Raven Cliff Falls Trail
A 5.8-mile hike through lush woods along a creek, featuring multiple cascades and impressive cliffs leading to Raven Cliff Falls.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Raven Cliff Falls Trail
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 5.8-mile hike through lush woods along a creek, featuring multiple cascades and impressive cliffs leading to Raven Cliff Falls.
"This is my absolute favorite waterfall in Georgia. So much wildlife and you feel so, so deep into the woods!"
🥾 Wear Hiking Boots
Essential for navigating roots, rocks, and inclines. Avoid sneakers or open-toed shoes.
💧 Check Water Levels
Water crossings can be difficult and slick if water levels are high.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Raven Cliff Falls
End of the trail
A stunning 40-foot waterfall cascading down impressive rock cliffs. A rewarding sight after a challenging climb.
Cascading Waterfalls & Creek
Along the trail
The trail follows a creek with numerous smaller cascades and water features, offering beautiful scenery throughout.
Tall Cliffs
Near the main falls
Imposing rock cliffs that impress visitors, even if the main waterfall is considered underwhelming by some.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Difficulty & Footwear
Timing & Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Hiking Boots
Essential for navigating roots, rocks, and inclines. Avoid sneakers or open-toed shoes.
💧 Check Water Levels
Water crossings can be difficult and slick if water levels are high.
⏰ Go Early or Mid-Week
Beat the crowds and enjoy a more serene experience.
🐾 Dog-Friendly (with caveats)
Dogs are allowed, but the trail's difficulty may be challenging for them.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Hiking Boots
Essential for navigating roots, rocks, and inclines. Avoid sneakers or open-toed shoes.
💧 Check Water Levels
Water crossings can be difficult and slick if water levels are high.
⏰ Go Early or Mid-Week
Beat the crowds and enjoy a more serene experience.
🐾 Dog-Friendly (with caveats)
Dogs are allowed, but the trail's difficulty may be challenging for them.
🧗♀️ Be Prepared for Scrambling
The final ascent to the falls and pools involves climbing over rocks. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Raven Cliff Falls Trail is a beautiful hike with stunning cascades and impressive cliffs, offering a true immersion in nature. While many enjoy the challenging terrain and rewarding views, some find it more difficult than expected, with slippery sections and steep climbs. The main waterfall is a highlight, though some visitors found it underwhelming compared to the overall trail experience.
"This is a beautiful and well worn trail totaling 5.8 miles. It was 3 miles out because we did every "climb down" and 2.8 miles back. Moderate difficulty was 800 feet of climbing. The entire walk is along the creek. An absolutely gorgeous place. At the end of trail where the falls are there is a pretty gnarly climb up but if you take your time its not too bad. This is a very rewarding hike while I found the waterfall itself underwhelming the rock cliffs were impressive."
Joshua Andrade
"Read great reviews before we went, but some may be deceiving. The bad- I'm not a beginner, my husband is used to walking and climbs dozens of floors a day, we also hike all over NC, GA & TN...this is not the easiest of hikes. I wouldn't take my small child or elderly family member or even my dog. A good majority of the hike is roots and inclines with narrow footpaths so it was difficult to take in a lot of the scenery when you have to constantly look down. Plenty of water to cross and if it is high, the rocks & log bridges you have to cross may be difficult and slick. If you have short legs, prepare to get intimately acquainted with some big logs that you'll have to get over. It is not 2.4 in and out, my husband and I both clocked it with GPS at a little over 3 miles in & 3 miles out. The smell of weed is prevalent on many parts of the trail due to campers. The final waterfall is a pretty steep ascent, so at points to the top you have to climb, to get to the pools you also have to climb over large slick boulders in and out. I would not recommend this for beginners, hiking boots or good shoes are absolutely needed. The good- it's beautiful when you get to the main fall, you can swim in the pools of the last two sections, if you go early or on a weekday, there is hardly any traffic. We probably wouldn't do it again as there are many more beautiful hikes in the GA, NC, TN mountains."
M. M.
"This is my absolute favorite waterfall in Georgia. So much wildlife and you feel so, so deep into the woods! There's water features all along the trail and plentiful opportunities for wildlife, mushroom and flower sightings. Trail itself is not too difficult, but the actual climb to the falls is a rock scramble."
Cal Ostertag
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Raven Cliff Falls Trail is located near Helen, Georgia. It's accessible via a 5.8-mile out-and-back trail, often considered moderately challenging.
The trail is generally well-marked, but it's always a good idea to have a map or GPS device. Some users have noted it's a popular spot, so look for trailhead parking.
