The Natural Healing Power Of Water Virtual Cache

May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. Edward Abby

When you go to hide a geocache, think of the reason you are bringing people to that spot. If the only reason is for the geocache, then find a better spot. briansnat, Charter Member

This is my spot. By that, I mean this is my most favorite spot in Georgia. It has always been my dream to hide a cache here and thanks to this unique opportunity to place a virtual, which I am most humbled to receive, I can now see my dream come to fruition. If you choose to seek this one out it will lead you to a little slice of heaven in the north Georgia mountains called Three Forks. While the Three Forks Trail originates on Rabun Bald, it is most often hiked from John Teague Gap. From there it gently descends through a forest typical for the area—oak-hickory slope forest with scattered patches of white pines. At .7 mile the path crosses the blue-blazed boundary of the Chattooga National Wild and Scenic River. Three-tenths of a mile farther, it dips to a three-way intersection with an old jeep road. Here the Three Forks Trail, occasionally blazed with white diamonds, turns left and heads downhill following the road to a slab of bedrock overlooking a cascade on Holcomb Creek. This is the end of the designated trail. The remainder of the route down this gorge is on the north side of Holcomb Creek (cross the creek) down a ravine with potholes and falls that reach all the way to Three Forks (about .25 mile). It is not difficult bushwhacking, but one must pick a path through hemlock-rhododendron heath which, along with white pine, forms the bulk of the streamside zone of vegetation.

The West Fork of the Chattooga River begins at Three Forks, the intersection of Holcomb, Overflow, and Big creeks. From there the West Fork flows 7 miles to the southeast to meet with the Chattooga. The entire West Fork, plus 1 mile upstream along Overflow Creek, is included within the boundaries of the Chattooga National Wild and Scenic River. The upper portion of the West Fork is one of the most beautiful river sites in Georgia—a river of low falls and deep green pools hemmed in by bluffs and steep forested slopes. From Overflow Creek Road bridge down to the junction with the Chattooga, the river is relatively calm with long, deep pools ideal for lazy floating or swimming. Fine picnic and strolling sites are accessible and reached by road. This is a country of beautiful but unknown waterfalls. One is on Overflow creek just above Three Forks. There are three falls on Big Creek; the middle one is outstanding. It is along the West Fork's headwaters that the last remnants of the old splash-dam logging system can be seen.

GETTING THERE & LOGGING REQUIREMENTS

You will need to make your way to Warwoman Road which can be accessed from downtown Clayton or from SC 28. That will take you to Overflow Creek Rd (FSR 86) which is a well maintained forest service road that is accessible with a two wheel drive. You will travel 3.8 miles on this road until you come to the Three Forks Trailhead parking area. At this point plug in the waypoint for the "Trail to Holcomb Creek Crossing" and get going. Once there you will see the trail forks and you will go left. Shortly you will be at Holcomb Creek, cross it and then you can plug in the waypoints for "Three Forks Photo Op #1" and then, subsequently " Three Forks Photo Op #2". In order to log this as a find I am requesting you post three photos and answer two questions. Send the answers to the questions via a message. DO NOT POST YOUR ANSWERS IN YOUR LOG!. At least one photo must be taken at TFPO #1 or #2 and it must have something personal included; be it a selfie, a group shot, or even your gpsr or walking stick. At TFPO #1 take a shot of both Overflow Creek and Big Creek. At TFPO #2 take a shot of Holcomb Creek making its entrance." Post those three photos with your log. Just in case the coords are squirrly, at both #1 and #2 you will be perched upon a large rock on the opposite side of the creek from which you entered...yes, you will be crossing that creek also.

Q1- At the beginning of your hike, what is the "THREE FORKS TRAIL" trail marker written on? A one word answer will suffice.

Q2- Between TFPO #1 and #2 you will be following a short stroll along the bank of the beginning of the West Fork. What are you walking on? Rocks, forest floor, sand, logs, or constructed bridge. You can do this....It's multiple choice.

Feel free to post as many pictures as you like but not any that give away the answers to the questions or I will have to delete those.

WARNINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS

YOU WILL GET WET!!! No if, and or buts about it. A walking stick or trekking poles will be invaluable in keeping your balance in the creek crossings and both the descent and ascent in and out of the gorge. DO NOT attempt this within 24-48 hours after a heavy downpour or if one is expected while you are there. The creeks are not very deep in their natural state but the waters rise quickly with rain and you can become trapped if you do not plan accordingly.

Two pairs of footwear come in handy- One for hiking and one for water, unless you just enjoy spending the day in sopping wet gangrene inducing footwear.

Water and/or purifier- The water here is delicious but for safety it should be purified before consuming.

Picnic lunch- It's always great to refuel before heading back up and this is a fantastic spot to break bread.

Camping gear- You will not find a more exceptional accommodation in all of North Georgia....as long as there is vacancy. Spots are very limited.

As a side note- you would be completely missing the fulfillment of your visit without finding one of the large pools to fully submerge yourself in and truly experiencing "The Natural Healing Power Of Water"....it's like a rebirth! Extra credit for that Photo ;)

Virtual Reward - 2017/2018

This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between August 24, 2017 and August 24, 2018. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards on the Geocaching Blog.