Georgia Natural Wonder #27 - Richard Russell Hwy – Dukes Creek/Raven Cliff Falls. 581

[Top Row Dawg]

Georgia Natural Wonder #27 - Richard Russell Hwy – Dukes Creek Falls – Raven Cliff Falls

You have been working hard every day, seeing the same old high-rise buildings and familiar places you see everyday. But deep down you long for more out of life. You long for adventure and to see new places; like the mountains of North Georgia, where there is a treasure trove of fun-filled activities to create life-long memories. All you need to do is lock-up the office, load-up the car and head out for a beautiful getaway like the Bavarian town of Alpine Helen, GA where adventure awaits along the Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway which winds through the incredibly scenic Chattahoochee National Forest.


Daughters and X’s at the peak of 348. .

The Russell–Brasstown Scenic Byway is a National Scenic Byway in the U.S. state of Georgia that includes parts of Georgia State Route 17, SR 75, SR 180, and SR 75 Alternate, as well as the entire length of SR 348. Surrounded by the beauty of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, the byway winds through the valleys and mountain gaps of the southern Appalachian Mountains. From the vistas atop Brasstown Bald to the cooling mists of waterfalls, scenic wonders fill this region.



The byway forms a loop starting northwest of Helen, at the junction of SR 17/SR 75 take a left on SR 75 Alternate. From there, it follows SR 75 alternate north to a junction on the right with SR 348 in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. The byway turns west on SR 348 up over and beyond the Appalachian Trail. Take 180 east at the intersection where the first manned flight was (Not North Carolina). There is an optional detour to the Brasstown Bald Visitor Center on SR 180 Spur. Otherwise the byway follows SR 180 eastward and then southeast back to SR 17/SR 75. Back over the Appalachian Trail again at Unicoi Gap, then back winding twisting into Helen.



As stated above, the Russell–Brasstown Scenic Byway is composed of parts or entire lengths of numbered routes. The portion of SR 75 included in the byway was established between May and August 1932 along the same alignment as it travels today. By July 1939, this section of SR 75 was converted from "completed grading, not surfaced" to "completed semi-hard surface". By 1941, a short section northwest of the SR 75 Alternate was paved. By July of that year, the former southern segment of SR 66 was established from the current SR 17/SR 75/SR 180 intersection to the current SR 180/SR 180 Spur intersection. Also, SR 180 was established from the latter intersection westward to an intersection with US 19/US 129/SR 11 west of Choestoe. By the end of 1946, the above-mentioned segment of SR 75 was paved. Between 1950 and 1952, SR 17 was designated along SR 75. Between 1960 and 1963, SR 66 from SR 17/SR 75 to SR 180 was paved. By 1966, the byway's entire segment of SR 180 was paved. Also, SR 348 was established in two parts. The southern part began at an intersection with SR 356 (what is now SR 75 Alternate) to the White–Union county line. The northern part existed south and southeast of Choestoe, intersecting with SR 348 in Choestoe. Later that year, both parts of SR 348 were connected, and the entire byway was paved. By 1982, SR 356 was redesignated as SR 75 Alternate. Later that year, upon the decommissioning of SR 66, that segment of the bypass was redesignated as an eastward extension of SR 180.



The Russell–Brasstown Scenic Byway was designated as a National Forest Scenic Byway on June 5, 1989. It was later named a Georgia State Scenic Byway in 1992 and a National Scenic Byway on June 15, 2000. A lovely stretch of road connecting (roughly) Brasstown Bald with Helen, Georgia. Then U. S. Senator Russell, who would run for President in 1952, had a good deal of input into the course of the highway and visited the road and Duke's Creek itself during construction. The scenic highway is popular on the weekends, Saturday being the busier day.



Richard Brevard Russell Jr. (November 2, 1897 – January 21, 1971) was an American politician. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the 66th Governor of Georgia from 1931 to 1933 before serving in the United States Senate for almost 40 years, from 1933 to 1971. Russell was a founder and leader of the conservative coalition that dominated Congress from 1937 to 1963, and at his death was the most senior member of the Senate. He was for decades a leader of Southern opposition to the civil rights movement.



