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

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 little time at this location for a snack, swimming, jumping off a waterfall (optional of course), and lounging. Next we will hike a couple miles 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 stop at another nice waterfall on Big Creek, where we will take a short break to enjoy its beauty 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).
2. I estimated the return time as close as possible, not including dinner. But it's an estimate and could be +/- an hour. It's an enjoyable hike, and we'll 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).