Raven Cliff Falls Trail
A popular trail to the cliffs
Description:
This trail starts where Dodd Creek runs into Dukes Creek, the trail follows Dodd Creek, passing a few waterfalls, until it reaches the cliffs. The first waterfall is 1.1 miles into the trail and the 10 foot waterfalls splashes onto a boulder beneath. The woods change to hardwoods for the rest of the hike. At 1.3 miles you come to the second waterfall an nice 35 foot drops into a shallow pool.
At the 2.5 mile marker is the highlight of the trip the massive 125 foot Raven Cliffs Falls. The lower 40 feet descend a cave like walls. It is clearly visible through the trees as you approach the falls.
The Trail is located in the Raven Cliffs Wilderness, which was designated in 1986 and currently consists of 9,115 acres. The Wilderness is located within the borders of the Chattahoochee National Forest in Lumpkin and Union Counties, Georgia. The Wilderness is managed by the United States Forest Service and is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System.
Take note that this trail is extremely popular, and the wilderness around is nearly worn out from all the camping, but does not deter the beauty of the falls. Raven Cliff Falls is one of four popular waterfalls in the Forest near Helen, Georgia. Two of the other waterfalls, Anna Ruby Falls and Dukes Creek Falls, are also in White County, while the third waterfall, DeSoto Falls, is in neighboring Lumpkin County.
Directions: (See map below)
State: Georgia
County: White
Length: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: 3
Trail viewed 3301 times
User: Hugh Watkins Title: Excellent Rock Cliff Waterfall Rating: 4
Date: Sat May-30-2009
Trip Type: Day Hike
Report:
I hiked this trail with my family, the younger ones are nine and had no problem keeping up. The hike is 2.5 miles each way and is pretty level, except for the last 100 yards which is a scramble up some rocks to see Raven Cliff Falls.
I would have given this trail a 1, but I took a little off because the trail is crowded and some of the trail is badly worn in places. It is still a must see trail in Georgia. The trail is kid friendly and can be hiked in 2-3 hours roundtrip.
The Trail Head is nice wth Toilets, it’s well marked off Richard B. Russell Highway. There are plenty of places to camp, but I would get there early since many of the more scenic ones were taken by the time we got there.
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| Miles | Trail Name | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Dukes Creek Falls Trail | Trail to the beautiful Dukes Creek Falls |
| 1 | Laurel Ridge Interpretive Trail | A hike with breathtaking views of surrounding mountains |
| 3 | Logan Turnpike Trail | Provides accessto the Appalachian Trail and some good views |
| 3 | Unicoi-Helen Trail | Trail from Unicoi Park to Helen |
| 3 | Unicoi Lake Trail | A loop near the picturesque lake |
| 4 | Bottoms Loop Trail | A loop near the floodplain of Smith Creek |
