August 19, 2025
Bartram Trail - Warwoman Ford to Dicks Creek Falls
near Clayton, GA
It was another day of mid-70's temperatures and high humidity. The trail was in fair condition, but did have significant late summer overgrowth in places along with several blowdowns that required some extra effort to get through. Even though we hiked close by Warwoman Creek and the Chattooga River, the views were limited. The healthy amount of rain over the past few days made both of these water bodies quite full and muddy. Many of the large, flat, exposed rocks in front of Dicks Creek Falls were covered with significant water flow preventing us from rock-hopping in the Chattooga to get a better views of the falls. We saw a few late-season wildflowers, mostly along sections of the Bartram Trail exposed to the sun. With just a couple of short, moderate inclines, this trail is fairly flat making this an easy hike.
Today's Hikers: Matt Henderson & Toby, Jack Treadman, Allyson Aldrich, Heather Wall & Toby, Evelyn Hoult, Angela Evans, Lynn Steele, Jane Voss & Mike Bell
The route
5.8 mi · 702 ft climbing · 3h 51m out, 3h 23m walking · 1.7 mph moving
Elevation
Hover over the profile to see the elevation and steepness. Your position will be shown on the map.
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
18 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (21)
Dicks Creek Falls with the Chattooga River in the foreground. Today's Hikers (L-R): Matt, Jack, Allyson, Heather & Toby, Evelyn, Angela, Lynn, Jane and Toby & Mike Parking along the side of the narrow Earl's Ford Rd. It's easy to overlook this nice trailhead marker which is in the embankment of the trailhead. The first section of the trail is quite nice, although wet today. A muddy Warwoman Creek at the start of the hike. Toby H. takes an early splash in the creek. A variety of mushrooms from the recent wet weather. Photos by Jane Voss. Two of the several blowdowns midway to Dicks Creek Falls. A first view of the Chattooga River. Lots of water covering many of the usual rapids. From 10 o'clock clockwise: Lobelia, Butterfly pea, Elephant's feet, Coneflower, White heart-leaf Aster & Heal-all. Both Toby's enjoyed both the hike and each other's company. This fruit of Bursting-heart is an eye-catcher. No flowers, but this Yellow Root caught the attention of Evelyn Hoult, a new hiker with us today. A view just above Dicks Creek Falls. Photo by Jane Voss. Some of the rapids below Dicks Creek Falls on the Chattooga River. Photo by Jane Voss. A solitary visiting Canadian Goose on the Chattooga. Photo by Jane Voss Taking a break on a small beach just upriver from the falls. Thanks to Matt for suggesting this stop. While the constructed bridge over Dicks Creek is gone, someone has shaved a nice, 12-inch wide path on this log crossing. Look Ray, St Andrews Cross. While a curious carving in this tree in the campground near the trailhead, this is not a good idea. Photo by Jane Voss.