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Dawson County
The Mountain Traveler • Fall 2013
Spectacular views
A five-mile wilderness hike on the Wildcat Tract inside the Dawson Forest Wildlife Management area has plenty to offer for those looking for solitude. The trail includes a creek crossing and a spectacular view of the 75-foot Fall Creek Waterfall. File photo
Low traffic trails In search of serenity
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By KIMBERLY BOIM, Dawson News & Advertiser
awson County is a mecca for hikers. There are many places where you can walk for hours along fast-moving streams and narrow pathways and never run into another person. No guarantees, but it does happen. One such place begins at Wildcat Campground in the mountainous, northwestern corner of the county. Located on Steve Tate Highway, about two miles from the entrance to Big Canoe, these hikes are for intermediate hikers with adventuresome souls. The less adventurous souls turn back before ever reaching the trailhead if they are driving fancy cars. Its 0.08-mile, gravel entrance road is strewn with potholes and pits, but that’s part of the charm. You know you’re in the woods. Roll down your windows, breathe deeply, and start listening for the soothing sounds of Amicalola Creek. There are six waterfalls along several trails, including Wildcat Creek, Fall Creek (this trail has four of them along a five-mile stretch), Tobacco Pouch,
Rocky Ford, and Turner. If you select Fall Creek Falls, you’re in for a reward. The second waterfall looks like a mini-Amicalola Falls – a large rock in the middle splits one large cascade into two. There are six good drops before the rushing waters form a clear, sparkling pool. On a warm day, just try to resist taking off your boots, rolling up your jeans and enjoying its cool waters. Items to bring: extra pair of socks, electrolyte drink, snacks or lunch, bug spray, and your cell phone camera. There are no facilities inside Wildcat Campground, but there are primitive campsites available. This is a DNR user fee area that requires a Georgia Outdoor Recreational Pass. How much is that? Individual 3-day, $3.50; Individual annual, $19; small group, 3-day $10; small group annual, $35. There is a $2.50 transaction fee. The pass must be purchased in advance. There are no payment boxes. Google Georgia Outdoor Recreational Pass, or georgiawildlife.com/georgia-outdoor-recreational-pass. n