The Raven Cliff Falls Trail is a moderate, five mile hike near Helen, Georgia. It is perfect for a quiet, shaded, weekday walk through the woods.

Details:

• Name: Raven Cliff Falls Trail
• Specs: 4.9 miles; 623 ft. elevation gain. Moderate.
• Address: 3000 Richard Russell Scenic Hwy, Helen, GA
• Parking fees: $5 cash or check at trailhead or pay online before you leave. There is no cell service at the trailhead.
• Foot Traffic: Moderate on weekdays. I always see other hikers on this trail. Weekends can be quite crowded with day hikers as well as folks camping along the trail.
• Restrooms: Pit toilets at the trailhead. No running water.
• Cell Service: Spotty at best. None at the trailhead.
• Time Required to Complete: Approximately 2.5 hours hours depending on how much time you spend at the falls.

Trail Journal

After turning off the highway, we drive down a gravel road and over a bridge. The trailhead is on our right. The parking area is a little further down the road, on the left. We park, pay the land use fee, and use the pit toilets before setting out.

We start with an immediate ascent up a recently repaired set of stairs. Thank you, trail maintainers!

A large, inviting campsite runs along the banks of the stream to our right. Today it is empty. We hike parallel to the river for a short distance before encountering our first water crossing. The bridge that used to stand here was washed away in a storm a few years ago. With very little rain recently, we are able to walk across on rocks and logs without ever getting our feet wet.

The Ascent

The trail is wide and well-trodden. Roots and bare rocks provide a bit of a challenge. We gently ascend the mountain, following the stream the entire way. Periodically, we peek through the trees to see smaller waterfalls cascading over the rocks below. A few campsites also dot the path.

We encounter some mud and another stream crossing. Log footbridges carry us across springs and smaller side streams. One of these is in definite need of repair; the others are fairly sturdy.

As we approach the falls, there is a little jut of rock on the left with a picturesque view. From here we turn right and the climb becomes a little steeper, but not above moderate.

The Falls

At the falls, there are great boulders. One has been turned on end and stands upright. We are able to cross the water here. We sit on rocks and enjoy an early lunch.

After lunch, some of our group decide to scramble further up the trail. This last section is very steep, rocky, and technical. This is where one can see the water cascading through a crevice in the rocks. There is also an excellent view from the top for those adventurous enough to climb that last bit of trail.

On this day, I choose to remain at the mid-point of the falls. One of our moms discovers a lone jack-in-the-pulpit nestled near a tree. We search for more, but this is the only one we can find.

We also discover purple trillium blooming in this area. The gorgeous, deep red flowers are almost hidden beneath their canopy of leaves.

The Hike Back

As we retrace our steps toward the parking area, we encounter more hikers than we had on our way in. The trail is becoming busier now that it is midday. A few more cars pull into the lot as we exit the trail. This is a popular place.

We each head home thankful to have spent time in the woods with friends.

Where have you hiked lately? Please share in the comments.