Born in Winder, Georgia, Russell established a legal practice in Winder after graduating from the University of Georgia School of Law. He served in the Georgia House of Representatives from 1921 to 1931 before becoming Governor of Georgia. Russell won a special election to succeed Senator William J. Harris and joined the Senate in 1933.



He supported the New Deal early in his Senate career but helped establish the conservative coalition of Republicans and Southern Democrats. He was the chief sponsor of the National School Lunch Act, which provided free or low-cost schools lunches to impoverished students.


Franklin D. Roosevelt, Governor R.B. Russell, and Senator Cohen in Atlanta, Georgia

During his long tenure in the Senate, Russell served as chairman of several committees, and was the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Armed Services for most of the period between 1951 and 1969.



He was a candidate for President of the United States at the 1948 Democratic National Convention and the 1952 Democratic National Convention. He was also a member of the Warren Commission.



Russell supported racial segregation and co-authored the Southern Manifesto with Strom Thurmond. Russell and 17 fellow Democratic and one Republican Senators blocked the passage of civil rights legislation via the filibuster.



After Russell's protege, President Lyndon B. Johnson, signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 into law, Russell led a Southern boycott of the 1964 Democratic National Convention.



Stayed Conservative til the end.



Russell served in the Senate until his death from emphysema in 1971.



Cool in the summer, mild in the winter, this Byway beckons you to lose yourself in its luscious timberland. Linger atop Brasstown Bald (Georgia's tallest mountain) GNW #20 to absorb all 360-degrees of rolling highlands. Escape the crowds and retire to the cooling mists of the Byway's numerous waterfalls. Got a hanker for a hike, but the Appalachian Trail isn't what you had in mind? Sparkling waterfalls and secluded valley views are just a short stroll from the main road. The average weekend hiker could spend years exploring these trails and never retrace a step. Share a meal at a cozy picnic site or break bread in a real Bavarian hamlet enveloped in the Georgian mountains. Whether you're looking to hike the hinterland or lounge in a lazy village, the Russell-Brasstown Byway is an ideal get-away. But the real reason I choose this Georgia Natural Wonder so high is these two spectacular waterfall hikes clearly marked and very popular / crowded.


For years I just walked to the handicap overlook to view Dukes Creek Falls from afar. Never really bothered to explore.

Dukes Creek rises right off of State Route 348 at the confluence of Bear Den Creek and Little Low Gap Branch, about 2 miles west of Helen, and flows into the Chattahoochee River just east of the intersection between State Route 17 and State Route 75 southeast of Helen. The creek receives inflow from Dodd Creek, Dover Creek, and Ash Creek on its way to the Chattahoochee River.


Turns out to be a very worthy Falls.

The 150 foot Dukes Creek Falls, which are actually located on Davis Creek at its confluence with Dukes Creek, are accessed by a hiking trail called the Dukes Creek Trail. There is an observation platform at the falls. Dukes Creek Falls Trail is a 1.9 mile round-trip hike in a series of three switchbacks that lead down to falls on Davis Creek at its confluence with Dukes Creek.



In 1996 the Forest Service constructed a trail to view the falls from the ridge. The end of this ADA trail now serves as the start of the switchbacks to the falls. Another person cheating and just taking a zoom shot of the falls from the ADA vantage point.



History is no stranger to Dukes Creek. Hernando DeSoto visited the area in 1540, and at least one of his men returned around 1560 to mine gold in the area. Spanish miners continued to visit the area until the 1730's when Georgia became a colony. There mines would be discovered during the Gold Rush. Although frequently credited to Lumpkin County resident Benjamin Parks, mostly because he made the claim to an Atlanta Constitution reporter visiting the area in the 1880's, gold was first found in Habersham County (now White County) in 1828 to the south of the falls on Duke's Creek by a slave owned by Frank Logan.


Benjamin Parks.

