As you come upon the waterfall you can't help but notice the nearby aquaduct. This was built in the 1840's as a way to divert water from the Savannah River to the Augusta Canal. This area is now part of a National Heritage Area and access to the waterfalls and the aquaduct are free and open to the public.
The area around the aqueduct is now a popular recreation spot known locally as Aqueduct Park. The beautiful Stone Mountain granite and graceful arched vaults of the Rae's Creek Aqueduct can be explored and an interpretive panel has been placed to help visitors learn the history and significance of the structure. Swimming and rock climbing are popular here.
Waterfalls are commonly formed in the upper course of the river. At these times the channel is often narrow and deep. When the river courses over resistant bedrock, erosion happens slowly, while downstream the erosion occurs more rapidly.As the watercourse increases its velocity at the edge of the waterfall, it plucks material from the riverbed. Whirlpools created in the turbulence as well as sand and stones carried by the watercourse increase the erosion capacity. This causes the waterfall to carve deeper into the bed and to recede upstream. Often over time, the waterfall will recede back to form a canyon or gorge downstream as it recedes upstream, and it will carve deeper into the ridge above it.
Water that is diverted from the Savannah River flows through a channel which lead to the creation of this awesome flowing waterfall. As the water flows through the canal it will eventually rejoin the Savannah river at one of several locations further down the river.
Please exercise caution as the rocky outcrops around the aqueduct are steep and can be dangerous. The waterfalls can cause slippery conditions so be careful and enjoy!
In order to log this cache please send me either a message on Geocaching.com or an email.
1) How many waterfalls are visible from the posted coordinates?
2) How deep do you estimate the pool below is?
3) Do you see any evidence of erosion in the area? If so, what?
4) (OPTIONAL) Please include a photo of yourself in this beautiful area!
THANKS FOR CHECKING OUT THIS EARTHCACHE!