Helton Creek Falls is a 120-foot tiered waterfall on Helton Creek in Union County, Georgia, in the Chattahoochee National Forest south of Blairsville. A free trail of about a third of a mile near Vogel State Park leads past both falls, with two wooden observation decks along the way.
The falls
The falls comprise two tiers of horsetail drops. The upper fall drops about 75 feet into a pool, the creek runs briefly flat, and the lower fall slides about 35 feet down a graduated rock face. Earlier surveys noted the upper tier at 80 feet, while regional accounts describe the combined drop simply as over 100 feet.
Getting there
To reach the trailhead from Blairsville, drive south on US 129 for 11 miles, take the first road on the left past Vogel State Park, and continue 2.2 miles to the trailhead on the right. The final stretch is unpaved gravel, and there is no fee.
The trail spans 0.3 mile with only 19 feet of elevation gain, rated easy despite abrupt changes in grade where wooden stairs lead down to the lower falls. The path reaches the lower falls at several points and ends at the base of the upper falls. Admission is free year-round. The site is managed by the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest (706-745-6928).
When to go
The falls are open all year. The lot and trail can fill quickly during peak season, making arrival before 10 AM advisable.
On site
Two wooden observation decks overlook the falls. Trail signs urge visitors to stay on the trail and decks, as wet rocks around the falls are slippery. The lower fall slides into a pool used as a swimming hole. The trail is open to leashed dogs and is suitable for all ages.
History and name
The Forest Service bought the land around the falls in 1911 as part of a 31,000-acre purchase.
Nearby
Nottely Falls is about 1.5 miles away, Wolf Creek Falls about 2.2 miles and DeSoto Falls about 2.8 miles. Vogel State Park is just off US 129 on the drive in.
Distances are straight-line.