Georgia Natural Wonder #117 - Mud Creek (Estatoah) Falls - Sky Valley. 1,627

[Top Row Dawg]

Georgia Natural Wonder #117 - Mud Creek (Estatoah) Falls - Sky Valley

We are back in the mountains for another waterfall in this swamp to waterfall dance on our first twenty wonders of the second 100 Georgia Natural Wonders. We leave the Woody Gap area and return to Rabun County. Rabun County has already given us 11 Georgia Natural Wonders. We already did a history tangent on Rabun County with GNW #72 - Unnamed Peak on Grassy Ridge - Rabun County. Today we focus on the waterfalls of Mud Creek with a history tangent on the only Ski Resort Georgia ever had, Sky Valley.


These are some Big Boy Mountains up here.

Originating into North Carolina and then flowing into Georgia through the town of Sky Valley, Mud Creek is one incredible stream. Between the flats of Sky Valley and the floor of the Little Tennessee River Valley in Dillard, Mud Creek loses 1000 feet of elevation in just three miles! During this time, Mud Creek drops over several major waterfalls, including Estatoah Falls - one of Georgia's most famous waterfalls. A monster single-tier 160-foot waterfall, Estatoah Falls is unfortunately on private property and not accessible to the public.


Most images are with a zoom lens only.

Estatoah Falls is a captivating site as you climb to Sky Valley on Highway 246.



Estatoah Falls is the result of Mud Creek cascading down the mountainside towards the valley and Dillard Georgia. While its presence on private property limits the access, you can get reasonable views of the lower falls from the road.



While there is no hike or fall access to the lower falls, you can use the pulloffs on the road to enjoy the view and visit the upper falls near the covered bridge at Sky Valley.


This is the only photo I found from the base of these upper falls.

Fortunately, you can see the top of another set of falls just below the covered bridge at Sky Valley. These aren’t called out separately on the map, so I’ll call them Upper Estatoah Falls. The terrain is pretty steep here, so a view from below the falls is a bit of a challenge. You can park at the small pullout above the larger overlook on Highway 246. The unimproved road that is blocked off at the pullout continues on to Mud Creek Falls a little over 1/2 mile.


TRD panoramic shot of upper falls from Covered Bridge on top falls.


Vertical panoramic upper falls from top.

About the only way to see these Estatoah Falls is by drone. Now this YouTube has right idea, but bring the drone down so we can see. And turn the pompous music down a little.




Upstream from Estatoah Falls is an 85-foot waterfall known as Mud Creek Falls or Little Estatoah Falls. What's best about this stunning waterfall is that unlike its bigger brother downstream, it is entirely on public property and is accessed by a short walk from a neighboring parking area or by a mile-long trail from Highway 246, depending on the visitor's preference. This hike occurred on Saturday, May 27th, 2017. My plan was to hike the Mud Creek Trail out and back to Mud Creek Falls from the trailhead pullout on Highway 246.


TRD images from years ago.

Summary

R/T Length of Trail: 2.2 Miles
Duration of Hike: 1:05
Type of Hike: Out and Back
Difficulty Rating: 2 out of 10
Total Elevation Gain: 300 Feet
Pros: Very well-graded and easy trail along Mud Creek
Cons: Drive-up access to Mud Creek Falls attracts crowds
Points of Interest: Mud Creek Falls - 10 stars
Trail Blaze Colors: Mud Creek Trail - None
Best Seasons to Hike: Spring
Fees: None
Beginning Point: Mud Creek Trailhead on Highway 246

Directions from Dillard: The trailhead for this hike is in the city of Sky Valley. From the intersection of GA 246 and US 23/441 in Dillard, follow GA 246 East for 3.1 miles to the Mud Creek Trailhead. The trailhead parking area will be in a small pullout with space for two to three cars at a dirt road about 0.1 miles after Sky Valley Overlook.



Note that the dirt road at the trailhead may be gated, as it was on the day of my latest visited.



But if it is not gated, I am told that it is perfectly fine to park in the turnaround/parking area 50 feet into the woods on the dirt road. Also, if by any chance the small pullout is full, it is fine to park at the Sky Valley Overlook and walk up the road to the trailhead. By navigating a series of roads in the town of Sky Valley, one can also drive almost right up to Mud Creek Falls, but I recommend hiking the full trail. 

