Helton Creek Falls in beautiful North Georgia is the perfect family-friendly waterfall to visit. Located near Vogel State Park in Blairsville, GA, a visit here is a must when you’re in the area.
Although there are a lot of fun waterfalls to visit in Georgia, Helton Creek Falls is special due to its two cascading falls and it’s easy “hike.” The hike is so short, that it’s really more like a walk in the woods. We had a blast during our visit!
Ready to get started? Here’s everything you need to know about Helton Creek Falls.
HELTON CREEK FALLS
Helton Creek Falls is comprised of an upper and a lower section. When we visited, we walked to the lower section, where the boys spent over an hour playing and splashing around in the water. The rocks are a little slippery, so bring appropriate shoes.
Since my boys were younger when we went, I encouraged them to play away from the base of the falls, out in the shallow pools that formed from the spillage. They dug in the sand, skipped rocks on the water, and splashed about to their heart’s content!
After playing at the base of the falls, we decided to head up the trail about 100 yards to the upper falls. The upper falls are not as wide, but still amazingly beautiful. Although you can’t really play in this area, it’s worth the trip to see the majestic falls.
HIKING HELTON CREEK FALLS TRAIL
The Helton Creek Falls Trail is an easy 0.2 mile hike. We think it’s one of the best kid-friendly trails in Blairsville. You will want to note that there are many abrupt changes in grade along this short walk. Please stay on the trail and on the viewing platform. There are some side trails, but stay on the main trail for safety.
As the trail descends into the valley, the hike catches through-the-trees views of the upper and lower falls on the tumbling creek. Several side creeks cross under the trail, trickling down into the mossy, rocky valley below.
As you begin on the Helton Creek Trail, you can hear the sounds of the lower falls. The lower falls are about 40 feet long, and the water flows over a rock outcrop. Keep traveling down the trail and shortly, you will come to the observation deck and the upper falls. These falls cascade about 50 feet into the pool below.
Make sure that you stay on the trail to protect the surrounding plant life and the soil. Never attempt to climb on rocks around these waterfalls. They are often slippery.
Read More: 125+ Best Places for Hiking in Georgia (Kids & Beginners)
MORE FUN NEARBY
Looking for more to do in the area? We’ve got some great ideas!
- Nearby Vogel State Park is a must-visit. In the summer, you’ll find a fun swimming beach here, and year-round, kids will love the easy lake loop that leads to Trahlyta Falls. Read More: 15 Reasons You Will Fall in Love With Vogel State Park
- If you’re looking for even more kid-friendly waterfall hikes, try the DeSoto Falls Trail in nearby Helen, GA. You’ll see two waterfalls on this 2-mile round-trip hike.
- Anna Ruby Falls is a must-visit for us anytime we’re in the area. The scenic paved trail makes it a great choice for strollers, and the picnic area here can’t be beat. Read More: A First Timer’s Guide to Hiking Beautiful Anna Ruby Falls
- Brasstown Bald is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for spectacular mountain views. My kids love the scavenger hunt in the visitor center at the top. Best part? It has never gotten warmer than 84 degrees here! Read More: What To Expect on Your Epic Fall Summit Hike to Brasstown Bald
DIRECTIONS TO HELTON CREEK FALLS
How do you get to Helton Creek Falls? Go south on U.S. Highway 129 from Blairsville, GA for 11 miles. Turn left on the first gravel road past Vogel State Park, Helton Creek Road. Go 2.2 miles. The trailhead can be found on the right, as well as a parking area.
MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR NORTH GEORGIA ADVENTURE:
- YOUR GEORGIA VACATION
- WATERFALLS: 33+ Best Waterfalls in Georgia You’ve Just Got To See
- SWIMMING HOLES: 17+ Amazingly Dreamy Swimming Holes in North Georgia (Waterfalls, Too!)
- BLAIRSVILLE: Blairsville Ga: A Stunning Mountain Town Filled With Family Adventure
- RESTAURANTS: 13+ Amazing Restaurants in Blairsville Ga for Every Type of Foodie
WHERE TO STAY NEAR BLAIRSVILLE
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