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Duke's Creek is gold country (or used to be). Here the early Spanish explorers
hunted for gold (and actually found some). And here was America's first gold
rush. But Duke's Creek Falls is not on Duke's Creek; it is on Davis Creek just
before it joins Duke's Creek.
The
trail from Dukes Hollow Road is wheelchair accessible to a specially
constructed wooden overlook. You can continue down the trail by foot for
closer looks. At he bottom are several wooden observation platforms from which
you can enjoy the sight and sound of the Falls. The trail descends over series
of switchbacks so it is not especially challenging but, remember, you have to
hike back up again. Our estimate is that the total difference in elevation
from top to bottom is somewhat less than 500 feet.
This is a favorite destination for folks in the surrounding areas - especially
on Saturdays. Parking can be a challenge on Saturdays so we recommend you try
to visit some other day of the week.
How to get there:
From I-85 northbound
(e.g., from Atlanta):
- Head north on I-85 to exit 113, the Gainesville split (about 27 miles from the I-75/85 split in Atlanta).
- Take the left split and follow I-985 all the way to exit 22. (about 22 miles).
- Turn left at the foot of the exit and follow US-129, through Gainesville, to its intersection with GA-75 in Cleveland (about 25 miles).
- In Cleveland, on the north side of down town, right after US-129 bends to the left
you should see a road on your right signed GA-75 Spur.
(If you miss it, the next road on your right is GA-75.)
- Turn right and follow GA-75
(now joined by GA-17) to Helen (about 9 miles).
- Drive through Helen
and, a little over a quarter mile past the intersection of GA-356,
GA-75 turns abruptly left.
-
Continue on 75 to the intersection, on your right, of
GA-348.
-
Turn right and follow 348 about a half mile to Dukes
Hollow Road (on your left). There may or may not be a sign (sorry) for the
road but there has been a sign for Dukes Creek Falls.
-
Turn left onto Dukes Hollow Road and follow it to the
end and the Dukes Falls trail head parking area.
From I-85 southbound (e.g., from Greenville SC):
- Take exit 173 and, at the fool of the off-ramp, turn right onto GA-17.
- Follow GA-17, through Clarkesville (about 14 miles)
to Helen (about 16 miles).
You have been joined by GA-75.
-
Continue through Helen
(now following the GA-75 signs) and, a little over a quarter mile past the intersection of GA-356,
GA-75 turns abruptly left.
-
Continue on 75 to the intersection, on your right, of
GA-348.
-
Turn right and follow 348 about a half mile to Dukes
Hollow Road (on your left). There may or may not be a sign (sorry) for the
road but there has been a sign for Dukes Creek Falls.
-
Turn left onto Dukes Hollow Road and follow it to the
end and the Dukes Falls trail head parking area.
Note: These are mountain roads with lots of blind curves and ups and downs. There are
a few legal passing zones but, please, be patient.
Some photos taken and published by
Don Warren of Duluth GA
(see his unique website at
DonsPage.com)
For more information:
Chattahoochee/Oconee Heritage Assn
P.O.Box 3216
Gainesville, GA 30503
770-532-0071
Hotel and Motel accommodations,
usually at a discount,
are available in the
following area communities:
For a 'clickable' accommodations
map of Georgia, visit:
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