Raven Cliff Falls - Yonah, Georgia
by Rebecca Hollman
updated October 3, 2019
Raven Cliff Falls - Yonah, Georgia
One of the more unique and beautiful trails in Georgia, Raven Cliff Falls trail is a popular and relatively easy trail for the family. Not only does it give you views of a pretty epic waterfall at the end, but also winds along a beautiful river for the whole trail, has plenty of free camping spots, and has plenty of points to jump in the water and swim. It’s closeness to Helen, Georgia makes it super accessible and a fun day hike if you’re spending time in the cute German town of Helen.
Table of Contents
About the Hike:
Raven Cliff Falls is one of the most unique waterfalls in Georgia, nestled between two massive boulder faces. It’s not your typical waterfall experience but the magnitude of the boulders makes this waterfall unique. For the full experience, wade into the small pool at the base of the waterfall and get up close and personal to the boulders to really experience the power of the waterfall. Besides the waterfall itself, the whole trail is beautiful, following a massive trout river, wildflowers, and beautiful forest views the whole way. This is one the prettiest (and most popular) day trails in North Georgia. If you want a little more besides this hike, visit the super close by 1 mile Duke Creek Falls. You can also camp along the trail at any spot. All the camping is free and first come first serve. Just bring a pack in and pick a spot for a quiet night of camping.
Trail Info:
This trail is a roughly 5 mile out and back to leads to the Raven Cliff upper and lower falls. The first 2 miles are relatively flat and follow along the edge of a river. At about 2 miles, you reach the small but powerful lower falls. There is a massive pool surrounding the lower falls so this is a great place for you (or for your dogs) to get in for a swim. Continue on another .5 miles from here and you will start ascending pretty quickly, climbing up and over rocks and a pretty awkward and not well maintained trail. Eventually you will reach the upper falls, which are snuggled into two massive boulders and hard to see until you’re right upon it. This waterfall is pretty big and unique, so don’t get confused and not make it all the way there on the trail. It should be 2.5 miles from the trailhead to the upper falls. Head back the same way you came in, another 2.5 miles.
Trail Map:
Getting to the Trail:
From Georgia 19 N, head towards Dahlonega. Before reaching Dahlonega, you will branch off to the right on Georgia 115 headed towards Cleveland. In Cleveland, you will get on 129 West and then 75A North to Smithgall Woods State Park. At Smithgall Woods State Park you will take 348 West winding up until you reach a turn out for Raven Cliff Falls marked Raven Cliff Falls Trailhead or Raven Cliff Falls FS 29 on Google Maps. There is a pretty large parking lot here and a clearly marked trail from the parking lot.
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