Alcovy Waterfalls
The Alcovy Falls are located near Freemans Mill park in Gwinnett County.
Freemans Mill was claimed to have been built between 1868 and 1879 by two members of the Loveless family, John and Levi. It then passed on to Scott Freeman until 1913 when it was purchased by Newt Pharr.
Freeman's son operated the mill for many years afterward and then in the 1990's the mill was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Even up until 1996 it was the only operating grist mill left in the county. I normally make at least two trips to this small park every year.
Finding a waterfall
The Alcovy Falls are situated one as one wider lower fall and a very impressive upper fall that is not visible near the base of the first.
To reach the waterfalls leave your vehicle in the park lot and hike across the bridge along the road. Then duck to the right into the forest and hike roughly 200 feet in. You can normally see the lower waterfall from the park and street during the winter months.
The lower waterfall is roughly 18-20 feet in height. It drops over a shelf of rock splashing along the edge of a rock into a lower pool. The flow of this waterfall is somewhat dictated by rainfall like most of the southerly falls in this area but, it does seems to have some flow year around even in drier conditions.
To reach the upper falls you will need to climb a small trail beside the lower falls and navigate in the stream and around a bend in the river. Once you arrive you will be impressed by both the length and structure of this waterfall. Its probably the most dramatic in the county. This waterfall is I would estimate 200ft in length from top to bottom. It can be characterized as a stair-step type falls with a bottom shelf that drops water roughly 5 feet into the stream below.
Waterfall characteristics and photographing
Flow
Unlike many of the falls in this area this set of waterfalls receive water from a much larger stream which normally provide some form of flow at any time of the year. Of course it will be much lower during hot dry conditions. For best results I would focus on the late Fall to early Spring months.
Approach
The lower waterfall is pretty easy to reach and will not require more than a pair of rubber boots. If you decide to climb up closer to the flow be prepared for slippery conditions.
The upper falls are much more treacherous to reach but, well worth the effort. You will need rubber boots to reach it as well.
Climb up a short path to the side of the waterfall, this will take you above and lead you back to the main stream. Most likely you will need to wade through the stream as well, there are no paths here just lots of slippery bedrock. After you turn a bend you will see both the waterfall and many interesting rock formations.
I’ve climbed this waterfall so be forewarned it is not an easy task, the rocks are very slippery. If you decide to climb and shoot along the way keep this in mind.
Gear
One this that is going to be requirement for this shoot is rubber boots. You will not reach the upper falls without them.
What I normally carry:
- Sturdy tripod
- Neutral Density filter
- Rubber boots and waterproof emergency cover for the camera
- Flashlight
- Water
- Cell phone
- Camera release (or use timer)
- Backpack
Technique
Your main concern in going to be too much light which could spoil a really good long-exposure. To prevent this equip you lens with a Neutral Density filter. This type of filter will add more stops allowing you to keep the shutter open much longer and, that allows for more silky water flow – the hallmark of any nice waterfall photo.
Do keep in mind that you want to control direct sunlight on the water as much as possible. Once you start getting direct light striking the water it will create too much contrast and can blow out all of your detail. You might want to also invest in a Circular Polarizing filter. This filter can be adjusted to reduced reflection on the water surface.
The lower waterfall does have an open canopy so keep that in mind when shooting.
The upper waterfall has a dense canopy during the summer months which can provide you a little more time for shooting.
Due to this I’d suggest being in place in the morning hours by 6:30 – 7:00 AM at the latest. If you’re an evening shooter don’t arrive before 4:00 PM. These times are based for more colder months.
Another word of caution, shooting the upper falls after dark is very difficult due to the steep rock climb and dangerous footing. I would advise leaving before complete darkness or, be prepared with lots of light and time to exit.
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