
One of the best things about camping in northern Georgia is that you can truly get away from the city and experience nature in all its glory. With so many natural areas, campgrounds, and waterfalls in the region, it’s an outdoorsy person’s dream come true.
Some sites are next to small towns and cities, like Helen or Blairsville. However, if you really want to be in the thick of the forest, you should check out the Helton Creek Falls Trail. Whether you’re a native Georgian or visiting from out of state, here’s everything you need to know about this hike.
The Basics
- Hours of Operation – N/A Open Year Round
- Length – 0.5 miles
- Location – West of Helen, GA in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Park
- Fees – N/A Free
When’s the Best Time to Go?
Technically, there’s no “wrong” time to visit Helton Creek Falls. This area doesn’t change too much with the seasons, so you should plan your trip according to the ambient weather.
Summertime is the busiest, but since these falls are pretty far away from civilization, they don’t get as crowded as other waterfalls, such as Raven Cliffs or Anna Ruby Falls. That said, making the trek mid-week will be much less crowded than if you go on a weekend.
Some parts of Georgia can get snowy and icy, but these falls rarely dip into freezing temperatures. However, if you’re visiting in the winter, you may have to worry about road closures and detours, making it more difficult to get to the trailhead.
Finally, it only takes about eight minutes to make this hike, so you shouldn’t plan to spend too long on this trail. For that reason, we recommend adding it to an existing camping or hiking trip as a quick and scenic detour. Otherwise, if you’re just planning to visit the falls and head home, you’ll spend more time driving than you will on the trail, so you have to weigh the pros and cons.
Other Considerations About Helton Creek Falls
Although the trail is really short, it does have some significant elevation changes along the way. There are two waterfalls along the way, and you’ll see both the bottom and top of the first fall and just the bottom of the second. The incline is not so steep that you have to be in excellent shape to make it to the top, but it’s a bit higher than you might expect.
Realistically, if you’re traveling with small children or elderly relatives in a wheelchair, you may need to leave them at the base of the first waterfall, but it depends on your situation.
Another point to consider is how long it takes to reach these falls. Since they’re so far away from civilization, the closest city you may want to stay in (if you’re not camping) is either Helen or Blairsville. For example, Helen is about 40 minutes east to give you some perspective.
Even if you’re planning to camp nearby, there are no official campgrounds next to Helton Creek Falls. So, no matter where you’re staying the night, you’ll have to drive to the trailhead to reach this natural wonder. For that reason, you should plan to bring food or something to do so you can hang out and feel like you’ve really experienced the falls rather than just “passed through.”
There is an observation deck for one of the falls, so it’s easy to spend time relaxing next to the water. Because of the steep grades, hikers and park rangers strongly recommend staying on the trail and avoiding the water altogether. The rocks can get pretty slippery, and the park is not responsible for any injuries.
Find Helton Creek Falls on Google Maps
Explore Other Waterfalls in Northern Georgia
While Helton Creek Falls is certainly a highlight in the area, Northern Georgia is home to many other breathtaking waterfalls worth exploring like DeSoto Falls and Anny Ruby Falls. Read our guide to the best waterfalls in Georgia for more waterfalls you can add to your itinerary if you’re visiting the Peach State or just a local looking for a day trip.