Dukes Creek Falls Dukes Creek Falls Recreation Area, GA
miles
LENGTH 2.5 MILES
DIFFICULTY 2.6 Easy
DURATION 1-2 hours
ELEVATION GAIN
310
feet
TRAIL TYPE
There And
Back Again
Dukes Creek Falls

Start with a view and end with a series of waterfalls and cascades on the Dukes Creek Falls Trail near Helen, Georgia. This easy 2.5-mile hike is a great option for the whole family and the dog. If you're looking for solitude, however, skip this one as it's one of the more popular hikes in the area. And be sure to also check out Raven Cliff Falls, another popular hiking destination just a mile up the highway.

As a popular hike, the parking lot can fill up fast on nice weekends, so plan on getting to this one early. Before you hit the trail, check out the view of Yonah Mountain behind the restrooms. The trail begins to the right of the restrooms or at the parking on the right of the entrance at the group of picnic tables.

The first short section of trail is paved, leading to a boardwalk with an observation platform for Dukes Creek Falls. Although you can see the falls from here, it's a ways off and the surrounding trees make it a very limited view. Continuing past here, the trail turns to a more traditional dirt path.

At at third of a mile you'll come to Dukes Creek and turn left, following the sign. To the right, the trail heads closer to the creek if you want to do some exploring. Following the trail, the creek slowly drops down below. There are a few views through the trees along this section of more waterfalls along the creek. At .9 miles the trail switchbacks again, following the sign to the right. The trail gets steeper now as it heads down to the falls.

The trail ends at a long boardwalk that leads to two observation decks. From these you'll be able to enjoy views of the many falls and cascades at the joining of Dukes and Davis creeks. Even at 150 feet, Dukes Creek Falls loses most of its volume and power as it cascades down the steep rocky hillside. With the more powerful smaller waterfalls, cascades, and rapids along the observation deck, the named falls gets lost in the hubbub of activity along the creek.

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Elevation Map Length (miles) by Elevation (feet)
Slope Breakdown
Elevation Gain
Elevation Range
Grade Range
Length
Elevation Gain
0 - 250 ft/mi
~ 0 - 5 %
0.9 mi
89 ft
250 - 500 ft/mi
~ 5 - 10 %
0.3 mi
126 ft
500 - 750 ft/mi
~ 10 - 15 %
0.1 mi
80 ft
750 - 1000 ft/mi
~ 15 - 20 %
0 ft
0 ft
1000+ ft/mi
~ 20+ %
180 ft
59 ft
For out-and-back hikes, elevation loss is the same as the gain.
Terrain Map Click to control map
Details
length2.5 miles
difficulty2.6 Easy
duration1 - 2 hours
trail typeThere And Back Again
blazeGreen
elevation gain310 ft.
state Georgia 
park/forestDukes Creek Falls Recreation Area
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
ranger districtChattooga River District
9975 Highway 441 S
Lakemont, GA 30552
706-754-6221
parking fee$4/Day
trailhead coordinates 34.701641, -83.789157 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 34°42.1, W 83°47.35 (Degree Minutes, MinDec)
N 34°42'06'', N 34°42'06'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)
Trailhead Directions
34.701641, -83.789157 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 34°42.1, W 83°47.35 most GPS units use this one
N 34°42'06'', N 34°42'06'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)
Google Map It
The trail begins to the right of the restrooms or from the parking on the right of the entrance road.
Parking Capacity
30 vehicles around the parking loop + 15-20 down the entrance road and along the highway.
Nearby Hikes
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Reviews / Comments
Average Review Rating
4.7 (3)
hikethesouth-3 years ago
Great Short Hike
This was an easy, well-maintained trail with several waterfalls, cascades, and rapids at the end. Not too long and shaded the whole way. There are a couple slightly steep sections, but nothing very tough. You can see even more waterfalls through the tress as you pass above the creek on your way down. It's a popular hike so expect other people on weekends.
Easy | Hiked Summer 2020
Smokey12-3 years ago
Start with a view, end with a waterfall!
Gotta give this hike a 5 because it's so beautiful! Won't stretch the serious or even occasional hiker but it's a great walk and a great way to spend an afternoon!
Easy | Hiked Summer 2020
hikethesouth-6 years ago
Multiple Impressive Falls
For the short hike, this is an impressive series of waterfalls. All are easily viewed from the boardwalk.
Easy | Hiked Winter 2013
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