7/1/2011 - took half a day off today, and went up to Helton Creek Falls again. There's been a LOT of storm damage up there, many big trees came down - maybe 5 or 6, or more. They've all been cut up and moved aside, so the trail is clear - but you can't get onto the deck for the upper falls. It was badly damaged by a falling tree and is currently closed. Note: the deck has been repaired and is now open
I then drove the rest of the way down the Forest Service road and found there is a small waterfall at the ford across Helton Creek, not too far from Helton Creek Falls. Didn't see any other falls after that.
8/8/2010 This is a double falls and is very near, and mostly visible from, the road. It's down what looks like a private community drive - but the road turns to gravel and is a Forest Service Road. There's a nice sized parking area. This is a popular falls and has a short trail to the base of the lower falls where you can get right in the water. The trail then continues up to a viewing platform for the upper falls
GPS: 34°45'11"N 83°53'41"W
GPS: 34°45'10"N 83°53'43"W
GPS: 34°45'10"N 83°53'15"W
These pictures show some of the damage done at Helton Creek Falls in the tornadoes of 2011
Directions and Information: from Cleveland, GA
- north on US 129, past junction with US19
- continue past Neel's Gap
- right on Helton Creek Rd
- continue through residential area, road will become gravel
- parking area is on the right
Note: the road through the residential area is narrow, so be wary. The drive will seem longer than it is, but the parking area is very obvious. If you come to a "wet foot" creek crossing, you've gone too far! Falls can be seen from the road, but there is a short trail downhill, across a small branch, and then uphill to the upper falls.
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