Hiking Trails in White County, North Georgia Mountains
Andrews Cove Trail
This trail follows an old logging road up Andrews Cove to Appalachian Trail and Forest Service Road 283 at Indian Grave Gap. 2 miles.
Directions: Take GA 75 north from Helen for 5 miles. Turn right into the Andrews Cove Recreation Area.
Anna Ruby Falls Trail
This trail is paved but relatively steep. Benches are located along the trail, and two observation decks offer a beautiful view of the twin falls of York and Curtis Creeks.
Directions: Take GA 75 northeast from Helen for 1 mile to Robertstown. Turn right (northeast) on GA 356 for 1.5 miles and left on the entrance road at the sign through Unicoi State Park . Follow signs for 3.5 miles to parking area.
DeSoto Falls Trail
This trail begins at the bridge in the lower loop of DeSoto Falls Recreation Area. A relatively easy 0.25 mile trail leads south to lower falls; the upper Falls is about 0.75 mile one way to the north. 2.5 miles
Directions: Take U.S. 129 north from Cleveland for 15 miles or U.S. 19 north from Dahlonega for 18 miles to the DeSoto Falls Recreation area.
Dockery Lake Trail
This trail provides access to the Appalachian Trail. The trail winds north for 3 miles over an old logging road and terminates at Miller Gap. About one mile north of Dockery Lake, the trail enters the blood Mountain Wilderness. Blazes will be less frequent in this section. The footpath parallels a portion of Pigeon Roost Creek and provides scenic views of nearby mountain ridges and peaks. 3.0 miles
Directions: Take US 19 north from Dahlonega for 8.2 miles to the intersection of GA 60 for 3.6 miles and turn right on Forest Service Road 654 opposite the Dockery Lake Recreation Area sign. Travel 1 mile to the picnic area. The trail begins at the parking lo.
Dukes Creek Falls Trail
This trail winds its way into Dukes Creek Gorge where it dead ends across from the 300 foot Dukes Creek Falls. 0.8 miles.
Directions: Take GA 75 north from Helen for 1.5 miles. Turn left on GA 356 (75) Alternate) and go 2.3 miles to the Russell/Brasstown Scenic Byway. Turn right and go 2 miles to the Dukes Creek Falls Parking Area.
High Shoals Trail
The trail descends through a series of long switchback to a creek crossing, then follows the creek to viewing platforms at two waterfalls. People have been fatally injured climbing on the rocks around these waterfalls. Please stay on the trails and observation decks. 1.2 miles.
Directions: Take GA 75 north from Helen for 11.4 miles. Turn right onto Indian Grave Gap Road, graveled Forest Service Road 283. Follow this road 1.5 miles to a small parking lot at the trailhead on the left. the road fords a fairly shallow stream close to the beginning. It is often difficult to travel in winter without four-wheel drive.
Horse Through Falls Trail
This is an excellent trail for novice hikers. It leads to the beautiful Horse Through Falls.
Directions: Take GA 75 north from Helen for 8 miles to Unicoi Gap. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 44 (Chattahoochee River Road). Go approximately 4.5 miles to the head of the river campground and follow signs to trail parking area.
Lakeshore Trail
This loop trail encircles Dockery Lake and is accessible to people with disabilities. Footpaths provide access to fishing areas around the lake as well as an accessible fishing platform located on the dam.
Directions: Take US 19 north from Dahlonega for 8.2 miles to the intersection of GA 60 for 3.6 miles and turn right on Forest Service Road 654 opposite the Dockery Lake Recreation Area sign. Travel 1 mile to the picnic area.
Logan Turnpike Trail
This former toll road of the 1800's crosses some of Georgia's most rugged terrain and accesses Raven Cliffs Wilderness. A historical marker on the approach road to the trailhead designates the toll keeper's house. The trail parallels Town Creek. The first mile is easy but the next is strenuous. This historic trail accesses the Appalachian Trail at Tesnatee Gap.
Directions: Take US 19 north from Dahlonega for 13.5 miles to Turners Corner. Turn right and proceed south on US 129 for 2.8 miles. Turn left on Town Creek Road (paved first 1.5 miles) and go 2.8 miles. parking area is at the wilderness boundary. Trail begins at the parking area.
Raven Cliffs Trail
The trail is in the Raven Cliffs Wilderness Area. The trail follows cascading Dodd Creek upstream to the cliffs. 2.5 miles.
Directions: Take GA 75 north from Helen for 1.5 miles. Turn left on GA 356 (75 Alternate) and travel 2.3 miles to the Russell/Brasstown Scenic Byway. Turn right and travel to mile marker 3. Trailhead is where Dukes Creek runs under the scenic highway. Parking is along the road.
Rocky Mountain Trail
This blue blazed trail climbs gradually from Forest Service Road 283, Indian Grave Gap Road, to the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) on the side of Rocky Mountain. A 3.5 mile loop trail can be made by combining the A.T., Rocky Mountain Trail, and Forest Service Road 283.
Directions: Take GA 75 north from Helen for 11.4 miles. Turn right onto Indian Grave Gap Road, graveled Forest Service Road 283. At 1.5 miles, pass the parking lot for High Shoals Trail on the left; continue for 0.5 miles to trailhead on the right. Parking is very limited at the trailhead. For more parking continue up the road to Indian Grave Gap, where the A.T. crosses the road. Forest Service Road 283 fords a shallow stream close to the beginning. It is often difficult to travel in the winter without four-wheel drive.
Smith Creek Trail
This trail offers a serene walk through dense patches of rhododendron, mountain laurel, hemlock, and ferns. Hikers will travel up and over Hickory Nut Ridge and through hardwood stands and will cross several small mountain brooks and springs. The trail ends at Unicoi State Park.
Directions: Take GA 75 north from Helen for 1 mile. Turn right on GA 356 and drive 1.5 miles. Then go left at the entrance to Unicoi State Park. Follow the signs to the Anna Ruby Falls parking area.
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