Thunderous Cascades Near Helen GA
Dukes Creek waterfall is an easy walk on a well
maintained and graded trail with boardwalks and stairs. This is
worth the time if you have a couple of spare hours while in Helen
GA. This is an impressive site with the thunderous roar of falls
and cascades from both Dukes and Davis Creeks converging together.
To get to the trailhead, travel north on highway 17/75 out of Helen
GA. Approximately 2 miles from town bear left onto route 75alt. In another 3 miles bear right onto route 348 (Russell Scenic
Highway). Enter the National Forest and approximately 2 miles on the left is the parking area
for Dukes Creek Falls (Approximate GPS Coordinates 34º42'06.89"N
83º47'21.65"W). As of December 2009 there was a self serve
$3 parking fee. From the parking area there is an open view
of Yonah Mountain.
Look for signs at the parking area showing the trailhead.
Within the first 0.1 mile there is an open view to the left of the
waterfall in the distance. The trail then descends along board
walks and stairs. It eventually intersects with an old woods
road. Bear left on the road which maintains a steady grade.
Stay on the trail avoiding shortcuts which damage the slope
stability. Eventually the trail diverges from the woods road
bearing a sharp right back onto a footpath descending into the gorge.
Keep your eyes open because this turn can be easily missed.
At the bottom of the gorge there are well maintained board walks and
stairs. At the bottom to the left is the main waterfall
which is actually on Davis creek. This falls descends more than
200 feet. To the right along Dukes Creek, there are
many smaller cascades.
Return back along the original trail.
A couple of other easy waterfall hikes in the area are Helton
Creek Falls and Desoto Falls.
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