next, we will hike down Overflow Creek about a half mile until we reach Three Forks. This portion of the hike will entail both wading and walking on rocks along & in the creek. If the water is too high, we'll take a different route to Three Forks.

Three Forks is so named, because it is the confluence of 3 creeks - Overflow Creek, Big Creek, and Holcomb Creek - to form the West Fork of the Chattooga.  It's an awsome spot and we will spend about an hour and a half (maybe more) having lunch, swimming, exploring, and enjoying the area.

Once we leave Three Forks we will start the hike back towards the cars. Along the way, we will make a couple quick stops at another nice waterfall and slot canyon on Big Creek, before completing the final part of the hike to the cars.

We will plan to stop in Clayton for dinner afterwards.  If you don't wish to stop, you don't have to but ensure that you ride with someone who is not going dinner.... or else plan to drive yourself to the event.

Notes:

1. Although this is a hike and swim, there will be 8-9 miles of hiking on the event, some of it on rugged terrain. So make sure you bring appropriate footwear for hiking (i.e., not just water shoes/sandals). There will also be a portion hiking down one of the creeks... this is not optional, as it is part of the route. So if you don't plan to get wet, then this isn't the hike for you.
2. I estimated the return time as close as possible, not including dinner, but it's an estimate. It's a beautiful and enjoyable hike, and we will spend time enjoying it... if you're in a rush to get back, this isn't the hike for you.

From Clayton, GA, head east on Warwoman Road for 14 miles 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 (just 1.3 miles south of the NC border).