Dukes Creek Falls Recreation Area — Attraction in Dahlonega

NOW THIS IS HIKING! This starts off with a bit of a paved trail and then a walkway with a lot of steps, and then that's it, you're on dirt, rocks, and tree roots from here on out. (well, and a bridge and stairs at the end as well) AND another very important bit of info, you are walking DOWN to the waterfall and you are walking back UP to the parking lot, so prepare yourself to hike back up the mountain and to get back up all those hills and stairs. Oh, and it's not a straight path up and down, nope, it's a long zig to the right then a long zag to the left, like 4 or 5 zig zags. This is definitely not a trail for someone who is elderly, but we did see families with children do it. No strollers though, like I said, no paved pathway on this one and LOTS of DEEP drop offs. It was totally worth the hike though, because the waterfalls at the end, were beautiful. 《Oh, a couple of other bits of info....no restrooms here and you pay a $4 fee...

A Beautiful Mother's Day at Dukes Creek Falls Recreation Area

Visiting Dukes Creek Falls Recreation Area was an unforgettable experience, especially on Mother's Day. My elderly mother recently had both knees replaced—her left knee surgery was just on March 3, 2025. Seeing her walk the trails at her own pace, surrounded by nature, was truly a miracle and a testament to her strength and healing.

This place is absolutely beautiful. The trails are well-maintained, and there is designated handicapped parking, which made access easier for us. We were surrounded by the peaceful sounds of birds singing and the gentle roar of the waterfalls—it felt like a sacred moment in nature.

Spending Mother’s Day here allowed us to reflect on life, healing, and the beauty of creation. I highly recommend this place for anyone looking to reconnect with nature...

Absolutely beautiful hike and falls and well worth the visit. There is a $4 fee for parking. The signage states to pay via envelope or app, but never states the ATM like device to pay via card at the trailhead. Several people were confused since there were no envelopes and little to no service to pay via app.

The trail signage says it’s a 1.1 mile hike to the falls. I’d say it’s more like 1.25 down, so 2.5-2.75 mile max. The trail is wide and not hard. Several people brought dogs and small children.

The falls were wonderful and probably one of the tallest I’ve visited. The first platform goes down and allows a view of the tall falls. The second platform overlooks the shorter but more watery falls.

Visit this trail if you like...