Today the path to the creek lies along the Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway. The hike departs the Dukes Creek trailhead (view driving directions and maps) after catching a stunning view of nearby Yonah Mountain from a clearing in the parking area. Yonah’s uniquely shaped summit and enormous exposed rock outcrops make the mountain an iconic, easy to recognize landmark near Helen. (It’s a fantastic hike, too – though challenging!)


Three falls at bottom.Now almost all the photo's starting at this point, were TRD images. Been to this Wonder multiple times. A real destination from Helen.

The ADA section of the Dukes Creek Falls trail is wheelchair accessible, leading to an observation deck less than 0.1 miles along a combined paved trail and boardwalk. From the observation deck the falls can be heard clearly, although recent tree growth limits the view of the falls. This portion of the trail is reminiscent of trails in Vermont or New Hampshire.


Misting Roaring filling your senses.

While the pathway is remarkably level, it descends more than 400 feet on the half-mile walk. The sound of the waterfall can only be heard at the middle of each switchback, fading as the next turn approaches. Where the footpath switches back the sounds of the forest are louder than the falls. A right turn at the 1st switchback hikes a short detour to Davis Creek, where cool, crystalline water flows over mossy boulders shaded by the high forest canopy above. (It’s a great detour for kids and dogs, especially on the mostly-uphill return hike from the base of Dukes Creek Falls.)



The main trail swings a hard left turn at the trail intersection, hiking southwest and continuing to descend into the lush, green creek valley. After the second switch the path now narrows considerably. The trail keeps offering glimpses and ever-growing sounds of the towering, tumbling waterfall. At the falls three more observation decks have been built into a boardwalk. Its' cool here, courtesy of God's air conditioning. The falls on Davis Creek are both spectacular and deafening, and the cascades of Dukes Creek add to the enjoyment.



The platforms provide excellent views of the waterfalls cascading from the towering cliff above. To the right, Davis Creek tumbles in small waterfalls and slides down the exposed rock face to the base of Dukes Creek Falls.



And far above, Dukes Creek plummets from a tall cliff, dropping 150 feet into the clear, rocky basins of water below.



The base of the falls is a great place to relax, soak up some natural beauty, and enjoy a quick snack before beginning the uphill climb back to the trailhead. Departing the waterfalls, the hike retraces its outbound journey back to the trailhead, completing the adventure at 2 miles.On the walk up, on the middle switchback, look at the trees on the right. Clinging tenaciously to the rock.



The Smithgall Woods – Dukes Creek Conservation Area also includes a portion of Dukes Creek.


Daughter snake handling at Smithgall.

In the area with daylight and energy to spare? Don’t miss the incredible waterfalls on the nearby Raven Cliff Falls Trail, a short drive north from the Dukes Creek trailhead. The five mile Raven Cliff Falls Trail hikes a beautiful, waterfall-filled valley to a massive waterfall that slices through a sheer, towering cliff at the trail’s end. While it’s more the double the distance of the Dukes Creek Falls Trail, it’s a moderate, gently-rolling hike – and the mile-after-mile of tumbling waterfalls make it well worth the while.


Even in rainy weather, these hikes are great.

With more than 9,600 acres within its boundaries, the Raven Cliffs Wilderness Area is only accessed by hiking trails because developed roads are not allowed in nationally designated wilderness areas. Because of the size of Ravens Cliffs and the lack of human interference, the area has abundant bird life including grosbeaks, vireos, wild turkeys besides the ravens that give the area its name. Designated a wilderness area by the Forest Service in 1986, Raven Cliffs contains Smithgall Woods Conservation Area, Dukes Creek Falls Trail, Logan Turnpike, a portion of the Appalachian Trail, and Raven Cliff Falls.



Raven Cliff Falls are located in White County, Georgia on a creek that joins Dodd Creek. The waterfall is an unusual double cascade flowing down through a fissure in a massive granite outcrop. There are also three other major waterfalls located on Dodd Creek, with the largest having a 70-foot drop.



This fall seems bigger as you hike past.



