Helton Creek Falls Georgia
Discover Helton Creek Falls, a breathtaking two-tiered waterfall in Georgia's Chattahoochee National Forest, perfect for a short hike and a refreshing...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the weekend crowds
Helton Creek Falls Georgia
Best Time
Beat the weekend crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Helton Creek Falls, a breathtaking two-tiered waterfall in Georgia's Chattahoochee National Forest, perfect for a short hike and a refreshing swim.
"This was one of the nicest, cleanest waterfalls I have been to here in my home state."
🚗 Drive with Caution
The gravel road is narrow; drive slow, use low gears, and be ready to pull over. :car:
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Rocks around the falls can be slippery, especially when wet. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Two-Tiered Cascades
Main viewing area
Experience the beauty of two distinct waterfalls, with the upper falls offering a more dramatic plunge and a natural 'massage' pool.
+1
Refreshing Swimming Holes
Lower falls pool
Cool off in the shallow, clear waters at the lower falls, perfect for kids and a relaxing dip on a warm day.
Easy Forest Trail
Trailhead to falls
A short, well-maintained 0.3-0.4 mile round trip hike through the woods leads you to the stunning falls.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Gravel Road
Best Time for Fewer Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive with Caution
The gravel road is narrow; drive slow, use low gears, and be ready to pull over. :car:
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Rocks around the falls can be slippery, especially when wet. :athletic_shoe:
🏊♀️ Bring a Towel & Swimsuit
The water is inviting for a refreshing swim, especially at the lower falls. :swimmer:
🚫 No Facilities Here
There are no restrooms, so plan accordingly before you arrive. :noentrysign:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive with Caution
The gravel road is narrow; drive slow, use low gears, and be ready to pull over. :car:
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Rocks around the falls can be slippery, especially when wet. :athletic_shoe:
🏊♀️ Bring a Towel & Swimsuit
The water is inviting for a refreshing swim, especially at the lower falls. :swimmer:
🚫 No Facilities Here
There are no restrooms, so plan accordingly before you arrive. :noentrysign:
🤫 Respect Residents
The falls are near residential areas; be mindful of noise and parking. :speakerwiththreesoundwaves:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Helton Creek Falls for its stunning beauty and accessibility, calling it a 'hidden gem.' The short, easy hike and the refreshing swimming opportunities are major draws. However, the narrow, winding gravel road leading to the falls is a point of caution for many drivers.
"This was one of the nicest, cleanest waterfalls I have been to here in my home state. It is a super short walk that takes 3 minutes to walk to the lower fall and an extra 2 minutes to walk to the upper fall. I call this one a hidden gem because nobody was there. It is located on a narrow road for one car. It is also located in a residential area so I advise being respectful to the residents. This beauty is breathtaking and worth the drive especially the upper falls…"
Tonya Garrette
"Helton Creek Falls in Blairsville, Ga, is stunning. It’s a super easy .2 mile hike to get there, with a two tier waterfall and viewing decks. The trail to the falls is to the right of the parking spaces, although not marked with a huge sign. You can stand in the (cold) water and even swim in certain areas, with everything rather shallow while we visited in late September. Naturally, the rocks are slippery. Now the road driving there? Whoa momma!!! It’s paved, but drive slow and expect to pull over for passing cars. 5 stars for the falls- 2 stars for the drive."
Amanda Major
"Nice waterfalls and tons of wonderful old veteran, trail, crooked trees, shrubs and rhododendrons lead up to the observation deck. Worth a look-see if you’re in the area. Located about (3) miles from Vogel State Park, Union County!
There are no signs that identify the Falls.
Just a two mile stretch of winding gravel road and a parking lot that appears to be a place to park. About .03 mile hike 🥾to the falls.
#HappyTrails"
DebbieLou
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Helton Creek Falls is located in Blairsville, GA, approximately a 2-hour drive north of Atlanta. The final stretch involves a narrow, winding gravel road that requires cautious driving.
While some reviews mention a paved road, others describe it as a gravel road. Regardless, it's narrow and winding, so slow and careful driving is essential.
Most standard cars can navigate the road if driven slowly and carefully. Some TikTok videos show off-road vehicles, but it's generally accessible for most vehicles.
Yes, there is a free parking lot at the trailhead for Helton Creek Falls.
Helton Creek Falls is located about 3 miles from Vogel State Park in Union County, making it a convenient stop if you're visiting the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Helton Creek Falls is completely free to visit! There are no admission fees or parking charges.
The falls are open from dawn to dusk, offering ample time to enjoy the natural beauty.
No, tickets are not required as Helton Creek Falls is a free public access area. You can visit anytime during daylight hours.
While generally accessible, winter conditions could make the gravel road challenging. Spring, summer, and fall are ideal for visiting.
Some visitors note a lack of prominent signage, with the parking lot appearing as just a place to park. Be on the lookout for the trailhead.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is very short, typically around 0.3 to 0.4 miles round trip, making it accessible for most visitors.
Yes, swimming is popular at Helton Creek Falls, especially in the shallow pool at the lower falls. The water can be cold, but it's refreshing.
The rocks around the waterfalls are naturally slippery, especially when wet. It's advised to wear appropriate footwear and exercise caution.
Absolutely! The short, easy trail and shallow swimming areas at the lower falls make it very family-friendly.
Expect beautiful, multi-level waterfalls surrounded by lush forest, with old trees and shrubs creating a serene natural environment.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no food facilities or restaurants directly at Helton Creek Falls. It's recommended to bring your own snacks or plan to eat in nearby Blairsville or Helen, GA.
The nearby town of Helen, GA, offers various dining options, from casual eateries to more established restaurants. Blairsville also has local spots.
While there are no designated picnic areas, visitors often bring their own food and enjoy a picnic in the natural surroundings. Remember to pack out all trash.
📸 📸 Photography
The viewing platforms offer great perspectives of both the upper and lower falls. The surrounding forest also provides beautiful natural backdrops. +1
Yes, the cascading water, lush greenery, and forest setting make it an excellent location for landscape photography. +1
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing photographic opportunities.
Drone usage regulations can vary in national forests. It's best to check current rules with the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest before flying.
The well-maintained platforms provide excellent vantage points for capturing the falls. Experiment with different angles to get unique shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The lower falls feature a shallow pool that's perfect for kids to splash and play in safely. +1 The natural beauty and the opportunity to get close to the water provide a fun and engaging experience for children. Remember to bring towels and swimsuits for everyone to enjoy the refreshing water! 🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
+1📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Drive to Helton Creek Falls
This unique approach adds to the 'hidden gem' feel of the location, but requires extra attention from drivers. Despite the challenging road, the destination is well worth the effort. The parking lot is free and located at the trailhead, making access to the falls relatively straightforward once you arrive. Visitors often describe the drive as a significant part of the experience, with some giving the road a lower rating than the falls themselves.
Experiencing the Falls and Swimming
+1 Many visitors enjoy swimming here, with the water being clear and refreshing, though it can be quite cold. +1The area around the falls is characterized by lush forest, old trees, and vibrant shrubs, creating a serene atmosphere.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit