Emery Creek Falls
Now that it’s officially summer, we’re super excited to tell you about one of our absolute
favorite summer hikes, Emery Creek Falls. If you’ve been in Georgia for any length of time, then you know that it can get oppressively hot around here during July & August. That’s why we consider water an absolute essential feature of a perfect summer hike, and Emery Creek Falls more than delivers! It features beautifully lush terrain, multiple creek crossings, places to swim, and a stunning waterfall! It’s a true adventure and it’s everything summer hiking dreams are made of! Read on to learn more about how to get there and what to expect from this incredible hike!
The Hike:
You’ll catch the trailhead off of Old CCC Camp Road in Eton, GA. This is a dirt road and, depending on which direction you are coming from, you may be on it for a short while or for about 5 miles. A 4x4 vehicle is not required as the road is fairly well maintained so any vehicle should do just fine! There is a small parking area near the trailhead, but be aware that it can get crowded and you may have to park along the road if no spots are available.
The trailhead is clearly marked by a wooden information sign that lets you know you’re in the right spot. The trail is marked along the way with light green blazes. As we mentioned before, this hike involves a lot of creek crossings which means two things… be careful and expect to get wet! We hiked this trail in waterproof boots, but you could choose to wear water shoes or simply an old pair of shoes that you don’t mind getting wet. Crossing the creek means traversing lots of slippery rocks so make sure that you take your time, hike with others, and consider some trekking poles or a good old fashioned hiking stick to help you keep your balance while crossing! Many of the creek crossings are marked with red, yellow, or green plastic ties that have been attached to trees. Be aware that at times it can be a bit difficult to determine where to pick up the trail after crossing the creek, so we highly recommend looking for tree ties and/or green blazes to confirm you are still on the correct path.
Location:
CCC Camp Road
Eton, GA (near Chatsworth)
What We Love:
Located near Chatsworth, GA (makes for a great day trip)
Multiple Creek Crossings
Stunning Waterfall
Swimming Holes
Distance: 6 Miles Total Out & Back
Time: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog-Friendly: Yes
The first creek crossing occurs very shortly after beginning the trail and it is one of the more confusing crossings of the hike. You will notice a very large boulder in the middle of the creek near the first crossing. We recommend crossing to the left of the boulder as it’s slightly more shallow, coming up knee-high as opposed to waist-high if crossing on the right side. Continue to follow the trail which is mostly flat for approximately 3 miles until you reach the gorgeous 60 foot cascading waterfall. There are plenty of large rocks to hang out on an enjoy the view and maybe some lunch (just be sure to pack up all your trash to take it out with you!) If you’ve worked up a sweat, the falls are a great place to wade into the water and cool off for a bit! To get back to your car you simply hike out exactly the same way that you came in!
This hike is a unique experience and will surely satisfy the adventurous side of you!
Stay tuned for more beautiful trails to explore. Follow Georgia Hikes on Instagram at @_georgia_hikes_ or visit our website at gahikes.com for more hiking content! Be sure to tag @northatlantafitlife on Instagram, North Atlanta FitLife on Facebook, and Georgia Hikes and let us know if you check out Emery Creek Falls!
SEE YOU ON THE TRAILS!
By: Georgia Hikes
