Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Byway
Russell-Brasstown Waterfall Tour

Departure:	Dukes Creek Conservation Area, Georgia
Destination:	Helen, Georgia
Time to allow:	1 day

Full of scenic areas and historical landmarks, the Russell Brasstown waterfall tour will take your family past cascading waters and rocky cliffs.

Day 1

• Start: Dukes Creek Conservation Area

  Take your family or friends to spend a few days here, as Dukes Creek is home to one of North Georgia's best trout streams as well as nature trails and wildlife viewing stands.

• Stop 1: Dukes Creek Falls

  From previous stop:	same location
  Suggested time at this stop:	2 hours

  While taking a lunch break, take in the view of the spectacular falls. Dropping 250 feet down a steep granite canyon, it is a memorable stop. Follow the one-mile trail from Dukes Creek Gorge to the base of the falls to see the full impact of the cascading water.

  Duke Creek Falls will take about one and half hours to hike. It is a steep hike, so you need to be in good physical condition and have hiking/walking shoes on. There is also the option of walking one-tenth of a mile on an asphalt paved trail that is accessible to an overlook deck, also accessible.

• Stop 2: Raven Cliff Falls

  From previous stop:	same location
  Suggested time at this stop:	15 minutes

  Cascading down a total of 100 feet down Dodd Creek, Raven Cliff Falls is a series of three beautiful waterfalls. The middle section flows through a split in a solid rock outcropping. Other waterfalls are found on the creek with the largest having a drop of 70 feet. Hiking trails to the falls are available so that you can take in the entirety of them.

  Raven Cliffs Falls hike to the Falls is through Raven Cliffs Wilderness Area, therefore not accessible and very rugged. It will take about 3 hours to hike in and back out, but you will have a wonderful, rewarding touch of wilderness.

• Stop 3: Brasstown Bald

  From previous stop:	1 hour

  Rising 4,784 feet above sea level, Brasstown Bald is Georgia's tallest mountain. Walking up to the observation deck allows a spectacular 360-degree view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and fertile valleys of North Georgia and neighboring states. Stop by the visitors center to see video presentations, exhibits, and interpretive programs about the natural and cultural history of the area. For those that aren't inclined to walk up the steep half-mile trail, a shuttle bus offers service to the summit. Three other hiking trails radiate out from the site.

• Stop 4: High Shoals Creek Falls Scenic Area

  From previous stop:	same location
  Suggested time at this stop:	30 minutes

  A short hiking trail will take you from the main road down to the falls, and it's a perfect time to take out your cameras to capture the image of the two waterfalls, which are the highlight of the site.

• Stop 5: Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

  From previous stop:	same location
  Suggested time at this stop:	2 hours

  Tour this forest in the fall for foliage or bring the family for a camping trip during the summer months.

• Stop 6: Chattahoochee River Campground

  From previous stop:	same location
  Suggested time at this stop:	1 hour

  If you are seeking a true mountain getaway, you should seek out the Chattahoochee River Campground. Recreational activities abound in the dense mountain forest. If you are an adventurous hiker, venture off to the nearby Appalachian Trail. Or if you want to see another example of the beautiful waterfalls that are so abundant in the area, seek out the 70-foot drop of Horse Trough Falls.

• Stop 7: Unicoi State Park

  From previous stop:	same location
  Suggested time at this stop:	24 hours

  With its wide range of accommodations and activities, Unicoi is one of Georgia's most popular state parks. Enjoy the hiking, mountain biking, swimming, fishing, tennis, and boat rentals available at Unicoi.

• Stop 8: Vogel State Park

  From previous stop:	same location
  Suggested time at this stop:	24 hours

  Covering 238 acres, Vogel State Park offers a host of activities. Swimming, fishing, hiking, and camping are just some of the opportunities to experience. Set up your camping gear in the fall and take in the beauty of the fall foliage that graces the Blue Ridge Mountains.

• Stop 9: Andrews Cove

  From previous stop:	same location
  Suggested time at this stop:	12 hours

  Sidetrack off the byway momentarily to experience the Andrews Cove Recreation Area. With camping, fishing, and hiking opportunities offered, spend most of the day or night there and continue your trip along the byway in the morning.

• Stop 10: Anna Ruby Falls Scenic Area

  From previous stop:	same location
  Suggested time at this stop:	1 hour

  Flowing down Tray Mountain, Curtis and York Creeks come together dramatically at Anna Ruby Falls. The twin waterfalls are a memorable sight with Curtis Creek dropping over 150 feet and York Creek falling 50 feet to form Smith Creek. The falls are the highlight of this area. This is the perfect place to break for lunch or dinner, with the image of the falls providing a dazzling backdrop.

• End: Helen

  From previous stop:	same location

  End your trip and spend part of the day in Helen, which is known throughout the region for its unique architecture and shopping opportunities.

Totals for Day 1

Total Distance Traveled:	0 miles / 0.0 km
Total Travel Time:	1 hour
Total Stopping Time:	66 hours 45 minutes