Raven Cliff Falls is formed by Dodd Creek, a modest size mountain stream. The waterfall and creek are within of the Raven Cliffs Wilderness of the Chattahoochee National Forest. The creek is known as one of the most beautiful in northern Georgia.



Raven Cliff Falls are reached by the Raven Cliffs Trail that follows Dodd Creek to the falls. The trail, which is about 2.5 miles in length, is relatively easy to hike until near the end. From 2,040 feet at the trailhead near Bear Den Creek the path slopes gently upward to 2,600 feet at the base of the falls. Blue blazes mark the trail, which is easy to follow.



Ravens Cliff Falls are a wonder to behold, and the hike in is almost equally as stunning. The trailhead lies just off the Richard Russell Scenic Highway. From the parking area the trail runs northwest into a scenic valley teeming with mountain laurel, rhododendron, mixed hardwoods and moss-covered seepages. The path begins as a wide road near the junction of Dodd and Bear Den Creek. Trout fishing abounds here, and it is unusual to see any of the available fishing areas along the creeks empty on a weekend even in the middle of winter. The first 100 yards of the path is essentially a service road for these spots. The trail closely follows Dodd Creek up to the falls.



Along the way the trail passes smaller waterfalls, clear pools and cascading whitewater. The waterfalls add to the pleasure of this trek.



After the first waterfall a change in the trees is obvious. The forest is dominated by hardwoods. Short cascades and riplets of whitewater produce a relaxing gurgle during a significant portion of the hike. This path can be slippery after a rain. Most of the steep parts are in short spurts and easily taken even for a novice hiker.



The path is rarely more than 50 feet from the creek, and this eastern facing cove has an abundance of wildlife. Listing all the plants would be time consuming, but more common are:ramp, Jack-in-the-pulpit, geraniums, trout lillies, astors, and abundant clumps of New York ferns.


Damn, this is just the hike up to the falls.

The approach to the Cliffs is the highlight of the trip. The sound of rushing water echoes through the valley as the hike approaches an enormous, towering, blocky cliff at two miles. The lower falls become suddenly visible as the trail climbs elevation, turning northwest to approach the massive cliff.



The base of the cliff reveals an enormous fracture through the towering granite slab, where the creek flows deep within the sharply-angled cliff walls. Raven Cliff Falls spills, tumbles and cascades through the cliff, feeding the cliff’s moss-lined walls and the overhanging lush, green vegetation.


Internet photo.


My photo.

The waterfall consists of three drops, a 60-foot drop, you climb to the top of the main rock face and look down in the grotto for the first big fall.



That is followed by a 20-foot drop into a deep pool, hard to photograph this one.



The third fall is a cascade of 20 feet to Dodd Creek.



The best one is where the water rushes through a split in the rocks and splashes down in cascades to the bottom.


Come back Johnny.

This climb to the top of the rock is tricky. Point where daughter bailed out.



Don’t come up here if you are afraid of heights.



The view across is spectacular.



This is the cliffs of Raven Cliffs Falls. Looking down the grotto side.



Or viewing out the front.

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Typical of high forest falls, water flow is heavy only in the spring, but somehow the way the cliff is shaped makes these falls seem strong most of the year. A short steep path (see above) leading to the top of the cliff offers wonderful views of the valley and the creek below.



While the trail is usually serene, it may be heavily visited during weekends. It is ideal for dayhikes and family outings. The area is also popular for primitive-style tent camping. Rappelling from the cliff face, once a popular activity, is no longer permitted.


They were climbing years ago when I first visited this spot.

Departing from the base of the towering waterfall, the hike retraces its outbound steps, following Dodd Creek downstream to return to the trailhead. The hike completes at just under 5 miles, reaching the trailhead and parking area and completing the adventure. Take your time, a cocktail awaits in Helen.



Our GNW gals today will probably end up saving your life if you stumble at this spot.



Close to the alpine village of Helen, which is now Georgia's third most popular tourist attraction, this Highway and both waterfall trails are heavily used. Now we head back to the coast as we travel from mountain to sea all week.

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