Five for Two With Lower & Upper Dick's Creek Falls

For the second edition of the Waterfalls of the Blue Ridge is a two for one...Upper and Lower Dick's Creek Falls.

This was a first time out to these two cascades, so it was good I had people with me who knew the way. There is more than one way here, but this hike starts from Rock Creek Park. Depending on the season you start the beginning point can differ, but as this outing was in Winter this hike started outside the locked gate at Rock Creek. Because of this one has to hike up to the bathhouse at of the campground because just past it to the left. A gravel trail winds 0.4 miles to a large footbridge.

Straight heads to Rock Creek Falls, while this hike heads left over the bridge. From there it starts to head up gradually beside the creek and it isn't long before you come to a junction the Rattlesnake Ridge Trail heads left and up. After a couple more crossings you know the trail gets steeper as you move away from the creek. But it does switchback. Finally, you come to the junction in the clearing at Dick's Creek Gap.

We took the middle yellow-blazed trail, which is an old road. The number for this trail, on a map, is 307. It is a very short distance to where another old road (trail number 307B) goes off to the right. You will notice that the trail heads down, but you will notice going up more on the way back. There are two wide Creek crossing and after the second you head left. This takes one to a campsite and a side trail down to Lower Dick's Creek Falls. It is a 22-foot waterfall. It can be viewed either from an outcrop halfway or at the base. Either way, it is a lovely cascade.

Back on the trail then come back down near the stream and head right here you head up an old roadbed. When it runs out, I was told if you continue straight you can reach the Rattlesnake Ridge Trail. When looking for the trail you are helped by the orange marker tape we put up on this hike. It is close to mile following above the creek. Remember to follow until the trail tails off and you can see Upper Dick's Creek Falls to the left. The reason I say that as I mentioned before a gentleman we met crossed the creek to early and fell into the water up to his waist. In colder months that can be a real problem.

Anyway, we had to use a rope to climb down to look down at the falls and it is impressive. It has four drops of about 40 feet that make up this tiered cascade. There are also two small cascades near where we climbed down. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by the beauty of this natural wonder someone said there is talk of making an official trail to here (what we were on was technically a Manway).

To return, head back the way you came. There will be an uphill that seems to go forever. But you will again cross this nice open spot. Once back on the Rattlesnake Ridge Trail heading from Dick's Creek Gap there will be a really nice view ( made more so on this day by snow) I didn't get an official count but it is around a six-mile trip to both sets of falls.

While researching information about these two falls that there are two more not far upstream. Well, I know I have to go back now! (Photos below by Mark Oleg - Hiking the Appalachians & Beyond)

Lower Dick's Creek Falls
Reviewed by The Wood Booger on February 8, 2020
Rating: 3.0 Stars

Upper Dick's Creek Falls
Reviewed by The Wood Booger on February 8, 2020
Rating: 3.3 Stars