I’ve heard so much about Helton Creek Falls that we made a trip of it after hiking at nearby Vogel State Park. The well-marked entrance is located on Hwy 129/19 just one mile south of Vogel.

However, we thought we were in the wrong place driving through a residential neighborhood of houses perched alonside a creek. Soon, the road turned gravel and a hand-painted sign announced the falls were just 2 miles ahead.

The most difficult part of the trip was the bumpy, rocky dirt road. In the distance, we saw the falls and came to a parking area. For such an out of the way place, there were 6 or 7 cars. The total loop to the falls is just 1/3 of a mile. We climbed down the path and the temperature was instantly cooler. When we reached to the falls, we took a left to descended down the wooden stairs to the base of the lower falls.

 

 

Afterwards, we climbed back up and continued to the base of the upper falls where there was a viewing deck.

 

 

 

If you’re in the area, it’s worth the trip here. On the way home, we stopped by the historic Walasi-Yi Inn. It’s at Neel’s Gap where the Appalachian Trail crosses under a roof. Many AT hikers can be seen relaxing here as they get their mail, use the showers and visit before continuing their journey. The store offers outdoor gear, groceries and supplies.