Wolfden Loop falls (5 falls)

2/26/2011 - went back to the Wolfden Loop trail to get pictures of the falls there.  Found there are 5 falls, but one is unnamed and the one called "Dry Falls" is literally that.  Might actually be quite pretty if you see it during a rain storm, but there's no creek - so I removed it.

The trail is not too difficult as far as elevation and hills are concerned.  The falls are all in the 2nd mile, with Cascade Falls at the end of that 2nd mile.  There's a big hill to go over between the 3rd and 4th falls, but it's not a bad climb.  I found the trail very tiring though, because it's very rocky and you can't just "cruise" along - you have to watch carefully where you place almost every step. Plus, there are quite a few creek crossings.  I didn't count them...but maybe 10 or 12? and only 2 of them are on bridges.  I could cross the rest and only get the soles of my boots wet, but again had to go carefully.

I don't have the GPS points for these yes, but GMAPS indicates they are on Wolfden Branch, though Cascade Falls might be on Cascade Branch

1/8/11 - I've just remembered a trail that I have hiked in the past that has waterfalls.  On checking some trail descriptions there are at least 5, so I am adding them here.  These falls are on the Wolfden Loop that comprises part of the Pine Mountain trail and other trails to make a nearly 7 mile loop.  Will have to add this one to my list of "redo" hikes as I don't have any pictures from the hike a few years ago.

Here's a trail description that mentions the falls: http://www.georgiatrails.com/gt/Wolfden_Loop
The falls listed are:
Dry Falls
Csonka Falls
Big Rock Falls
Slippery Rock Falls
Unnamed falls
Cascade Falls

Csonka Falls is at the far end of a long shelf of rock.  It's not very high, and has a nice pool below the falls.

Big Rock Falls - the trail goes right down beside this falls, on the same rock shelf

Slippery Rocks Falls - the first time I did this hike, there was a sign here, but there was no sign today.  "Slippery Rocks" was right - the first time, I fell flat on my can and skinned an elbow!  Did better this time.

 



Wolfden Loop unnamed falls - this is a small falls, just before the Cascade Falls.  What looks like a rock shelf at the top of the falls is actually a downed tree.

 

Cascade Falls - this falls is just a short way past the 21 mile marker

 

Directions and Information: from Warm Springs, GA

• south on Alt 85
• right into parking area at WJSP TV Tower
• if you cross GA 190, you've gone too far

Note: trail starts past sign-in kiosk - which is about 25 yards from the parking, to hike it counter-clockwise.  The entire loop is comprised of the western beginning of the Pine Mountain Trail and the Beaver Dam Trail to get back to the parking at the radio tower - and is just under 7 miles total, but the falls are on the first 2 miles of the Pine Mountain Trail.

There are other loops along the 23 mile Pine Mountain Trail and more information can be found at: http://www.pinemountaintrail.org/?page=9