Raven Cliffs - Waterfalls, Views and Off-Trail

Raven Cliffs Falls is one of the most popular hikes in Georgia. We will add some hills, other waterfalls and orienteering to make this more interesting.  You'll see panoramic views from Wildcat Mountain and the top of Raven Cliff falls, as well as seeing 3-6 other waterfalls (one is bigger than Raven Cliff Falls, some of others might be calls cascades and swimming holes).  We will park one car at Duke Creek Falls parking, the other car at Tesnatee Gap on the AT.  From there we will go 2 miles to Whitley Gap shelter.  From there we will travel by compass NE about 2-3 miles until we hit Dodd Creek and the Raven Cliffs trail on the other side of the creek.  Then we will head up to Raven Cliff Falls, which plummets over a 60+ foot cliff.  You can enjoy lunch at the base of the falls, or for the more adventurous, you can climb up the rather steep and slippery terrain adjacent to the falls for a good view from the top. 

Then back to the beginning of the Raven Cliff trail.  From there we will head up the gravel road and to a great view from the top of Duke's Creek Falls (actually on Davis Creek I think), then back a little and down a very steep hill to the falls/cascades above tje deck at the bottom of Dukes Creek Falls, then traverse the cascades down to the deck and then up a little over a mile to the Dukes Creek parking area.  There are several swimming holes along the way if anyone is brave enough to try it.  Be sure to wear clothes that dry quickly if you plan on doing this.  We may be crossing some creeks without stepping stones.  I usually take my shoes off and cross barefoot so that my shoes and socks will stay dry. 

The terrain is mostly moderate except for a short steep climb from Tesnatee Gap to the Whitley Gap cutoff from the AT, the trip to the top of the falls and back to the base and some climbing toward the end to the viewpoints and swimming holes around Dukes Creek area.

I have not done this in several years so in that sense this is an exploratory hike, but I don't expect the off trail parts to be difficult.  We possibly might hit some thick mountain laurel on the orienteering part, but the terrain will likelyl be moderate.  The trails beside the creek are peaceful next to the sound of the rushing water for miles, but there are many roots and rocks on the trail so you will need good hiking shoes, not tennis shoes.

Go north on 400,which is also US 19. At end of 400, continue strait across to 115.  At next main intersection turn right and follow for 11 miles, turn left on Tesnatee Gap Road.  Turn left on 129 at dead end, go a 1/4 mile to Alt 75, where you turn right.  After several miles, take a left onto the Richard Russell Hwy, GA 348. After 2 miles take a left into Dukes Creek parking turnoff  We will all meet there, then go together to Tesnatee Gap parking on the A/T further west on 348, after leaving one car for the drivers at Dukes Creek parking.

I will cancel this hike in the event that the weather forecast predicts heavy rains on the day of the hike.