Helton Creek Falls cascades in a set of two waterfalls, sliding down in tendrils through a beautiful, hemlock-filled creek valley. We’re featuring this double waterfall not for the hike itself – in fact, the difficulty and extremely short distance qualify this trail as more of a short walk in the woods. But this waterfall’s beauty makes it a great destination for visitors to Helen or nearby Vogel State Park – and a hike especially suited for families with kids.
From the small parking lot on Helton Creek Road head to the right to find the trailhead, marked by a simple sign and arrow. This trail descends quickly to a mountain cove fed by Helton Creek rich with moisture-loving plant life. Many of the improvements in this area date back to the work done by the Civilian Conservation Corps. As the treadway climbs the improvements are more modern, a boardwalk carrying hikers over fragile riverine zones. Stairs on the left descend to the bottom of the falls, where a viewing deck offers an excellent place to watch the first falls, commonly known as Lower Helton Creek Falls. These wide falls wash over a ledge before cascading down an easy slope about 30 feet into a small pool below the falls with a roar that can be heard almost to the road.
Returning from the viewing platform, climb the stairs and follow the trail around the left, up a embankment to an viewing area at the top of the Lower Falls. The trail continues to Upper Helton Creek Falls, a taller but not quite as wide version of the Lower Fall. These falls are a more vertical fifty foot drop. For ardent hikers, plan on combining the walk with at another hike, as this is a short, easy walk.
