Helton Creek Falls

Height: 80 feet total
Trail Type: Dirt
Hike Distance: 0.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: 3
Beauty: 6

Overview:

Helton Creek Falls is actually two different waterfalls within a short distance of each other. The trail down to the falls is very short and the area will be crowded on warm days. The lower section of the falls is a 30-foot slide down bright brown and yellow colored rock. The upper portion, where most everyone will be, is a larger 50-foot cascade down a jagged rock face into a deep pool.

Directions:

From the intersection of US 76 and US 19 (The Glenn Gooch Bypass) in Blairsville, head south on US 19 for 11.8 miles and turn left onto Helton Creek Road. This is just over a mile from the entrance to Vogel State Park. Drive 2.2 miles down the gravel road (the first mile or so is paved) to the large pullout on the right.

Hike Description:

The hike descends modestly down the slope and hangs a hard left near the bottom of the ridge. There’s a short spur to the lower section of the falls, but the main trail continues to a wooden viewing platform at the base of the upper section. Although the Forest Service has placed signs kindly asking visitors to stay on the platform, it’s fairly easy to walk around it and get to the pool at the base of the falls.