Upper Buck Creek Falls

1-22-06 - I'm not sure why I'm just now getting around to visiting Buck Creek. I've driven by Buck Creek Rd coming in and out of Highlands quite a few times and several people have told me about the waterfalls. Coming from Cashiers, drive 7.6 miles from the intersection of Hwy 107 on Hwy 64 west and turn right on Buck Creek Rd. Drive just over 5.5 miles to a sharp curve to the right and park on the paved shoulder on the left. To avoid a potential head on collision, we went past, turned around, and were able to pull over safely. Walk down the old road on the same side as you parked, passing a brown forest service looking gate. You'll hear Buck Creek. The road soon switchbacks to the right and it's here where you'll have to find a way down to the creek. The new Kevin Adams book says to walk about 500' and head down.

Harry and I descended somewhere in that vicinity - at any place it will be a briary tangle for the 1st few yards and the descent is steep. We soon came to an overgrown older road, crossed it and continued down. The woods opened up a bit and we ran into some orange flagging tape which led us to the top of the 100' cascade, then down to the base where I took the above shot from. On the day we went, the day was drizzly and the rocks were wet. There was a lot of water in the creek also making for a tough photo. We didn't stay long but I'd like to go back on a drier day with lower flow for some more exploring.

Total distance from the parking is probably less than 1/2 mile, but it's more for the adventurous type of waterfall seeker. Those briars will probably be really wicked in the summer and it is very steep. Did I mention that there's no trail down the steep bank??

 

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