Raven Cliff Falls

Mackenzie Anderson|March 2, 2023

Raven Cliff Falls is a popular 5-mile hike in the North Georgia Mountains near Helen. Early on in the hike, there is a stream crossing using fallen logs. The hike is about 2.5 miles to the base of a waterfall that cuts through a 40-foot cliff. Photo by Mackenzie Anderson.
Entrance to the trailhead parking lot. Photo by Mackenzie Anderson
First stream crossing. Many hikers walk across the log, but you can also wade across further down where the water is about calf high. Photo by Mackenzie Anderson.
This is the stream crossing early on in the trail. Photo by Mackenzie Anderson
Most of the trail is wide and well-kept, but there are a lot of roots and rocks which can be a fun challenge. Photo by Mackenzie Anderson.

 

The trail is full of downed logs covered with moss, which helps make the trail very vibrant and green. Photo by Mackenzie Anderson.

 

The trail has many stream crossings which are crossed by these wooden plank bridges. Photo by Mackenzie Anderson.
Campsites are located just off the path along the trail and are first come first camp. Camping also requires a $5 fee with a card that states how long the camper will be there. Photo by Mackenzie Anderson.

 

 

These are some of the smaller falls along the hike up. Photo by Mackenzie Anderson.
This is the view from one of the foot bridges that crosses the smaller streams. Photo by Mackenzie Anderson.
Another water fall along Dodson Creek. Photo by Mackenzie Anderson.

 

 

The trail is very green even in winter. There is a lot of moss, and Rhododendron bushes grow along the entire hike. Photo by Mackenzie Anderson.
Moss and vines by the base of a tree along the trail. Photo by Mackenzie Anderson.
Rhododendron bushes along the trail. Photo by Mackenzie Anderson.
Fern type plants growing along the trail near the entrance. Photo by Mackenzie Anderson.
The falls also has many rocks and boulders to climb on which, and hikers can cross the falls to see the other side too. Photo by Mackenzie Anderson.

 

This is the falls at the top of the hike. It runs down through the rock and joins Dodson Creek. Photo by Mackenzie Anderson.
The waterfall starts 40 feet up and cascades down through the boulders. Photo by Mackenzie Anderson.
It flows over at least three falls to reach the rest of the creek. Photo by Mackenzie Anderson.

 

Due to the numerous small stream crossings and generally wet trail, waterproof hiking boots are recommended. There is also no cell service on the trail so hikers are advised to let friends know when they will return before they start hiking. Photo by Mackenzie Anderson.
During colder months, there is a high chance of encountering icicles on many of the plants and rocks. Photo by Mackenzie Anderson.