Living Jackson Magazine :: Rivers and Streams

RIVERS AND STREAMS

Home Waters

A Photo Essay by Joshua T. Barnett

Woven intricately into the hills and valleys of a beautiful place, waterways stand as a testament to time. Cutting away into the
landscape for hundreds, even thousands, of years, rivers and streams represent the magnificent strength and awe-inspiring beauty of Mother Nature. To our fortune, this gorgeous place—our place—is home to many beautiful waters.

Indian Creek at Sells Mill Park
With headwaters near West Jackson Intermediate School, Indian Creek eventually flows into the Mulberry River on the Jackson/Barrow County line. At Sells Mill Park on Jackson Trail Road, Indian Creek is dammed by a stone wall to form a small lake before cascading over the wall and down to a still-operating water wheel at the old mill.

Shankles Creek
With roots in the City of Nicholson, Shankles Creek makes its way south through unincorporated Center before entering the North Oconee River on private property just off of New Kings Bridge Road. A small, meandering stream, Shankles’ streambed is composed mostly of easily eroding Georgia red clay.
Thanks to Kenneth and Carolyn Barnett for allowing us to take photos of Shankles Creek at their home in Nicholson.

Curry Creek at Curry Creek Park
Starting near Dry Pond in the central part of Jackson County, Curry Creek is best known for the portion that flows just outside of downtown Jefferson in front of the Jefferson Civic Center. With the newly redesigned Curry Creek Park, access to this sightseeing and fishing spot is very user-friendly.

North Oconee River at Hurricane Shoals Park
Like mountain streams an hour’s drive away, the North Fork of the Oconee River at Hurricane Shoals Park is a variety of dips and runs. The cool, flowing waters of the North Oconee provide an ideal environment for summer swimming fun. After all, according to Pat Bell, county commission chairperson, “What kid doesn’t want to play in a clean stream?” The Tumbling Waters Society, a nonprofit organization, assesses and preserves the historical nature of the Hurricane Shoals area. Visit
www.hurricaneshoalspark.org to learn more.

Middle Oconee River at Bear Creek Reservoir
The Middle Oconee River near Jackson County’s 505-acre Bear Creek Reservoir, a source of drinking water, looks much like a waterway formerly used for steamboats with its wideness, tree-lined banks and murky brown water.

Sandy Creek at Sandy Creek Park
Found winding its way down the eastern side of the county, Sandy Creek’s beginnings are near Commerce and eventually end up downstream in Lake Chapman, a 260-acre reservoir partially in Clarke and Jackson counties. Visit www.sandycreekpark.com for more information.