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Plan a trip to Dukes Creek Falls near Helen, Georgia, and enjoy a beautiful waterfall and family-friendly trail. This popular trail gets very busy, but it’s suitable for kids and dog-friendly.
What to see and do
The main attraction here is (surprise!) a waterfall. However, it’s also a lovely place to spot woodland wildflowers in the spring or enjoy looking at the leaves when they change in autumn.
At the base of the falls, you’ll find two viewing platforms with benches. There’s no swimming at this waterfall, but it’s very scenic and a nice place to escape for a short walk in the woods.
This trail is five minutes from Smithgall Woods State Park and close to Helen, GA, so planning a fun day trip in the area is a snap!
Know before you go
Dukes Creek Falls is managed by the USDA Forestry Service. There’s a $4 parking fee, which you can pay either at the kiosk in the parking lot or by using the mobile app.
There are pit toilets at the parking lot, but no running water for hand washing. Bring your own toilet paper and plenty of hand sanitizer, just in case!
This is a very popular hike when the weather is nice. The trail gets crowded on pretty days, and the parking lot fills up early. Consider visiting early in the morning and on weekdays if crowds bother you.
Round trip, the hike is 2.5 miles.
What to take
Even though this is a short hike, it’s important to bring water and snacks. You’ll also want your phone and/or camera so you can grab some snapshots or short videos to commemorate your trip.
Accessibility at Dukes Creek Falls
There’s an observation deck after a short portion (1/10 mile) of paved trail. The view showcases the falls in the distance. It’s also a nice spot for wheelchair access or for someone who uses mobility aids. Past the observation deck, there are a few flights of stairs. The rest of the trail is gravel and/or dirt.
If you have an America the Beautiful Access pass, you won’t need to pay the parking fee. Just make sure your card is in your hangtag on your rear-view mirror so it is clearly visible to rangers.
Enjoy your hike at Dukes Creek Falls!
This is a child-friendly hike for older kids, and I’ve also shared carrying a friend’s toddler in a pack on this trail. The footing is forgiving and the switchbacks mean there are only a few places where the grade is somewhat steep.
The decks at the base of the falls were a perfect spot for the baby to play for a bit and have a snack before we headed back up. The hike down is easy; the harder part is definitely heading back up the trail while carrying the baby!
This is also a good short hike to do with dogs. None of the stairs use metal treads, so most dogs will be comfortable. Some of the stairs are tall so little dogs might need an assist.
Learn more
Here’s the official Dukes Creek Falls page at the US Forestry Service. Check here for updates, alerts, and closures before you go!