Details

Most drive-up or easily accessible waterfalls in Georgia, such as Toccoa Falls, Anna Ruby Falls, and Amicalola Falls, have become "tourist traps" that are always crowded and have certain limitations, such as paid access, paved trails views from observation decks, etc. Fortunately, for now, Mud Creek Falls - while as easy to get to as any waterfall on the list - has escaped from becoming a tourist trap. Even though you're typically not likely to find Mud Creek Falls to yourself, the hoards of people that typically occupy the viewing areas of easily accessible waterfalls are absent here. In addition, as of this writing, access has graciously remained free.


Attempted panorama left a floating tree.

Begin the hike by following the dirt road down from pullout off Highway 246. In 100 feet, there is a turnaround and parking area that may or may not be open to vehicles.



The main trail continues ahead on the narrowing road, but first, turn right onto a path that leads to an interesting dam structure on Mud Creek at 0.05 miles. Don't cross the bridge, as the other side of the creek is private property.



After viewing the dam, return to the main trail and continue following the dirt road. At 0.15 miles, the road narrows and becomes a lot more-trail like.



Laying on the ground here beside a cable was a "Tow Away Zone" sign. The trail initially remains well above Mud Creek, but swift cascades in the gorge below produce quite a noise after heavy rain.



At 0.3 miles, a narrow side trail bears right down a set of stone steps.



This side trail is well worth taking, as it leads to a large photogenic cascade flanked by mountain laurel on Mud Creek in 150 feet.





After viewing the cascade, again return to the main trail and continue following it. The trail now follows Mud Creek more closely, passing several noteworthy slides and cascades.





The main trail ascends very gradually on a well-graded trail. At 0.5 miles, the trail crosses a Mud Creek tributary via a footbridge.



Shortly afterwards, you will see several houses through the trees to the right across the creek. 

At 0.8 miles, an alternate trail bears right, descends down stone steps, and continues as a narrow path along Mud Creek. I suggest taking this more primitive trail on the way in and returning along the main trail. The alternate trail provides closer views of Mud Creek and the vegetation that surrounds the stream. At 0.9 miles, bear left at a Y-split in the path to return to the main trail, which is still following a broad forest road. Finally, the trail enters a clearing as Mud Creek Falls comes into view through the trees ahead.



At 1.2 miles, the Mud Creek Trail ends at a picnic area at Mud Creek Falls.



To the left, just barely in sight is the parking area off Tahoe Road for Mud Creek Falls. Walk down through the picnic area to the base of the breathtaking Mud Creek Falls.



Mud Creek Falls is a very steep 85-foot waterfall that is located just below the Sky Valley Golf Club, although you cannot see any hint of development above from the base. The upper one-third of the waterfall is a near free-fall.



The lower two-thirds consist of stairstep cascades.



During high water, Mud Creek Falls becomes of the best waterfalls that I have seen in Georgia, as near the top of the falls, the powerful creek drops through a chute onto a large rock slab, where the water then bounces off in all directions like a natural fountain. This effect is what makes Mud Creek Falls so unique, although during low water, it is a lot less noticeable. Mud Creek Falls is best to see in the spring when fresh spring greenery surrounds the falls and the neighboring mountain laurel is blooming, although Mud Creek is a fairly large creek, so this waterfall is an excellent choice during all seasons.



From Mud Creek Falls, simply retrace your steps back to the trailhead along the Mud Creek Trail, avoiding the alternate trail and side trails on the way back. You will return to the car and conclude the hike at 2.2 miles.

Variations

You can drive up to Mud Creek Falls via Tahoe Road in Sky Valley, if you're not feeling like hiking the full trail. TRD has always taken the lazy man's drive up to Mud Creek Falls.

Bonus Stops

Also in Sky Valley are two other hikes that can done before or after the Mud Creek hike. The hike to Rabun Bald from Beegum Gap is one of the more popular hikes in Rabun County, but it is well worth it, as the observation tower at the top provides 360-degree views. A lesser-known hike in Sky Valley is to the breathtaking panoramas from cliffs on Flint Knob and Flint Knob East. 


Sky Valley Lake above Falls.

Tangent Sky Valley

Sky Valley is a city in Rabun County, Georgia, United States and is nestled in a mountain valley on the northwest slopes of Rabun Bald GNW #68, Georgia's second-highest peak.  Incorporated in 1978, it recorded a total population of 250, as of the 2000 census.



Since 1971, it is home to Sky Valley Resort (now renamed Sky Valley Country Club), which features golfing, tennis and swimming. The resort formerly had the only winter ski area in Georgia, but after changing ownership in 2004, the resort's ski slopes were permanently closed. The only highway or other through-road is the Dillard/Highlands Road (Georgia 246 and N.C. 106) between Dillard, Georgia and Highlands, North Carolina. The northern city limit is the North Carolina state line, where the highway zigzags, crossing in five different places (two of which are into and out of the city).

