Dukes Creek Falls, Georgia

 

“Adopt the pace of nature.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

As our car meandered through the lush forest on the Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Highway which is just north of Helen, Georgia, we came across a National Forest sign that said Dukes Creek Falls. We had been to many of the falls in the Georgia mountains but had not been to these falls. We excitedly pulled into the empty parking lot and displayed our National Park Pass before getting out of the car. From the parking lot, there was a lovely view of nearby Yonah Mountain from a clearing in the parking lot. It was gorgeous even with the weather not being ideal. The day was a cool with a misty rainy with some fog hanging onto the mountains.

Right after we pulled up, two National Park rangers pulled up and we asked them about this trail. They told us it was about a mile to get down to the base of the falls but if we wanted a short walk that is also wheelchair accessible, it was a short 1/10 of a mile to the first viewing platform down a paved path. We were motivated to do the longer walk to the base of the falls. We had a quick drink of water and headed down the well maintained path. As we walked, we could hear the rushing sound of the falls and heard the creek swiftly flowing below us.

The decent of the trail has some steps and platforms but nothing too steep or serious. As we walked further down the green rich creek valley, the trail does a couple of switchbacks where you can get a few glimpses of the towering waterfalls. We noticed along the path was gorgeous lush vegetation with trees wrapped around rocks and gorgeous ferns and other mountain flora.

At the bottom of this trail, we reached the trio of Dukes Creek falls where there are viewing platforms which offer the best views of the falls. The smaller falls on the right, is where you can see Dukes Creek flowing over large rocks to the base of Dukes Creek Falls. Far above, Davis Creek plummets off a rocky cliff 150 feet down into the crystal clear water in the creek below. What a gorgeous falls.

We walked to each of the platforms and stood and enjoyed the views and the sounds of the rushing water. The water from the falls made this area cool and it was so relaxing watching the water flow over the moss covered rocks. What a great place to enjoy some quite time. We were totally alone and did not see a soul until we were on our way back up the trail.

Dukes Creek is a creek in White County, Georgia where gold was first found in 1828. Gold was discovered there as well as Lumpkin County which led to the Georgia Gold Rush. This was the second most significant gold rush in the US which was only beaten by the rush in NC. The creek is a total of 8.76 miles long.

This is one of Georgia’s most popular falls and I can see why. The trail was on the moderate side only because of the walk back up. Most of the trail was dirt and gravel and made for easy hiking. We loved the trail and will definitely stop here again on the way up.

Till next time. Bye for now.

The Herb Crib, Blairsville, Georgia

 

“The secrets are in the plants. To elicit them, you have to love them enough.”

George Washington Carver

While staying at Trackrock Campground between Young Harris and Blairsville, we noticed the sign for The Herb Crib and knew we needed to stop. This area, in the north eastern Georgia mountains rests in a beautiful and tranquil valley in the Blue Ridge Mountains. We pulled in and drove up the gravel driveway, passing the chicken coop, and came upon a barn where two large gorgeous dogs came out to greet us. Then we spotted Karin as she came out of the barn to greet us.

She greeted us with a smile and welcomed us to her charming and serene farm. She pointed out the plants she had for sale and then asked what we would like to see. I told her that we would love to see her retail shop. As we walked the path up the shop, we talked about her and the property. She explained how her husband had made her dream come true by clearing the land for her herbal garden. When her garden near her home got established, she started dreaming of a larger garden and opening a shop with her herbs and her homemade organic products.

Later her husband, Cliff with the help of a local carpenter, built a replica of “Spycher” or a corn crib or pantry, like the ones in Switzerland, his homeland. She opened her shop in 2001. This is where her shop is located and it looks charming next to her garden. She explained she learned about herbs and gardening from her family in Germany and then picked up more and more knowledge by herself.

She wanted to get the word out about her business so she started bringing her products to local farmers markets, farms, and local art and craft shows. Now word of mouth, her web page, and many repeat customers help to make her business a success.

She unlocked her shop, opened the doors wide open, and all the lovely scents came flooding out. There were herbs hanging from the ceiling and homemade soaps of many scents made from olive oil, goat milk, honey and beeswax and essential oil or fragrances making walking into this shop a delight. She sells culinary herbs as well as medicinal herbs. She makes herbal teas, salves and tinctures, as well as natural products like hand lotions, insect repellent, dog shampoos, honey, dipping oils, and more. As we looked around the shop, she was out tending to her garden and was nearby if we had any questions. She likes to give her customers space to really have a chance to feel and see what her shop has to offer.              

                                                                                        

After making our selections, we walked through her garden area. Karin loves what she does and shows it and is very knowledgeable about all her plants. She told us what all the plants were and how they can be used medicinally. She has a biodynamic garden which means organic farming with a twist. It is a holistic approach to gardening where they follow the biodynamic calendar as far a preparation, cultivation, planting and harvesting crops and being in sync with the rhythms of the sun, moon, and stars. This enhances the health, vitality, and success of their crops. Off to the side of her garden is where her bee hives are located. She also raises chickens and sells the eggs. 

She told us she does workshops and seminars throughout the year. She offers workshops on how to make Beeswax candles, herbal remedies, herbal first aid, Medicinal mushrooms, pollinator gardens, wildflowers, and more. You can check out her calendar on her web page: www.herbcrib.com.

Karin Rutishauser is the owner/operator of The Herb Crib and is a member of the United Plant Savers, The Native Plant Preservation Committee, and is certified as an organic grower by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. She is also a member of Georgia Organics, a member of United Plant Savers, and a member of American Herbalist Guild.

Walking around her little piece of paradise, you feel a connection and serenity with nature, the mountains, and Karin herself. We came in as strangers and left that day as friends. If you are in this area, this is must stop. You will be glad you stopped in for a visit.

She is open from May through October on Wednesday through Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm. The Herb Crib is located at 2998 Trackrock Church Road, Blairsville, Georgia.

Till next time. Bye for now.