Specific driving directions can vary, but the trailhead is typically accessed from the scenic areas around Helen, Georgia. It's recommended to use a GPS or mapping app for real-time navigation.
Yes, the trail is near Helen, Georgia, a Bavarian-themed village known for its Oktoberfest and charming shops.
Absolutely! It's a popular day hike, typically taking 2-4 hours to complete depending on your pace and how much time you spend at the falls.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there is no admission fee for Raven Cliff Falls Trail itself, as it's a natural trail. However, parking fees may apply at designated trailheads or nearby state parks.
As a natural trail, Raven Cliff Falls is typically accessible from dawn to dusk. It's advisable to check with local park authorities for any specific seasonal closures or restrictions.
Parking fees can vary. While the trail itself might be free, parking at trailheads or nearby state parks like Caesars Head State Park may incur a fee.
Guided tours are not commonly offered for this specific trail. It's more of a self-guided hiking experience.
Typically, no special permits are required for day hiking on Raven Cliff Falls Trail. However, if you plan to camp or engage in other activities, check local regulations.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The trail is approximately 5.8 miles out-and-back, with some GPS trackers showing it closer to 6 miles round trip. +1
It's generally considered moderately challenging due to steep sections, roots, and rocky terrain. Some sections require climbing. +2
Yes, you can swim in the pools at the base of the falls, but be cautious of slick rocks and water levels. +1
Yes, dogs are allowed on the trail, but they must be leashed. Consider the trail's difficulty for your pet.
Expect a wooded trail along a creek with multiple cascades, impressive rock cliffs, and lush greenery. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The main waterfall and the surrounding rock cliffs offer stunning photo opportunities. The smaller cascades along the creek also make for beautiful shots.
The trail's uneven terrain and need for focus can make photography challenging. Be mindful of your footing, especially near water.
Early morning light can be beautiful, but be aware of potential fog or mist. Midday can offer good light on the cliffs, but may be more crowded.
Drone usage is often restricted in state parks and natural areas. It's best to check with local authorities or park regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the falls and cliffs. A tripod can be useful for long exposures in lower light, but be prepared to carry it on the hike.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you do decide to tackle this trail with older, more experienced children, ensure they have sturdy hiking boots and are prepared for some rock scrambling. The beauty of the cascades and the main waterfall can be a great reward, but it requires a good level of fitness and caution.
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers
+1It's advisable for solo hikers to carry a reliable navigation tool (map or GPS) and inform someone of their hiking plans. While the trail is generally well-marked, being prepared for the terrain and potential water crossings is crucial. The opportunity to reach the top of the falls and enjoy the views can be a particularly satisfying solo achievement.
🏞️ Nature Enthusiasts & Photographers
Key photographic subjects include the numerous cascades, the impressive rock cliffs, and the main 40-foot waterfall. Early morning light can be ideal, though be mindful of potential mist. The challenging terrain means bringing extensive gear might be difficult, so a versatile wide-angle lens and a sturdy tripod (if manageable) are recommended.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trail: Difficulty and Terrain
The final approach to the main waterfall involves a rock scramble, and reaching the pools at the base requires climbing over large, slick boulders. This makes sturdy hiking boots or good trail shoes absolutely essential. It's not a trail recommended for beginners, small children, the elderly, or even casual walkers who aren't prepared for a more strenuous outing.
Despite the challenges, the trail offers a rewarding experience with its abundant water features and the impressive tall cliffs at the end. The journey itself, following the creek, is considered beautiful by many, with opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy the natural surroundings.
The Allure of Raven Cliff Falls: Beyond the Main Cascade
The rock cliffs surrounding the main waterfall are a significant draw, providing a dramatic backdrop and a sense of being deep within the wilderness. Even if the main waterfall itself doesn't meet everyone's expectations, the sheer scale and beauty of these geological formations are widely praised.
For those seeking a refreshing dip, the pools at the base of the falls are accessible and offer a chance to cool off, provided you are careful on the slick rocks. The overall experience is one of immersion in nature, with plentiful opportunities for wildlife sightings and enjoying the serene forest environment.
Community Insights: What Travelers Really Think
However, a recurring theme is the discrepancy between the 'moderate' rating and the actual difficulty. Several reviewers, experienced hikers included, found the trail more challenging than anticipated due to roots, inclines, and slick surfaces. The smell of marijuana from campers was also noted as a detractor by some.
Despite these points, the impressive cliffs and the rewarding climb to the falls are consistently mentioned as highlights. The ability to swim in the pools is also a popular feature. For those seeking a challenging yet beautiful hike with plenty of natural water elements, Raven Cliff Falls Trail remains a strong contender.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit