Raven Cliffs Trailhead — Attraction in Dahlonega

I really don't understand how anyone could give this place anything but five stars. It truly is that awesome. I have been visiting Raven Cliffs since before the USFS constructed the parking and restroom facilities. I believe that this was early-2000s, but I can't say for certain. Visitors merely looked for the dozens of vehicles parked along both sides of the road.

Please note that, even though there is minimal elevation change, this is not a particularly easy hike. It had been 20 years since my previous visit. Storms in recent years have taken their toll. To start, you'll need to do a creek wade near the beginning. I am almost positive that this was not the case years ago.

There are several places where footbridges have washed away. These crossings are manageable without footbridges. But they will slow your pace somewhat. There is also a large fallen tree blocking the trail which is difficult to maneuver around.

The waterfalls and cascades that you'll pass on the hike back to the cliffs are worthy destinations of their own. It is truly an awesome hike.

The cliffs themselves are the main attraction. I do not recall them being as difficult to reach as they are now. Perhaps it's simply my age. The fact that we hiked in a decent rain shower on the way back was, undoubtedly, a factor. But the "pathway" up to the cliff/waterfall was rocky, muddy, and slick. Then again, it would be a shame to hike all the way back and not see the cliffs up-close.

I remember one visit, probably 1990 or so, bring able to get up to the top of the cliffs. This involved bushwhacking all the way to the right end of the cliffs and climbing rhododendron roots up to the top. It was cool and there is an upper waterfall that's visible from up top. No idea if it's even possible to do this today. If you're young and fit, it is awesome. But use extreme caution if you choose to try it.

This is probably not a good place to take young children unless they have a good bit of hiking experience. It may not be good for adults with minimal hiking experience. But it is still an awesome place after all...

One of the better trails in Georgia. The only negative on this hike is the crowds. I went on a Friday and the parking lot was full so people had to park on the side of the road leading into the parking lot. The other challenge when its busy is the trails are somewhat narrow in many areas. As you pass hikers or they are coming towards you it's best to let someone pass.

With that said it's a great moderate to easy trail. The elevation is gradual over the almost 3 miles to get to tha falls. The trail has lots od exposed roots and rocks so you have to pay attention to where you step. Having hiking boots is a good idea but I saw plenty of people with sneakers. Keep in mind there are quite a few areas where water is trickling in from the side of the hills and runs through the trail. In some cases there will be logs and in other case you'll have to step in some mud. At the time it hadnt rained for about a week

The hike itself is great because it's interesting from the perspective of the up and down, rocks, roots, logs (under, over, and on) but the best part of the hike is the scenery along the way. The trail runs along the creek the entire way. In some areas you are 30ft above the creek and others you are almost the same level. There are plenty of small falls along the way to stop and enjoy. When we got to the end there was a unique waterfall. I was pleasantly surprised because I didnt look at pictures online. Hence why im not sharing my pictures of the main fall.

At the end you can enjoy the fall where you stand or go up about another maybe 100ft to get a closer look. Evidently, in the past, rapelling down the side of the fall was allowed so the trail continues to go up to the top. I went up 2/3 of the way but I wouldn't not recommend this. It gets much steeper and involves some climbing where you need to use your hands.

Great hike...

Sept 21, 2023 My husband and I are visiting for the hiking and golf. Out of all the other hiking trails, we chose this trail first because of the glowing reviews and we were NOT disappointed. We enjoyed beautiful scenic views the entire way to the main falls. The thing that put this at the top of my list for all-time favorite hikes was there were falls along the entire mountain trail. It was beyond beautiful. The tranquility of hearing a mountain spring the entire hike was such a wonderful treat. Thank God for the people in history who had the vision to mark this land as protected.

A few pointers, we went early (around 8am) and enjoyed a very peaceful trail - we saw just a few campers and 2 other hikers. On our way out, we saw a lot more hikers. NBD but if you like solitude, go early. Sept weather was great, cool enough and no bugs.

Also, we were surprised to see people heading out with no water/snacks. If you're planning on doing the entire 5 mile hike, bring water, bring a snack.

We also had a hiking pole each (totally used it) and also wore our hiking boots (the ones that have been in the closet since 2016!)

Can the average person do this hike? It's moderately hard hike for people who aren't in the best shape. (That would be both me and my hubbie at this time.) We are both in our 50's and are only recently getting back in to working out regularly. Plus we live in an area with zero elevation, so these inclines were next level to us. The HIKING BOOTS definitely helped our traction, our ankles and feet.

Oh, final tip! When you get to the falls, be sure to climb the extra 20 yards or so to the very very top to see the tall cliff-like rocks/origin of the...