Helton Creek Falls – North Georgia

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.

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The road seemed to go nowhere.

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.

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The steps leading to the base of the lower falls.
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Lower falls at Helton Creek.

 

 

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

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The decked area of the upper falls at Helton Creek.

 

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Along the trail.

 

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Upper Helton Creek Falls.

 

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.

 

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This is the only covered area of the Appalachian Trail.
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Walasi Yi Center at Neel’s Gap near Blood Mountain.
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View from inside Mountain Crossings store at Walasi Yi.

 

 

 

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