Easy Hike to Swimming Hole: Helton Creek Falls

Summer in Georgia is the perfect time for waterfall hikes! With temps in the upper 90s, a dip in a waterfall in the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon. Helton Creek Falls is the perfect waterfall for this, with two falls on this trail, this hike won’t disappoint!

Getting to Helton Creek Falls

There are two ways to reach Helton Creek Falls:

1. Taking Gainesville Hwy then turning onto Helton Creek Rd, which will eventually turn into a dirt road.
2. Taking Russell Scenic Hwy, then onto Hatchet Creek Road, which turns into Helton Creek Rd (also a dirt road).

I have personally only ever taken the first option to the falls. I have read on AllTrails that the second option takes you through a few small creeks, so I try to avoid that route. If you drive a truck this shouldn’t be an issue. However if you’re in a small car like me, the first option will probably be best. 

The dirt road can be tight in spots so make sure you drive slowly and share the road when you meet cars. At the trailhead, there is only enough room for about 10 cars to park. If these are taken, you’ll have to parallel park along the side of the road. If this happens, be sure to pull off enough to allow other cars to pass, because it can get busy. When I arrived around 11:30am, I was able to secure a regular parking spot. However when I was leaving around 1:00pm, the area was getting pretty crowded. If possible, I recommend visiting early in the day to avoid this. 

Helton Creek Falls- The Trail

The hike to Helton Creek Falls is only 0.6 miles round-trip, with minimal elevation gain. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow. However it can be a little muddy in spots if it has rained recently. 

The first waterfall you’ll reach is the lower falls, which is a 40-foot cascade that flows over a rocky ledge. To reach the base of the falls, take the flight of stairs down. The water at the bottom is pretty shallow, making it the perfect place for young kids to swim.

If you continue on the trail, you’ll reach the upper falls, which is a 50-foot waterfall that plunges into a large pool. You can view the falls from the platform, or continue around the platform to get closer to the falls. If you do this, just be careful since you’ll be walking in the river and across rocks, which can be slippery. The base of this waterfall is a popular spot to swim in. The water is around waist deep, though a few parts did reach my chest (I am 5’9” for reference). The water at the base is a little chilly, but it’s super refreshing on a hot day!

I recommend packing some water shoes to protect your feet and keep you from slipping!

Other Trails in the Area

Since this trail isn’t a long one, feel free to checkout Vogel State Park, which is less than 15 minutes away. There’s a few hiking trails here, including a trail to another waterfall.

You could also checkout Desoto Falls, which takes you to 3 waterfalls on one trail.