Northeastern Georgia features some of the most beautiful terrain in all of the United States. The city of Helen in particular combines lots of man-made tourist attractions with some of the premier natural wonders in the state. Several waterfalls provide the kind of natural splendor not possible in many parts of the country, and each waterfall enjoys its own character.
Hikers who conquer the 9,700-acre Tray Mountain Wilderness receive this rare double waterfall as a reward for their efforts, located in the Chattooga River District. The twin falls begin with Curtis Creek dumping into York Creek, which creates the second falls when it empties into Smith Creek. Anna Ruby Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in North Georgia. The trail ends at the base of the second falls. Access to the Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area requires a $2 recreation use fee. Parking is free.
Anna Ruby Falls Visitor Center
200 Highway 197 North
P.O. Box 1960
Clarkesville,GA 30523
(706) 878-3574
See Resources below for website
While it's actually located a few miles west of Helen, Raven Cliffs Falls are the most visited natural landmark in the area. Raven Cliffs Falls is a 60-foot cascade. To reach these falls, hikers must trek 2.5 miles along a trail that lines the shore of Dodd Creek. The falls flow through a split area in the face of solid rock outcropping. The water falls at least 100 feet. The water sprays into a pool that is more than 20-feet deep. From there, the water cascades 20 more feet to Dodd Creek. There are three other falls on Dodd Creek, too.
Raven Cliffs Wilderness Area
Blue Ridge Ranger District
1881 Highway 515
Blairsville, GA 30514
(706) 745-6928
See Resources below for website
High Shoals Creek Falls features five waterfalls in a 170-acre scenic area. The total vertical drop is 300 feet. The falls are in the Brasstown Ranger District, where the banks of the streams are covered with rhododendron and laurel. The falls are visible from an observation area at the end of the 1.2-mile High Shoals Trail.
High Shoals Creek Falls
Brasstown Ranger District
Highway 19/192
P.O. Box 9
Blairsville, GA 30501
(707) 745-6928
wildernet.com/pages/area.cfm?areaID=080302&CU_ID=1
This waterfall, located just north of Helen, drops 150 feet through a granite canyon into Dukes Creek. Panning for gold is a possibility at Dukes Creek Falls. Reaching the falls requires you to follow the Dukes Creek Falls Trail, a series of three switchbacks that lead to Davis Creek. The first portion of the trail, which is busiest on weekends, is wheelchair accessible. An observation deck provides views of the falls.
Dukes Creek Falls
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
1755 Cleveland Highway
Gainesville, GA 30501
(770) 297-3000
georgiatrails.com/trails/dukescr.html
