Waterfall Hero Hikes: Wilks Creek Waterfalls (Chattahoochee)

There are two 25-foot waterfalls along Wilks Creek in White County, Georgia. The waterfalls are located in the Chattahoochee Wildlife Management Area in Chattahoochee National Forest.

Hike Length: 0.2 miles
Estimated Time: < 1 hour
Difficulty: Difficult

Location: Chattahoochee Wildlife Management Area (Chattooga River District of Chattahoochee National Forest)

Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (2)
Crowds: Low
Warnings: The rocks around waterfalls are slippery. There is no trail and it is a very steep scramble. Downfall over the waterfalls makes getting a good view difficult.
Trailhead GPS: 34.78626,-83.76965
Waterfall GPS: 34.78621,-83.76990 (Upper Falls), 34.78615,-83.77027 (Lower Falls)

Directions:

From Helen, go north on GA-17/GA-75 for about 9 miles and turn left onto gravel Chattahoochee River Road (FR-44). The turn is just before Unicoi Gap. Go 3.2 miles on pull-off in the wide area at a right-hand turn.

Map:

Hike Description:

From the pull-off, you should be able to hear the upper waterfall and possibly see it in winter. Walk down the road a few feet and try to find the easiest spot to go down. It's very steep and I had to butt-slide part of the way. A whole mess of rhododendron and downed trees was right at the base, so I had to climb back up and get a view from the side.