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Broad River Trail Traverses Steep Slopes

This Northeast Georgia, USA Hiking Trail is Secluded and Peaceful

Aug 2, 2009 Susan Harper

The Broad River Trail runs along both Dicks Creek and Broad River and is in the Lake Russell Wildlife Management Area, which is part of the Chattahoochee National Forest.

This is a 4.2 mile one-way trail, however, the winding, unpaved Forest Road 87 (2.9 miles) is quiet and makes a nice 7.1 loop. The hike can begin at either Dicks Creek or at the Broad River Bridge. Although the hike is easier if started at Dicks Creek, starting at the Broad River Bridge provides more parking, as parking at Dicks Creek is limited. The loop hike can easily be done in one day if started early enough.

Dicks Creek Section

Starting at Broad River Bridge, pass the southern trailhead and take Forest Road 87 up to the northern trailhead at Dicks Creek. It is a secluded, peaceful road with abundant wildlife. The Dicks Creek trailhead is marked with a wooden Broad Creek Trail sign. The trail parallels Dicks Creek for about a mile. The creek has many cascades and a minor falls. The trail sometimes traverses steep slopes, and other times runs right along the water’s edge and under overhanging rock.

Broad River Section

Once the trail reaches the Broad River, it turns and follows the river for a bit, then it begins to go in and out of deep coves. The trail is narrow and runs along steep slopes in several of these coves, making it not a good hike for younger children, as tripping over something could send them sliding 50 or 75 feet before stopping. When the trail crosses small tributaries to the river, logs or footbridges are provided. One amazing item found along this trail is a tree that has grown in a complete circle.

Towards the southern end of the trail, the trail goes right into the river because of an overhanging rock. There is also a path that goes up and around if the water is too high. Not long after, a footbridge appears and the trail crosses Kimbell Creek and ends.

Finding the Trailhead

From I-85, take exit 154 and follow Highway 63 North until it intersects with U.S. Highway 123. Turn left onto U.S. Highway 123. About 1.5 miles up the road, a large Milliken Plant sign appears on the left as well as Patterson Pumps. These two companies sit on either side of Ayersville Road. Turn left onto Ayersville Road and travel about one mile to the unpaved Forest Road 87. Turn left onto this road, which is also called Guard Camp Road. Before reaching the trailhead, a checking station is passed on the left. Just beyond a small bridge is the Dicks Creek trailhead. Continue down Forest Road 87 to the much larger Broad River bridge. The trailhead is on the right, before crossing over the bridge. Beyond the bridge on the left is a large parking lot.

This peaceful trail, which runs along both Dicks Creek and the Broad River, provides the hiker with a variety of experiences from scenic water cascades and abundant wildllife, to traversing steep slopes and passing under rock overhangings.

The copyright of the article Broad River Trail Traverses Steep Slopes in Backpacking, Hiking & Camping is owned by Susan Harper. Permission to republish Broad River Trail Traverses Steep Slopes in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Broad River Trail Traverses Steep Slopes