Raven Cliff Falls Trail: Everything You Need to Know

Raven Cliff Falls in Georgia

Northern Georgia is full of wondrous scenery and gorgeous waterfalls that are tucked away. One of the most beautiful falls in the area is Raven Cliff Falls, and it’s a sight to behold no matter what time of year you plan to visit. 

For those who love a bit of a challenge and know how to dress for inclement weather, the Raven Cliff Falls Trail is something you should add to your hiking bucket list. Let’s break down what you can expect when visiting and how to get the most out of your hike.

The Basics

When’s the Best Time to Go? 

Raven Cliff Falls is located smack dab in the middle of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, meaning that it’s a popular site for campers, hikers, and nature lovers.

If you want to see the falls in an unspoiled setting (meaning no crowds), you should venture out early in the morning. We highly recommend camping overnight so you can get a decent head start as soon as the sun rises. 

Alternatively, you can visit the falls in the off-season, when campers are few and far between. However, you need to pack accordingly and bring excellent gear since the area around the falls can get slippery when it rains. Snow and ice are rare, but they can happen on occasion, so be sure to check the weather before visiting. 

One of the best things about the Raven Cliff Falls Trail is that the waterfall is semi-hidden. You’ll hear it as you’re hiking, and then it will just appear before you, as if out of a magic show. There isn’t a ton of room on either side to congregate, so we recommend visiting when crowds are light.

Other Considerations About Raven Cliff Falls

Raven Cliff Falls Trail spans 3.3 miles, and it’s an “out and back” trail, meaning you have to come back the way you came. The falls themselves are at about the halfway mark, so it’s up to you to continue to the end of the trail or head back as soon as you breathe in their majesty. 

As a moderate hiking trail, there is a bit of an incline for most of the trek. Note that you’ll be going downhill on the way back, which sounds easy, but if the trail is wet and muddy, you need to be extra careful so you don’t fall.

Raven Cliff Falls flowing over a crevice

Dogs are allowed on a leash, and there’s a strict “Leave No Trace” practice in the area.

If you’re going to make the trip to Raven Cliff Falls, you should camp overnight if possible. The campgrounds have basic amenities, but they can fill up fast during peak seasons (i.e., spring and summer). You should reserve your spot if you’re planning to visit during the warmer months. 

Finally, there is a small stream crossing the path toward the beginning of the trail. As of 2023, the bridge crossing is still out of service, so you either have to get wet or use a fallen tree to get over the water. If you’re hiking with kids or elderly travelers, you should have them wear rain boots. The water isn’t too deep, though, so it shouldn’t be too much of a problem. 

Find Raven Cliff Falls on Google Maps

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