Union County Georgia Waterfalls

 

Helton Creek Falls and Trail

Helton Creek Falls is one of the most spectacular double length waterfalls in the North Georgia Mountains. Access to the falls lies about a mile south of Vogel State Park on Helton Creek Road. The 2.1-mile drive to the falls is paved for the first mile, then an unpaved forestry road for the next 1.1-miles to the Wolf Creek Falls Trailparking area. The unpaved roadway is suitable for an average car. Normally the falls can be seen and heard from the roadway.

The trailhead to the falls is just to the right of the parking area. The short Helton Creek Falls Trail first leads to the 30-foot tall Lower Helton Creek Falls, which can be seen and is accessible from the main trail. Visitors can walk up to the very edge of the lower falls yet caution is required due to the slippery rock surface. Even experienced hikers and photojournalists like myself (the Highlander), have had mishaps around the wet slippery edges of waterfalls and it should be avoided at all cost.

Helton Creek FallsAlong the trail about 150-feet upstream is the impressive Upper Helton Creek Falls, towering at over 60-feet high and having a wide girth, it is awe-inspiring to behold. Below the falls is a large gathering pool that narrows into the rushing Helton Creek as it makes its way to and over the lower falls. The trail is considered to be easy to moderate in difficulty

As a courtesy always pack out what you bring in and leave the least amount of footprint (human impression) as possible behind, allowing others to enjoy the same unique pristine experience.

Helton Creek Road continues on past the falls parking area and would require a four-wheel vehicle due to potholes, low protruding rocks sticking out of the roadway, and unbridged creeks that would need to be crossed. Before making any journey along Forest Service roadways, always check the weather. Unbridged creeks can be dangerous to cross due to flash floods.

Trail Rating: easy to moderate in difficulty

 

Wolf Creek Falls at Vogel State Park

Wolf Creek FallsThis is a beautiful and one of the most easily accessible waterfalls for viewing and photographing in all of Union County. The waterfall is located along the west side of highway US 19/129, just north of the entrance to Vogel State Park. Wolf Creek Falls are part of Vogel State Park's many wonders and recreational opportunities.

The upper portion of Wolf Creek Falls is fed by Lake Trahlyta. The lake is contained by a small dam with a stone water-race runoff. The pristine waters of Lake Trahlyta are fed by upper Wolf Creek located at the south end of the lake.

The roadside overlook lies above and along the opposite side of Wolf Creek Falls. From this vantage point, viewers will notice a wooden observation deck at the bottom of the cascading waterfall along the opposite bank of Wolf Creek.

Lower Wolf Creek FallsTo access the lower falls deck, visitors will need to enter Vogel State Park entrance along US 19/129, located only a few hundred yards south of the falls' roadside overlook. Once in the State Park, visitors can park and take the easy to hike Trahlyta Lake Trail to the opposite end of the lake. Then access the Wolf Creek Falls Trail, following a short declining trail, to the waterfalls observation deck at the bottom of the falls.

Once inside Vogel State Park visitors will be inspired to enjoy as much time as they can in this beautiful parklands. Admission Fee Required.

Trail Rating: easy in difficulty