June 27, 2023
Bartram Trail-Warwoman Ford to Dicks Creek Falls
It was a warm and humid summer morning, but the high tree canopy provided cooling shade along most of the trail. This trail was in excellent condition with only one blowdown that was easily worked through. Access for a good view of Dicks Creek Falls is along a well-marked side path, but does require a scramble down an embankment and under some low hanging brush. It is worth the effort to get a full view of the falls. Just a few wildflowers today with the native Rhododendrons beginning to bloom. Several sections of the trail were flanked by lush fern growth including some very large Cinnamon Ferns. The bridge over Dicks Creek is still gone, although one could access the falls from Sandy Ford Road if they don't mind a possible wet crossing and scramble up and down steep creek embankments.
The route
5.7 mi · 751 ft climbing · 3h 35m out, 2h 47m walking · 2.0 mph moving
Elevation
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- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
27 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (27)
Beautiful Dicks Creek Falls Today's hikers (L-R): Mike, Dick, Jenny, Gerald, Shelia, Ken, Loretta, Rex, Vic, Matt, Beth, Gretta & Jim Getting ready. Looks like Vic is passing on some advice before we got started. Trailhead marker Not a bad trail at all. The first section of the trail follows along Warwoman Creek. This bridge is a bit wonky, not the photographer! The Rhododendrons were just starting to bloom. Seems late, does't it? Up the hill we go. Lots of Native Hydrangea partially blooming along the way.. Dick Metzgar taking a photo atop Dicks Creek Falls. A wide-angle view of Dicks Creek Falls and part of the Chattooga River. Rex Wade carefully rock-hopping back to the shore after taking a better look at the falls. A beautiful example of a Sweet Azalea or Rhododendron found along the shore near the Dicks Creek Falls. Could this be Tassel-rue (aka Carolina bugbane)? Also found along the shoreline near Dicks Creek Falls View of the Chattooga River up and downstream from Dicks Creek Falls. Some balding old guy taking a photo of Dicks Creek Falls. Who, me? We did see a few of these Native Geraniums. Taking a break before heading back. No a smile on any of them, but Matt looks really relaxed. Anyone find the missing bridge across Dicks Creek? Love the true blue color of the Asiatic Dayflower. Shelia, Jenny and Beth headed uphill on our way back. Getting through the only significant deadfall of the hike. Vic leading the way through a fern-lined trail. Nice Cinnamon Fern, too. Last look at the Chattooga River on our way back.