Georgia Natural Wonder #166 - Laurel Mountain Falls - Patterson Creek. 738

[Top Row Dawg]

Georgia Natural Wonder #166 - Laurel Mountain Falls - Patterson Creek

Continuing our freelance of Georgia Natural Wonders, we come back to Rabun County for  several waterfalls on Patterson Creek near Dillard.

Laurel Mountain Falls



Waterfall Info: This is the lower of two waterfalls on Patterson Creek. It consists of a series of many scenic cascades of varying size. The coordinates are for the base of the most scenic drop - the second cascade, pictured above. 

Landowner: Chattahoochee National Forest

Height: 80+ Feet

Type: Series of Cascades (Multi-Tier)

County: Rabun

Access Info: A steep scramble path from Patterson Gap Road leads to the various sections of Laurel Mountain Falls. 

Waterfall Location: 34.979089, -83.445861


TRD's image of Lower Mountain Laurel Falls.

On our anniversary trip our main destination was Tallulah Gorge State Park in Georgia.  But we wanted to see some other waterfalls in the area, if possible.We have a book describing waterfalls in northern Georgia, and the book mentioned waterfalls and cascades on Patterson Creek near Dillard, Georgia, which is where we were staying.  The book had directions, but it is eight years old and things change, even in the mountains. 


But we persevered and did find the creek.  A faint path led us to the fall pictured above. There was another fall below the Lower Falls and this shot catches both those lower Falls.


A little way upstream we came upon Upper Laurel Mountain Falls.

A steep path led down to Upper Laurel Mountain Falls, although I couldn’t get to creek at the base.  Betsy, being the sensible woman she is, waited for me at the head of the steep path.


TRD's image upper Falls.

Patterson Creek did not have a heavy water flow, but the falls and cascades along the creek were pretty.  We were glad to add these to our collection.

Waterfall Info: This is the upper of two waterfalls on Patterson Creek.

Landowner: Private

Height: 18 Feet

Type: Sheer Drop (Single-Tier)

County: Rabun

Access Info: This waterfall is roadside along Patterson Gap Road. The base of the waterfall is on private property, but the falls can be partially seen from the road. 

Waterfall Location: 34.977647, -83.451853


There were several drops on Patterson Creek.

Patterson Creek Falls is just off the same road that leads to Valley Springs Lodges (see below) and there is a marked trail, but it's not in great shape. I went down as far as I felt safe doing, but came to an area I was leery of doing by myself so I stopped at that point and went back.



There are many small falls and cascades on this creek, not all of them good for photos though.



I got as many as I could.



But I was quite disappointed to see that for the last one the picture didn't turn out nearly as nice as the other ones.


It is a tough scramble. I'll have to go back and try again. 

GPS: 34°58'46"N 83°26'45"W (start of trail)

TRD images along Patterson Creek. I scrambled down better than the other guy for photos.







Directions and Information: from Dillard, GA

•go west on Betty's Creek Rd

•turn left on Patterson Gap Road

•will go up steepish hill, just over the crest look for small eroded area on the left

•park here and follow trail down hill and to the left

Note: when I was here the trail was marked by wooden diamonds painted green & nailed to trees


5/22/2011 - these falls are upstream of Valley Springs Lodges

According to GMAPS these falls are all on Patterson Creek

GPS: 34°58'38"N 83°27'6"W



Directions and Information: from Dillard, GA

•        go west on Betty's Creek Rd

•        turn left on Patterson Gap Road

•        take fork to right on Tarheel Lane

•        watch for sign for Valley Springs Lodges

•        falls is past turn to Lodges, and beside the road

We found a vintage image of Persimmon Creek falls off Patterson Gap Road. A short but difficult bushwhack from Patterson Gap Road (FS 32) leads to this waterfall.



We have already done a tangent on Rabun County, so this is a short sweet wonder compared to some of my recent post. Been a while since we had waterfall GNW Gals.