Raven Cliff Falls Hiking Trail


White County, Georgia
(View other White County area trails)

Trail length:

3 miles
Posted by: Virgo Fabulous on July 27, 2009

Description

Ravens Cliff Falls are a wonder to behold, and the hike in is almost equally as stunning. The path begins as a wide road near the junction of Dodd and Bear Den Creek. Trout fishing abounds here, and it is unusual to see any of the available fishing areas along the creeks empty on a weekend even in the middle of winter. The first 100 yards of the path is essentially a service road for these spots. The trail closely follows Dodd Creek up to the falls. On the path several additional waterfalls add to the pleasure of this trek.



After the first waterfall a change in the trees is obvious. The forest is dominated by hardwoods. Short cascades and riplets of whitewater produce a relaxing gurgle during a significant portion of the hike. This path can be slippery after a rain. The steep parts are in short spurts and easily taken even for a novice hiker.



The path is rarely more than 50 feet from the creek, and this eastern facing cove has an abundance of wildlife. Listing all the plants would be time consuming, but more common are:ramp, Jack-in-the-pulpit, geraniums, trout lillies, astors, and abundant clumps of New York ferns.



The approach to the Cliffs is the highlight of the trip. A quick climb and loud noise impart the message of the approaching waterfall. The water rushes through a split in the rocks and splashes down in cascades to the bottom. Typical of high forest falls, water flow is heavy only in the spring, but somehow the way the cliff is shaped makes these falls seem strong most of the year. A short path leads to the top of falls.



Close to the alpine village of Helen, which is now Georgia's third most popular tourist attraction, this trail is heavily used. You should also visit Pappy's when you are in the area. Its a great place to eat and relax after a long day of hiking. They also have very large trout that you can feed...and cheap ice cream! lol They also offer tubing adventures!

Directions

Take GA 75 north from Helen for 1.5 miles. Turn left onto GA 356(75 Alternate) and travel 2.3 miles to the Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway. Turn right and travel 2.8 miles to the trailhead and parking area

 

Guidebooks

Reviews of Raven Cliff Falls



Reviewed by Richard James on April 2, 2012

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I've been hiking this trail for over 15 yrs, and I still look forward to going back. Tons of opportunities along the way to stop and explore or play by a waterfall. Then, at the end, you can enjoy the waterfall pool down below or climb up top and actually get behind the falls with a little effort and explore more up there. My favorite in Georgia!
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Reviewed by ridge runner on November 20, 2011

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Great hike along the creek . Easy hike for all level .
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Reviewed by Sarah Hikes on October 31, 2011

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This was a pretty exciting trail with lots of climbing involved. The cliffs were really big up close and I climbed all the way to the top which was really fun.
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Reviewed by LightFoot on October 31, 2011

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The hike in was pleasant. It follows some creeks and meanders through a few different types of woods. The creeks have trout in them. There are campsites all along the trail. The big payoff was all the way at the end where there was a small lagoon between the rocks where we dipped our feet for a spell.
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Reviewed by Plant on February 5, 2010

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This is one of the best trails for waterfalls in Georgia. Get to the trailhead early for greater solitude. You’ll see a ton of folks on your way back out and be glad you got there early. There are more rewards than just the Raven Cliff Falls at the end of the 2.5-mile hike. There are numerous falls all along Dodd Creek up until Raven Cliffs. Once you get there and if you’re up to it, you can find a way to the top of Raven Cliffs Falls for a good vista and more exploration of the falls. However, please use discretion: safety first.
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Reviewed by Virgo Fabulous on July 27, 2009

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What a great hike for everyone in the family! With the exception of the rock climb at the end (optional) the trail is shaded, flat and clean of brush, very easy to walk with a mild incline for 3 miles.
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