Back in late winter, Thing 2 and I hiked Becky Branch Falls from the Warwoman Dell Picnic Grounds near Clayton, Georgia. Had we had more time, we would have continued the hike to Martin Creek Falls. This past weekend, my dear hubby (DH) and I went back and hiked the 4-mile round trip to Martin Creek Falls. It was so worth it!
Beginning at Warwoman Dell
Park at Warwoman Dell Picnic Grounds about 5 miles east of Clayton in Rabun County, Georgia. As mentioned in the post about Becky Branch Falls, there are two small parking areas on a gravel road just off Warwoman Road. It isn’t marked well so make sure you map it out first. Cell service is spotty so you may want to take a screenshot of your map beforehand.
When we saw cars parked along the gravel road and every spot taken at the first parking area, I feared we would have trouble parking. After all, it was Memorial Day weekend and beautiful weather. Thankfully, the back parking area (about 1/4 mile further) offered plenty of spaces and we set up a picnic before hiking. Thanks to the 129 members of the Civilian Conservation Corps at Camp Warwoman during the 1930s, the area boasts paths, two large stone picnic shelters with fireplaces, a vault toilet and even a fish hatchery (no longer in use) to raise speckled trout that was released in nearby streams and rivers.
The wooded spot is historically significant as it is the intersection of Native American Indian trails, the Bartram trail and the railroad bed of the Black Diamond Railroad. First, let’s talk about the name Warwoman. In the Cherokee Nation, the term Warwoman bestows honor and dignity to a female leader. Some historians believe this area refers to the last Cherokee war woman, Nanyehi, while others attribute it to a Cherokee war woman named Cateechi who killed a settler. Regardless, the Cherokee Indians influenced the area as the first inhabitants of the area.
In the 1770s, William Bartram trekked across the southern states documenting the botanical species along the way. Today, the 114-mile Bartram trail, with 37 miles in Georgia, follows his expedition. The trail to Martin Creek is part of this trail system.
Lastly, a sign points to a relatively flat path. Investors started the Blue Ridge Railroad to connect Charleston, SC to Cincinnati. Construction stopped during the Civil War and never resumed despite repeated efforts of the Black Diamond Railroad Company.
Becky Branch Falls
After enjoying a picnic at Warwoman Dell, we walked halfway between the two parking areas to the trailhead, located near the old fish hatchery. A steep ascent with several switchbacks led to Warwoman Road which we carefully crossed. Continuing to climb at a less steep pace, we soon came to Becky Branch Falls. Although only 20 feet tall, the secluded and woody environment makes this one of my favorite waterfalls. Since the falls lie only 0.3-miles from the parking area, kids and older adults can access them easily.
To Martin Creek Falls
After crossing Becky Branch via rocks and logs, the (unmarked) trail to Martin Creek Falls veers to the left at a fork. The other path continues back to the parking area. Rhododendron and ferns dotted the path as we walked along a ridge. Soon we crossed over a gravel road and descended down several switchbacks and crossed a wooden bridge.
The trail continued relatively level as it paralleled the road. We could still hear cars in the distance. About 1.5-miles from Becky Branch Falls, we walked past streams and small falls on our right side. A family sat on one of the rocks and I first thought these were Martin Creek Falls.
Fortunately, we hiked another five minutes to an open area where the trail split. Remembering the hike to Martin Creek Falls consisted of a small loop, we followed it counter-clockwise. The roar of rushing water drowned out all sounds of civilization and we soon came to the falls.
Several people with a guitar sat on the rocks and one of them swam in the shallow pool dipping his hair under the falling water. Quickly stepping away, he remarked how cold and torrential the water felt on his head.
Looking downstream
A boardwalk took us to the other side and up some stairs to get a great view of the falls. From here we continued on the loop back to the open area. Right before we got to this campsite, we saw a trail that veered sharply to the right of us. I later found out that trail takes hikers another 2 miles to Pinnacle Knob. One day, I’d like to try it, but I wasn’t prepared for an 8-mile hike that day.
The way back proved uneventful and I focused more on the ferns, flowers and surrounding area. Breathing in fresh air felt good. Through the trees, I could see mountains nearby.
One thing I hadn’t noticed before was that the path has a slow, but steady ascent from the gravel road almost all the way back to Becky Branch Falls. Sitting on a rock, we talked to fellow hikers with kids and dogs. From here, it was all downhill back to Warwoman road and the parking area.
Instead of following the gravel road back to the car, we climbed the stone steps to the Blue Ridge Railroad bed. From here we followed it to the second parking lot.
More Information
Warwoman Dell (part of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest) boasts many picnic tables, two picnic shelters with stone fireplaces, several grills and a vault toilet. Parking is free.
Because the path to Martin Creek Falls contains many tree roots, wear hiking shoes if possible.
Although we noticed many hikers with walking sticks, they aren’t necessary for hiking to Martin Creek Falls. However, you would need them if you continued to Pinnacle Knob.
For more information, click the visit the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest website here.