| Today’s hike was on two trails off of the Richard Russell Scenic Highway above Helen, GA. First we hiked the Raven Cliffs Falls Trail followed by the nearby Dukes Creek Falls Trail. Total distance today – 7.2 miles.
HIKERS – John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Thomas Bowers, Pam Euliss, Bill Hunt, Jack Jacobi, Vic Robson, Dan Ross, Don Johnson, Linda Johnson, Leigh Ann Miller, Wanda Miller, Wayne Miller, Don Preece, Dan Ross, Lynne Saporito, Rachael Saporito, Pom Sinnock, Bob Thompson, David Whitaker, Geri Whitaker, Carole Wintle and Jack Wintle. TRAIL INFORMATION – Very nice trails in excellent condition featuring two main waterfalls along with giant rock cliffs. Most of the hike was very close to the beautiful mountain streams with the pleasant sounds of rushing water. Today’s hiking distance – 7.2 miles combined . Lots of flat walking with some hills. Difficulty is mostly easy. Directions: Take GA 75 north from Helen for 1.5 miles. Turn left onto GA 356(75 Alternate) and travel 2.3 miles to the Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway. Turn right and travel 2.8 miles to the trailhead and parking area. The Dukes Creek trailhead is about a half-mile before the Raven Cliffs Trailhead. Another great day for a hike! Mostly sunny and mild. Temperatures ranged from 68 to 76 degrees F. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: Rosebay Rhododendron, Sourwood, Flowering Spurge, Tall Bluet, Indian Pipes, Woodland Joe Pye Weed, Rattlesnake Plantain Orchid and Alumroot. BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Yellow Throated Vireo, Red Eyed Vireo, Wood Thrush, Carolina Wren, Titmouse, Veery, Towhee, Pileated Woodpecker and Belted Kingfisher. |
 Parking at the Raven Cliffs Trailhead. |
 Headed out to Raven Cliffs Falls! |
 Tree with a heart. |
 Footbridge over a small creek. A few years back, we hiked this trail after heavy rains when the water was about 2 inches above the bridge walkway. |
 The trail follows beautiful Dodd Creek all the way to the Cliffs. |
 We always see lots of colorful fungi along this trail. |
 Enjoying the views at the base of Raven Cliffs. |
 Looking up the massive rock cliffs. |
 Raven Cliffs Falls! |
 This is the view from the parking lot of the Dukes Creek Trailhead. |
 Wayne and Wanda Miller did the Dukes Creek hike with us today! |
 Lunchtime at Dukes Creek Falls! |
 Our lunchtime view today! |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r kneeling) Pom Sinnock, Pam Euliss, Vic Robson, Don Johnson, Linda Johnson, trail dogs “Ty and Jessie”, Jack Wintle, Carole Wintle, Leigh Ann Miller, Wanda Miller, Geri Whitaker and David Whitaker. (l-r back) Thomas Bowers, June Bellamy, Bob Thompson, Bill Hunt, Rachael Saporito, Jack Jacobi, Lynne Saporito, Dan Ross, Don Preece, John Bellamy and Wayne Miller. |