Hike to Two Waterfalls: Raven Cliff and Dukes Creek Falls

The carpool will leave promptly at 8:00 am and the hike at Raven Cliff Falls Trailhead will begin at 9:45 am. We should be back at the Mansell Park n Ride around 3:30pm.

The Raven Cliff Trail is 3.3 miles and follows a beautiful, rushing trout stream in a shady, moss-filled forest which ends at Raven Cliff Falls. There are many 'small falls’ along the trail and we will stop periodically to enjoy them.

The Raven Cliff Falls are an unusual cascade of water flowing down through a fissure in a massive granite outcrop: it consists of three drops, a 60-foot drop, a 20-foot drop into a deep pool and then a cascade of 20 feet into Dodd Creek. We will stop at the base of the falls to have and early lunch while listening to the meditative sounds of the cascading water.

For those that want an additional adventure: you can climb up Raven Cliff, which is a rather steep ascent (60 feet) adjacent to the falls overlooking the area. The climb up Raven Cliff is Optional.

After lunch we’ll hike back along the stream to the cars and drive to the Dukes Creek Falls parking lot. (5 minute car ride away)

The hike to Duke Creek Falls is 1.1 mile with a 400 foot decent before we get to the base of the falls overlook. The view of this 150 foot waterfall is breathtaking. We’ll stay here for about 15 minutes before departing back up the trail to the cars.

Elevation between the two trails will be about 1000 feet with a distance of 8-9 miles.

There are vault toilets at both locations, but no fresh water. Since it’s that time of year again:not enough liquids, no hike.

2 dogs will be permitted. Please sign up your dog when you RSVP. As always, you must abide by the leash laws.

There is no parking fee at Raven, but there is a $4 fee at Dukes.

Please join me in welcoming Diana D as our co-lead. This will be her first co-lead in anticipation of becoming an AOC Trip Leader. Diana has over 85 hikes with the AOC and is very excited about becoming at TL. Her pace might be slower than mine but not by much. 

From the Mansell Park and Ride to Raven Cliff Falls parking lot:  Take GA 400 North.  To GA 115, toward Cleveland.  Left on Tesnatee Gap Valley Road. Left on GA 129 North. Right on GA 75 Alt. Left on GA 348 which is Richard Russell Hwy. Go about 3 miles to the Raven Cliff Parking lot.