Summary- The Best Waterfalls Near Helen, Georgia
If you’re planning a trip to Helen, Georgia then some of these waterfalls should definitely be added to your itinerary! When I first moved to Georgia 2 years ago I had no idea it had waterfalls or mountains. Come to find out, there are over 700 waterfalls in Georgia (that have been documented) that are waiting for you to explore. Are you surprised!? I know I was!
A local secret is that some of the most beautiful ones exist in Helen, Georgia so you are in for a treat!
In this post, I’m highlighting my favorite waterfalls near Helen so you can plan the most epic trip. This list is composed of 12 hikes that are less than an hour from Helen so you can conveniently fit them into your schedule. These hikes range from an easy 1 hour hike to a full day adventure so you can pick the best one based on your fitness level and time you have allotted. Let’s dive in!
What to pack for Waterfalls Near Helen, Georgia
Sometimes the outdoors can be unpredictable so it’s always a good idea to bring the necessary items for every hiking trip. These are my go-to’s for every hike in Georgia:
- Hydroflask water bottle
- Battery Pack
- Snacks
- Hand Sanitizer
- Bug Repellent
- Head Lamps
- First Aid Kit
- Camera
- Rain Jacket
- All Trails App Pro Version
Map of Waterfalls near Helen, Georgia
12 Waterfall Hikes near Helen, Georgia (+ Exactly How To Get To Them)
1) Dukes Creek Falls Trail
LENGTH: 2 miles
DIFFICULTY: moderate, out and back trail
DOGS: Allowed on a leash
FEE: $5 parking fee (cash only)
Dukes Creek is a 2 mile moderate hike that follows along the creek and takes you down to the viewing platforms to see the waterfalls. As you reach the bottom and you look up and you can see the water falling above you. At the falls, you will reach several wooden viewing platforms to admire the 150 foot drop of Dukes Creek Falls. The great thing about this trail is that there are multiple waterfalls at the end of this one.
PARKING: There are about 50 spots here and parking fills up quickly on the weekends so be sure to get there early. The address is 1699 Richard Russell Hwy, Helen, GA.
2) Raven Cliff Falls
LENGTH: 5 miles
DIFFICULTY: moderate, out and back trail
DOGS: Allowed on a leash
FEE: $5 parking fee (cash only)
Raven Cliff Falls is great hike for any one looking for an adventure. Within the first 0.5 mile you have to cross a creek in order to continue the trail. Luckily, there is a large log perfectly placed that you can walk across if you don’t want to get wet. For those daring enough to get in the cold water you can wade your way through the knee-deep creek to the other side.
With a little over 500 feet of elevation this hike is considered moderate and will lead you to an incredible view of a waterfall between two cliffs! As an added bonus there are multiple waterfalls you will see leading up to the main one.
PARKING: There are about 50 spots for parking but it does get full quickly on the weekends and in the summer months. The address is 3000 Richard Russell Hwy, Helen, GA.
3) Trahlyta Falls at Vogel State Park
LENGTH: 1.1 miles
DIFFICULTY: easy, out and back trail
DOGS: Allowed on a leash
FEE: $5 parking fee (cash only)
The Trahlyta Falls trail starts near the parking lot of Vogel State park and is a paved trail beside the lake. Along the trail you will see multiple pull off spots for fishing or to just take in the view. If you look closely enough at the water you might be able to see some fish popping up. Last time I was there I saw tons of them swimming down by the bank of the lake. Once you reach the end of the lake (opposite side of the visitor center) this where you will descend down to the falls. Before be sure to turn around to admire the view of the mountains.
Once you reach the dirt path down to the waterfall, it will take you down to the a set of stairs leading to the platform where you can view Trahylta Falls.
PARKING: You will park in front of the visitor center of Vogel State Park and there . The trail start to the right of the lake. The address is 405 Vogel State Park Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512
READ MORE: 10 Waterfalls In North Georgia Worth the Hike
4) High Shoals + Blue Hole Falls
LENGTH: 2.5 miles
DIFFICULTY: moderate, out and back trail
DOGS: Allowed on a leash
FEE: $0
This is one of my favorite waterfalls near Helen, Georgia because this trail is full of things to keep it interesting. From planks and bridges, steep hills, It starts off taking you down a path that takes you across a bridge and there is open space where you can camp at?
PARKING: There are limited spots here and you will have to park along dirt the road next to the trailhead. The address is 1333 Indian Grave Gap Rd, Hiawassee, GA 30546.
5) Minnehaha Falls
LENGTH: 0.4 miles
DIFFICULTY: easy, out and back trail
DOGS: Allowed on a leash
FEE: none
Minnehaha Falls is a short, relatively easy waterfall hike near Helen, Georgia. One of my friends likes to call the hike a high intensity workout because it can get steep in some areas, but before you know it you are there. This waterfall is stunning to watch as it cascades over the rocks into the waterbed below.
PARKING: There is limited parking next to Lake Rabun. The parking section can fit about 5 cars, if this full you can park along the street by the lake.