Geography and climate

Sky Valley is located at 34°59′10″N 83°19′29″W (34.986008, -83.324688). Based on latitude, Sky Valley is the northernmost city in the state. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.0 square miles, all land. The elevation of the valley floor is approximately 3100 feet above sea level, while areas within the city limits on the slopes of Rabun Bald exceed 4200 feet. Sky Valley is Georgia's highest incorporated city and one of the highest municipalities in the eastern United States.



Under the Köppen climate classification, Sky Valley has a temperate oceanic climate (Köppen Cfb), a rarity in the southeastern US due to its high elevation. The city is also one of the coldest locations in Georgia with the January average temperature 34.0 °F and the July average temperature of 69.0 °F.



Sky Valley is the northernmost city in Georgia and its northern city limit is the Georgia/North Carolina State Line. According to the U.S. Census in 2010, Sky Valley had a population of 272 and a total land area of 3 square miles. Sky Valley’s elevation is approximately 3,500 ft. above sea level so it is also the city with the highest elevation in Georgia.



Sky Valley did not exist as a community until the 1970’s. During the late 1960’s, a group of investors purchased a 2,500 acre cattle ranch in the area and developed the Sky Valley Resort for snow skiing in the North Georgia Mountains. In 1969, the Sky Valley Resort opened as the southernmost ski resort community in the United States with the only snow skiing facilities in Georgia. Sky Valley was incorporated as a city in March of 1978. In 2004, the Sky Valley Resort was sold and the new owners closed the ski slopes.



The Sky Valley Resort & Country Club is situated in a beautiful mountain valley surrounding a 12 acre lake and it contains an 18-hole championship golf course.  Timeshares of Sky Valley operates a swimming pool, tennis courts, and exercise facility available for membership.  Sky Valley is a scenic mountain valley boasting beautiful mountain vistas, waterfalls and many hiking trails.

Municipal Services

Sky Valley has 24 hour police protection, public water, road maintenance, snow removal, solid waste collection and administrative services.  The city maintains and patrols more than 28 miles of roadway throughout the city. 

Real estate in Sky Valley

The estimated median home value in Sky Valley was $327,901 in 2007, having appreciated from $183,500 in 2000. The cost of living index in Sky Valley is 92.0 and the average population density is very low at 72.9 people per square mile. Homes and properties are highly valued in this heavily forested mountain region because the cost of living is low while the quality of living is relatively high.



The real estate market in Sky Valley is characterized by single family detached homes and master planned condominium and townhouse developments. Until recently, single family homes in Sky Valley did not often sell for under $500,000. Condominiums and townhouses in master planned communities ranged in price from $250,000 to over $500,000. Undeveloped land lots that are already zoned for development could usually be found in the $75,000 to $150,000 price range. 

Lodging, shopping, dining and entertainment

Sky Valley is a resort community and most people come to Sky Valley simply to enjoy the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Rustic vacation cabins, mountain cottages and private homes in Sky Valley can be rented by the week or by the month through local real estate agents or directly from owners who advertise their properties in local newspapers and on the Internet. The nearest hotels are about 4 miles from Sky Valley in Dillard.  Additional dining and shopping opportunities are close by in Dillard and Highlands, NC.



For those who desire more rustic accommodations, Black Rock Mountain State Park is 6 miles from Sky Valley in Mountain City GNW #89. At an altitude of 3,640 ft., Black Rock Mountain State Park is the highest state park in Georgia and it has 48 tent, trailer and RV campsites, 12 walk-in campsites, 4 backcountry campsites, 10 rental cottages and a Pioneer Campground. The 1,743 acre park also contains 10 miles of hiking trails and a 17 acre lake where bass, bream, catfish and trout can be caught.



People who are interested in art will enjoy visiting the art gallery at the Hambidge Center, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Only a few miles from Sky Valley on Betty’s Creek Road in Rabun Gap, the Hambridge Center features unique handcrafted works of art and offers an artist’s residency program for local artists. Also located on Betty’s Creek Road, Barker’s Creek Grist Mill is another historic place to visit. Barker’s Creek Grist Mill was built in 1944 on the site of another mill that was originally built in the 1820’s.



About 6 miles from Sky Valley in Mountain City, the Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center portrays the history of the Appalachian Mountains during the 19th century. The Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center contains a gristmill, a blacksmith shop, a replica church, an authentic wagon collection and 22 log cabins. Visitors can walk through the Foxfire Museum for a small fee, and guided group tours are also available.



