Dukes Creek Falls Trail - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Raven Cliffs Trailhead is an outdoor adventurer's paradise. Located within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, it is the perfect spot for hiking and exploring. With a steady elevation gain of about 2,450 feet over 3.7 miles, hikers can expect incredible mountain views along this loop trail. The trail also passes several waterfalls – some cascading as high as 20 feet - and leads into a small clearing surrounded by massive cliffs and filled with stunning wildflowers in late spring.

The Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway offers the largest amount of breathtaking views in Georgia. This byway stretches for a total of 50 miles and passes through substantial portions of the Chattahoochee National Forest, gaining over 3,000 feet in elevation as it climbs to Brasstown Bald Mountain. Along the route, there are many hidden gems just waiting to be discovered with some of the most amazing overlooks that will certainly take your breath away.

Smithgall Woods State Park is a truly special and inspiring place. It offers visitors plenty of outdoor activities. Visitors can go hiking on the various scenic trails and admire the picturesque scenery around them. The park also has two primitive backpacking sites for those looking for overnight trips; a crystal-clear lake for fishing; rafting and kayaking on the nearby Dukes Creek; mountain biking on its 15 miles of trails; swimming in seasonal beach areas; as well as camping.

Raven Cliffs Wilderness is a nature lover's paradise. It consists of 4,891 acres and has breathtaking waterfalls, miles of trails for both hiking and backpacking, and diverse wildlife. It has many elevated points with stunning views of this beautiful forest on the Appalachian Mountains. You can fish in the trout-stocked Dukes Creek or swim in its clear waters. Four-thousand acre Raven Cliffs Wilderness offers memories to be made while enjoying those perfect moments of connecting with nature.

The Richard B Russell Scenic Highway offers visitors breathtaking views of rolling blue mountains, lush valleys, and evergreen trees. Spanning 60 miles of mountainous terrain and winding roads bordered by the Chattahoochee National Forest, the highway passes through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Georgia. Along with scenery, travelers can also enjoy visiting historical sites such as Old Blairsville Homestead or scenic hiking trails or fishing spots.

Hogpen Gap, is an area of stunning natural beauty. Located at the base of the soaring Blue Ridge Mountains, its rolling hills and lush green valleys provide an awe-inspiring landscape. The area also includes two notable waterfalls: Dukes Creek Falls and Tray Mountain Falls. Both are great spots for hikers, photographers and adventure lovers to explore the outstanding scenery. It's also a popular destination for campers, swimmers and fishermen due to its easy access to Lake Hartwell.