6) Desoto Falls
LENGTH: 2.2 miles
DIFFICULTY: easy to moderate, out and back trail
DOGS: Allowed on a leash
FEE: $5 parking fee
Once you arrive at this trailhead you will cross a short bridge over the creek and be presented with two options: Upper Falls Path or the Lower Falls Path. The beauty of Desoto Falls Hike is that it has two waterfalls for you to explore! I suggest doing the Upper falls first because it is short and mostly uphill with quick switchbacks so I find it best to knock out the hardest first.
Desoto Falls is
PARKING: The parking lot is paved and there are plenty of spots here (about 40) and the address is Desoto Falls Recreation Area U.S. 129 Cleveland, GA 30528.
READ MORE: Amicalola Falls Hiking + Camping Guide
7) Water’s Creek Falls (a.k.a Dick’s Creek)
LENGTH: 0.2 miles
DIFFICULTY: easy, out and back trail
DOGS: Allowed
FEE: $0
At Water’s Creek Falls you can expect to walk a short distance from the parking lot to this stunning waterfall and swimming hole. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can follow the crowds to the top and jump off the cliff into the water. Please only do so if you are comfortable and at your own risk. This Georgia waterfall near Helen is perfect to visit with the whole family. Make sure to pack your swimming suit for this one!
PARKING: There is a parking lot directly across from the falls that fits about 15 cars, further down the road there are more spots available.
8) Anna Ruby Falls
LENGTH: 0.9 miles
DIFFICULTY: easy, out & back trail
DOGS: Not allowed
FEE: $5 per person
Anna Ruby Falls is within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest limits and offers jaw-dropping views of twin falls, a very rare gem in the Southeast! This is one of the most popular waterfalls in North Georgia!
The trail is paved the entire way making it wheel chair and stroller friendly. The hike steadily inclines as you get closer to the falls but there are plenty of benches along the path in case you need to take a break. There are two viewing platforms available for you to take in the beauty of the falls.
PARKING: The parking lot is directly across from the Visitor Center where you will find 90 spots. If they fill up, they will close he gates and they will not reopen them until a considerable amount of people have left so make sure to get their early on weekends. The address to the falls is 3455 Anna Ruby Falls Rd Helen, GA 30545.
READ MORE: Explore the Anna Ruby Falls Trail in North Georgia
9) Helton Creek Falls
LENGTH: 0.4 miles
DIFFICULTY: easy, out & back trail
DOGS: Allowed on a leash
FEE: none
Helton Creek Falls is a must see waterfall near Helen, GA for the entire family. It features two waterfalls for you to enjoy with little to no work to reach them! The waterfall at the bottom is great for kids to play in since the water is shallow and as you make to the top you will see the waterfall pictured above where swim in.
PARKING: You will have to go down a 2 mile dirt road to reach the falls. Some sections have deep potholes so a car with high clearance is recommended, but a regular car is still doable. There are limited parking spots here, about 8 spots. When it is busy you will have to park along the side of the road opposite of the trailhead. The address off Hatchet Creek Rd/Helton Creek Rd in Blairsville GA 30512.
READ MORE: 10 Beautiful Hikes Near Atlanta
10) Hemlock Falls
LENGTH: 2 miles
DIFFICULTY: moderate, out and back trail
DOGS: Allowed on a leash
FEE: none
Hemlock Falls is right across the street from Moccasin Creek State Park and is a beautiful trail to do all year round! This hike features a bridge you will cross that is over a waterfall only 3 feet below you. and there are multiple waterfalls to keep you entertained on this trail that you will see leading up to the main one.
PARKING: There are limited parking spots here, the lot fits about 20 cars and can get crowed when the weather is nice so make sure to arrive early. The address is 3655 Georgia Hwy 197, Clarkesville, GA 30523.
11) Panther Creek Trailhead
LENGTH: 7.7 miles
DIFFICULTY: hard, out and back trail
DOGS: Allowed on a leash, but this may be a challenging hike for them
FEE: $5 parking fee
This trail is top 2 and not number 2! Let me clarify, Panther Creek Trailhead is and will forever be my favorite hike in North Georgia! Can you feel my excitement coming through through this post!? Just writing about it makes me miss it so much and I’m dying to hit the trailhead again *sighs* whew calm down, Tee.
Panther Creek is not for the faint-hearted with over xx feet in elevation gain in 7.7 miles you will definitely feel the burn.
PARKING: There are a few parking spots at the start of the trail, but you will find the majority of them at the parking lot across the street. There are public restrooms here. The address is 3995 Old Historic 441, Turnerville, GA.
12) Angel Falls + Panther Falls
LENGTH: 2.3 miles
DIFFICULTY: easy, out & back trail
DOGS: Allowed on a leash
FEE: none
Angel Falls is located right next to Rabun Lake Beach and is a relatively easy trail to view two waterfalls. You will reach the first Panther Falls at about .5 miles and can take in the view from the viewing platform. As you the continue on, you will cross four bridges and two streams until you reach Angel Falls.
PARKING: The parking space is very small, it can squeeze in about 10 cars so be sure to get there early to secure a spot. The address is 5315 Lake Rabun Rd, Lakemont, GA 30552