US East Coast 2018: Deep Calls to Deep

The Chattahoochee National Forest near Helen, Georgia, is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the region. Think leisurely hikes in low 20 degree celcius weather. Think summery colours that are just about to give way to the fall hues. Think a symphony of fresh running water that invigorates the senses. Think interesting creatures and plants of all different types and species. During our short 3-day stay in Helen, we were able to cover two lovely waterfall trails, and we thoroughly enjoyed our time there; with one boy racing ahead and bounding from one path to the next, and the other stopping to examine every moss and spider he could find. So naturally I ended up sprinting ahead with the older boy, while Sue took her time with the younger, as they stopped to investigate every creepy crawly creature they spotted.

Duke's Creek Falls, located just north of Helen, was an easy 2-mile (3.2 kilometre) trek to and from the waterfalls. It was a fairly peaceful trek along a rather straight path. We chose the trek as it was our first in Helen, as we felt that it would be a good introduction to the waterfalls in the region.

Our attempt at a "wefie". The boys love to see themselves on the camera and practiced with a series of
interesting poses.

For our second day of trekking, we decided to take the alpine trail to Anna Ruby Falls. This is a majestic waterfall that flows through most of Georgia and Florida. It was a spectacular morning walk. The entire trek was relaxing and you are surrounding by scenes of beauty everywhere you turn. As for the waterfall, it is spectacular in and of itself, comprising two creeks, Curtis and York. It was spiritual just to stare at the waters as they plunge all the way down from as high as you can see... Indeed, as the writer of Psalm 42 says, "Deep calls to deep in the roar of [the] waterfalls"; and there is something deep and profound that calls to our innermost being, even as we enjoy the beauty and splendour of the waterfall.

We thoroughly enjoyed this trek, and the boys spent many moments completing work on their Junior Ranger badges.

We love hiking, and were glad to have gone for two of the four most popular waterfall trails in the region. If time had permitted, we would certainly have gone to all four. But we are content!

The Previous Page - Helen. A German Experience. Read here.
Next - Of Buried Pasts & Hidden Treasure. Read here.

From the Beginning - Start reading the record pages of our US East Coast Travel Adventure here.

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