Helen Ga Back to Helen Ga. Things to Do

Helen Georgia Dukes Creek Falls

Be prepared for a decent hike that’s just a little over 1 mile long. You need to be in fairly decent shape to conquer this hike. There is one observation deck that’s easily assessable approximately a (.1) mile hike from the parking area. If you just park and walk down to the first observation deck, you can see the falls, but it is a very distant view. If you just want to observe the falls from this point, you really need to bring a decent pair of binoculars.

If you plan to hike all the way to the falls, be aware it is a (1.1) mile hike downhill all the way. You really need to keep in mind that the trip back will be uphill all the way. If you are not in decent shape, you will really need to pace yourself for this hike. Just walk slow and easy, and rest along the way.

The scenery along the way is awesome. When I am hiking towards a specific destination such as a waterfall, I tend to get in a hurry, and find myself ignoring all the beauty along the way. Stop and take this scenery in. The trail is mostly gravel, and the entire trail is very shaded. There are sharp drop offs, that if you slipped, you could get serious injuries. Once I decided to slow down a bit, and really take in the moment, one thing I really noticed was a lot of very large pine trees. Some of the trees were so large it reminded me of some of the giant pine trees in the national forests in the eastern part of the United States. The entire hike will take you away from then back into the sounds and scenery of the falls, and Dukes Creek. You will find yourself wondering how much longer till I get to the falls, but once you reach the falls, you will know it was very much worth the hike. This is one of the more breath taking falls I have ever visited. If you’re visiting Helen Georgia, this definitely needs to be on your list of things to see.

Dukes Creek Falls is a 300’ drop from Davis Creek down into the Dukes Creek Gorge. There is a lot of very loud rushing water that will overtake your senses. I personally carried my mp3 player with me, and listened to my John Denver collection along the way (Sooo 70’s), once I arrived at the falls; I lied down on one of the deck benches and took in the music, the sounds, and the beauty for thirty minutes. It was a great experience. Stop, and take the time to slow down, take in, experience, and enjoy this entire trip.

Cost: $3.00 Parking
Time: Just going there, and hiking, approximately 3 hours
Getting There: From the main street in Helen Georgia (17/75),
take 75 South (right next to the Helen Georgia Flea market) over the bridge
and travel approximately 2 miles and urn right onto 348 (Richard b. Russell Scenic hwy.)
then travel less than 2 miles to the entrance on your left.
Are we there yet? Approximately 12 to 15 minutes outside of the main tourist area of Helen Georgia.

 

 

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