We find this nostalgic look at the ski resort.



This week the old ski lift house and rental shop at Sky Valley fell victim to the wrecking ball. The building had been sitting vacant since the decision was made after the 2004-2005 season to permanently close the ski area. Unfortunately, the mild winters in recent years and other factors left the ski area with no choice but to call it quits.



Sky Valley wasn’t much of a ski area compared to most. The resort’s +/-210′ vertical drop and +/-15 skiable acres were laughable by national standards. But with black diamond slopes named "Gravity’s Revenge" and "Kamikaze," you would have thought it was Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The resort only had five trails with "Panorama," "Scooter" and a bunny slope, "Pokey," rounding out the bill. One chairlift serviced all the slopes except for "Pokey" which had a rope-tow. The snowmaking equipment was primitive and was never computerized and automated like the larger resorts.



The weather at Sky Valley was always unpredictable. One day it would snow and you would think you were in Colorado and the next day it would be like spring. You never really knew what to expect. Sometimes it seemed they would make snow at night, watch it melt during the day, and make more the next night in a constant battle with Mother Nature.



Despite the challenges, Sky Valley was a great place to ski. It was always a friendly, family-oriented resort with a dedicated staff that wanted to ski just as much as we did. No matter what happened, you could always be guaranteed one thing at Sky Valley — FUN! As Georgia’s only ski area and the southern most ski resort in the US, Sky Valley had quite a draw. People from all over the Southeast flooded the resort on winter weekends. Almost anyone who grew up in the South spent at least a day or two of their lives skiing at Sky Valley. Those of us that went to school at Rabun Gap went up to "The Valley" to ski every chance we got.



Most of what was Sky Valley Ski Area has now disappeared and the few remnants that linger of the once thriving ski resort will soon be gone too. What will always remain are our memories of skiing at Sky Valley. We will never forget the little hill that could.



Originally the Sky Valley land was the Square D Cattle Ranch. The land later became known as the original Kingwood Country Club that then evolved into a Ski Resort.  In addition to the ski slopes, the resort housed a cozy lodge complete with a floor-to-ceiling wood burning fireplace.  The Lodge became the focal point of Sky Valley, and its guests enjoyed excellent cuisine, professional service and of course, the camaraderie of its community.



The name of the resort town was changed to Sky Valley, which was incorporated in 1978. Later, the Time-Share facility opened with tennis courts, swimming pool, exercise facility, and a 20 acre trout-stocked lake.

Recent History

The slopes, lodge, and golf course were purchased by Merrill Trust. The ski slopes were then closed.While improvements to the community were plentiful, none were as significant as the golf course renovation done by Bill Bergin, a well known Atlanta based golf course architect. The two year renovation created a breathtaking golf course.



Since 1971, it is home to Sky Valley Resort (now known as The Sky Valley Country Club), which features golfing, tennis, swimming, and many other activities. The resort formerly had the only winter ski area in Georgia, but after changing ownership in 2004, the resort's ski slopes were permanently closed. The only highway or other through-road is the Dillard/Highlands Road (Georgia 246 and N.C. 106) between Dillard, Georgia and Highlands, North Carolina. The northern city limit is the North Carolina state line, where the highway zigzags, crossing in five different places (two of which are into and out of the city)!



The downsizing of the economy in 2008 resulted in many changes to the Sky Valley Country Club community.  To ensure its sustainability, the home owners of Sky Valley decided to join together and purchase the golf course that was adjacent to their homes. Following that, the decision was made to build a new Clubhouse to enhance the course, and provide our members with excellent cuisine, professional service, and a beautiful socializing venue!



By May 2012, Sky Valley Country Club had triumphantly returned in thought, word, and deed to those who live in, and love Sky Valley.  The Valley and it’s beloved Club are thriving.  Sky Valley Country Club is now going into its 6th season of operation with a strong, committed membership.  Generations of families continue to create life-long memories and widen their circle of friends.

TRD addendum

Andy’s Trout Farm (706) 746-2550

• Leave Sky Valley on GA 246 South
• Take US 441 South to Dillard
• Turn right on Betty’s Creek Road, go 5 miles to Andy’s
• Start with a hike in the woods
• Mine for gems
• Wrap your day by catching your supper of trout.  You catch ‘em, Andy cleans ‘em



No more Georgia snow slope but BY GAWD I am presenting some Snow Bunny Georgia Natural Wonder Girls today.