Georgia Natural Wonder #86 - Jones Creek Falls. 842

[Top Row Dawg]

Georgia Natural Wonder #86 - Jones Creek Falls

Now I stumbled upon these falls because I found this campground. I love driving the Winding Stair Gap Forest Service Road 77. Halfway between Suches and Dahlonega lies the Winding Stair Gap Road. From Dahlonega you go west on GA 52. From Ellijay you go east on GA 52 and go past Amicalola State Park. From either direction, go North on Nimblewill Church Rd. (It loops around and intersects twice with 52). When you get to the church from either direction, find Forest Service road FS 28-1 and go north again. You drive a mile or so and fork left on Forest Service road FS 77. This is the Winding Stair Gap Road. It follows the ridge overlooking Penitentiary Cove to the east and Jones Creek to the west. It is really something in the winter because you get a view both ways on a seemingly razor thin ridge. You see the Ranger Camp water tower down on the right. You come up to the Appalachian Trail and all the different roads at the top of the mountain. So if you're looking for a shortcut through the mountains or just out for a scenic drive through the forest, check out Winding Stair Gap Road.



Our Georgia Natural Wonder today is the Falls at Jones Creek. None of the falls by themselves would constitute a top 100 GNW, but all four together plus the creek and fantastic camp spot move it up on my list. Found very little on this spot on the Internet, but I had several photos, so this is pretty much a Top Row Dawg production today except for two photos. Before you start up the serious climb on the Winding Stair Gap Road, you come to a kiosk during a flat stretch. You take a left on Forest Service road FS 77A. The road has some very difficult places; four wheel drive is useful and seven or eight inches of ground clearance is recommended.  About a mile or two in, you ford the creek once or twice, I forget. You come to another Kiosk and the road forks. Go left and within 100 yards you reach a fabulous camp spot on the left.



This is primitive camping but there seems to be enough room for a serious party and 20 tents.It is right by a beautiful stream,  Jones Creek.  There is probably good fishing here, though I never dipped a hook.



It is a magical North Georgia level large very fun camp spot with large fire rock pits. Right next to the creek.



After you reach the campground and set up your tents, walk along the right side of the branch downstream. You come to this large and wide waterfall that would be a great place to spend all day floating the pool below and sunning on the sand and rocks. Scrambling along the sloping rocks, though it looks like you could easily break some bones going over the fall. Looking closer at the photo I bet I could slide it. At least on a tube.



Now I dipped down to the right of these falls and ended up in the grotto below.



This little mini canyon had a long adjoining cascade pouring down about 100 yards from the right below the first fall.



Lot of just scrambling through the bushes. Don’t spill your beer.



At the very top of those cascades, this panoramic of the steep drop.



Hendrix and the kids.



This is a total scramble trying to explore all these falls on this side creek.


2nd cascade from top. I bet you could slide some of these if the water wasn’t so rough. Late dry summer visit due.

You go up that stream and the water is just rushing down everywhere.



Got my daughter and her friends out here exploring with me.



Dang it, I bet we could have tubed this spot.



Kids getting into the waterfall spirit!



Then there was this third cascade coming down to Jones Creek.



We spent hours out here getting wet and splashing around the mountain torrents.



Found these other Jones Creek images on the Net.

2nd cascade side creek.



Jones Creek Falls the closest to the camp spot.



Helps to have a good dog to lead the way.



A TRD Addendum to original post.

I have since traveled back to this spot and took these alternate photos.





These first four are the main falls right by the campground.





Then you make your way up those cascades.





Water everywhere baby!



Old Growth Forest.





Hendrix is King of Jones Creek.



Truly a groovy spot to wind down with steaks or beer dogs. Marshmellows on the camp fire, bongos, doobies, and moonshine. The falls of Jones Creek.



Our GNW gal today, waterfall babydoll.