Helton Creek Falls in the Chattahoochee National Forest near Blairsville offers one of the most rewarding short "hikes" in North Georgia. With two beautiful waterfalls—a 30-foot lower falls and a 60-foot upper falls—this easy 0.3-mile trail is perfect for families and anyone looking to cool off in natural swimming holes.
What you need to know
The road leading to the parking lot is very narrow and not well maintained, so make sure you're in a high-clearance vehicle (I was in a Honda Odyssey and managed just fine—just take it slow). Depending on the day, the lot can get crowded, especially on weekend afternoons.
When you're ready to leave, continue driving past the parking area; the road crosses a very shallow river, which you'll need to drive through.
The trailhead is well-marked and starts to the right (west) of the parking lot. It's an easy 200-yard walk to a fork in the path, where you can choose to visit either the lower or upper waterfalls.
Just a heads-up: when we went, the water was freezing!
Lower Falls: Take the left split and descend about 25 steps to reach the 30-foot waterfall that tumbles into a shallow swimming hole perfect for children. The flat rock areas around the pool make it ideal for picnicking or just relaxing by the water.
Upper Falls (this is the header image): Return to the main trail and continue upstream for about 75 steps to reach the impressive 60-foot upper falls and a much larger swimming hole. An observation deck with benches provides the perfect vantage point to admire this tall, powerful waterfall.
Tips for Visitors
- Best Time to Visit: Summer, as this is a really well-known swimming hole
- Parking: It is very limited and often chaos.
- Safety: Trail can be muddy and rocks near the water are slippery when wet
- Pets: You can bring them!
- Facilities: There are no restrooms or a visitor center
Nearby Attractions
Helton Creek Falls is perfectly positioned near other North Georgia attractions. It's just 1.1 miles from Vogel State Park, making it an ideal addition to a day of exploring the area. Blood Mountain, Georgia's highest peak on the Appalachian Trail, is also nearby for those looking for a more challenging hike.
The Cherokee called this region "the land of a thousand waterfalls," and Helton Creek Falls perfectly represents why this area earned that beautiful name.