Raven Cliff Trail - Helen, GA - 2/19/11

Today was the first really nice day we have had in months so we, along with I think half the state of Georgia, decided to go for a hike. We had been on this hike before and knew it followed Dodd Creek. We thought with rain and snow we have had this winter the creek would be full and the falls pretty. We weren't disappointed.

The trail, which is about 2.5 miles (4.0 km) in length, is relatively easy to hike until near the end. From 2,040 feet at the trailhead near Bear Den Creek the path slopes gently upward to 2,600 feet at the base of the falls.

The trailhead lies just off the Richard Russell Scenic Highway. From the parking area the trail runs northwest into a scenic valley teeming with mountain laurel, rhododendron, mixed hardwoods and moss-covered seepages. Along the way the trail passes smaller waterfalls, clear pools and cascading whitewater. The trail ends at an impressive 80-foot cliff formation split down the middle with Raven Cliff Falls in between. A steep path leading to the top of the cliff offers wonderful views of the valley and the creek below.

Mike at the trailhead
Mike starting the hike
Bridge with a "rock person"
Mike crossing the bridge over Dodd Creek
Cascade on Dodd Creek
Dodd Creek
Cascade on Dodd Creek
Along the trail
Dodd Creek
Cascade on Dodd Creek
Dodd Creek
Cascade on Dodd Creek
Mike crossing logs
Dodd Creek
Mike on Dodd Creek
Susan on Dodd Creek
Mike waiting for me along this beautiful huge rock formation
When I got closer I could see he was sitting on a natural stone seat
Tree growing around a rock
Mike and Susan on bridge
Mike on trail along Dodd Creek
Fallen tree
Along the trail
This bridge has seen better days
The waterfall consists of three drops, a 60-foot drop, followed by a 20-foot drop into a deep pool, followed by a cascade of 20 feet to Dodd Creek. This is the final drop to Dodd Creek
The impressive 80-foot cliff formation that is split down the middle with Raven Cliff Falls in between. The waterfall consists of three drops, a 60-foot drop, followed by a 20-foot drop into a deep pool, followed by a cascade of 20 feet to Dodd Creek.
The impressive 80-foot cliff formation that is split down the middle with Raven Cliff Falls in between. The waterfall consists of three drops, a 60-foot drop, followed by a 20-foot drop into a deep pool, followed by a cascade of 20 feet to Dodd Creek.
The impressive 80-foot cliff formation that is split down the middle with Raven Cliff Falls in between. The waterfall consists of three drops, a 60-foot drop, followed by a 20-foot drop into a deep pool, followed by a cascade of 20 feet to Dodd Creek.
We hiked part way up the trail leading to the top of the cliff but decided not to go all the way
Wall of the cliffs
A man and his Great Dane enjoying the view from Raven Cliff Falls
Heading back. There had been some controlled burns in the area which gave this beautiful soft yellow lighting
A campsite along the trail. Someone had made this makeshift bench, including a back. What a great spot with Dodd Creek curving around it.
Along the trail
Dodd Creek
Dodd Creek
There had been some controlled burns in the area which gave this beautiful soft yellow reflections on Dodd Creek
Fallen tree
Cascade on Dodd Creek
A natural heart in this tree
The parking lot was absolutely full when we got back. This was the first nice day in months and I think people had cabin fever and just wanted to get out and enjoy the beautiful day.