Dukes Creek Falls: Conflux in the Laurels

“Every man’s life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another.”

-Ernest Hemingway

In an area filled with hidden gems, Dukes Creek Falls still shines. From the trailhead on a peak in the middle of the Chattahoochee National Forest, you’ll hear rushing water. Dukes Creek Falls lies around 400 feet below you at the confluence of Dukes Creek and Davis Creek. Boasting cascades and falls of over 100 feet, Dukes Creek is a great choice if you’re looking for a huge reward, but not a difficult hike. 

A series of switchbacks turns the 400 foot decent into a gradual decline for about a mile, back and forth down to the observation deck. There you’ll be witness to a truly awesome sight, the conflux of Dukes and Davis Creek. Dukes Creek Falls cascade over 100 feet to meet the falls on Davis Creek, which is more of a 20 foot drop. Both falls cut through the surrounding rock to create a powerful rapid that drops below the observation deck and heads south into Smithgall Woods State Park, and on toward the Chattahoochee River. 

I love this little trail. The waterfalls are great, but I’ve caught myself paying more attention to the little details off trail. Theres a bit of a spur in the trail that leads to a spot on the creek with some really interesting rock formations, and some smaller rolling rapids. I probably spent nearly an hour sitting on a rock in the middle of the creek, trying to catch a tiny whirlpool that was caused by some water pouring though a cut in the rock. 

If you’re looking for a hike that won’t take up your entire day, but will still blow you away with some visuals, Dukes Creek Falls is the place for you. Only a ten minute drive from Helen, or forty minutes from Dahlonega, Dukes Creek is a great spot to start or end you day in the North Georgia Mountains. Keep Adventuring.