We looked for this first generation cache and confirmed that it was indeed missing. In an impulse to restore such an exemplary cache, we contacted the owners and asked permission to replace or adopt the cache. After reading all the logs and surveying the area, we decided to leave the cache exactly as Trailfrogs intended it, and using the original coords. We took an extra effort to hide the cache more aggressively as to avoid the occasional muggle activity in the area.
The new cache is a 30mm ammo can with lots of swag. Due to the terrain, waterfalls, and a large boulder, your coords will bounce. On the day I replaced the cache, the GZ was 30 feet from the original coords. The hint will put you right at the cache. Please trade even and re-hide the cache as it was found. Parking coords have been added.
~The Slopokes
P.S. Thank you Trailfrogs for your kind generosity in allowing us to adopt the Emery Creek Falls cache.
Original Description by Trailfrogs:
Here's a beautiful two stage North Georgia waterfall that few people seem to know about, though it is pretty easy to get to. Please see the very first log for some pictures of the falls and other things along the way - thanks much to Johnnie Lacy!!
It requires a one way hike of about 2.25 miles but it is easy - no hills to speak of. Not only is the forest very lush, you are never out of earshot of a rushing creek. However, it does require crossing the creek about 8 or 10 times (I lost count). The first crossing is slightly tricky (more on that below), all the others are easy, a few can be rock hopped. This is all part of the fun and beauty of this cache. In fact, on a hot summer day this is a great spot - not only do you have the creek crossings to cool you off, the upper level of the falls contains a great little catch pool that's perfect for kids to play in (big kids too!). Bring the swimsuits!
The trail continues another 5 miles past the falls and ends at the Cohutta Wilderness border at the Tearbritches trailhead on top of Little Bald Mtn. A nice view shortly before the end of the trail. Many nice spots on the creek for about 1 mi past the falls.
Now about that first crossing - it's about 1/4 mile down the trail. Hug the right hand bank as long as you can - including maybe a short scramble. Notice that this is where two creeks come together (Holly and Emery). The best way to cross is to cross them one at a time. So go along the right hand bank until you are just above the V made by the creeks merging. The Forest Service has painted a bunch of fresh new blazes (5/03) so locate the first one one the other side and aim for it. Cross carefully there (I use the boulders for balance with my hands - NOT to try and hop across) and continue through the campsite. Bear left and you should be at the next creek (Emery Creek). Look for the sign on the opposite bank and cross just above it. After that its a piece of cake!
Other warnings - bugs, snakes and slippery rocks. The creek crossings are much easier to wade than to attempt to rock hop. I usually wear Tevas for the whole hike. Old tennis shoes work great too. I also recommend a walking stick for balance. Probably best for kids 8 and up. Also, you may not want to try it after some very heavy rains as the creek may be too high (see one of the notes below).
Driving directions: Hwy411 N through Chatsworth to Eton. Turn east at the light onto CCC Camp Road. After the pavement ends (don't worry, its a good dirt road - any car can make it easily) go past the picnic tables on the left and look for a deep narrow parking lot on the left. It is in a hairpin right turn as the road heads up and away from the creek. About 1 or 1 1/4 miles after asphalt ends. Trail goes straight out the back of the lot. Don't groan if there's several cars in the lot - most of them are fishing just upstream.
The cache itself is on a pretty steep hillside. No cliff to fall off of, just kinda steep.
Happy Trails!
Trailfrogs