Location: Helen
Top Things to do in Helen
Top 10 Nature & Parks in Helen, Georgia (GA)
Helen, a Bavarian Alps replica town in Appalachian Georgia, is home to an Oktoberfest for the ages, overflowing with two-liter beer glasses and Germany's famous bratwursts. To recover from the festivities, the savviest make their way to Cedar Creek Luxury Cabins on the edge of the Chattahoochee National Forest.
Restaurants in Helen
1. Anna Ruby Falls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,690 reviews
Reviewed By susannet175 - North Carolina Mountains, United States
Love coming here and this time we were very positively surprised that Anna Ruby Falls and the gift shop were open on New Years Day! Loved the hike and the falls were quite full with water and very impressive. The trails are well maintained, the gift shop well stocked and the Trail for the visually impaired is a great stroll along the river.
2. Riverside Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By mikki777 - Woodstock, United States
We like this stop for the free parking and the swings by the Chattahoochee River. It's peaceful in off season, or fun to watch inner tubers during the summer. The bathrooms may not be unlocked all year round. (In Dec. 2020 they were not. I assume because it's almost winter?) They put some really nice Christmas displays there that are fun to see and photograph.
3. Raven Cliff Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 296 reviews
Many hiking trails bordered by scenic mountain streams, waterfalls and other scenic vistas abound throughout this 9,115-acre natural reserve.
Reviewed By Igorek007 - Savannah, United States
This hike is about 5 miles round trip. I would call it moderate. Nice waterfall at the end with multiple good places for rest and pictures on the way. Parking is limited on weekends. Restrooms are available at the parking lot. $5 fee for the park.
4. Chattahoochee River
5. Smithgall Woods Conservation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 96 reviews
Reviewed By Fun4sol - Atlanta, United States
We visited to Smithgall Woods over the 4th of July weekend. We stayed in the pet friendly Garden cottage. The cabin was nicely appointed with leather furniture, a nice comfortable queen bed, WiFi, cable, hot tub, and pretty much everything you need for a great stay. It was also very clean. The area surrounding the park was absolutely beautiful and well taken care of. We hiked to the Dukes Falls and the covered bridge, enjoyed the garden near our cabin and spent lots of time relaxing and exploring nature. The staff was exceptional as well. After checking out from the cabin I realized I had forgotten my wedding ring in the cabin. I called the park and the staff was very helpful and within a few minutes called me back to let me know they had found the ring and offered various options to return it to me. Every employee we encountered during our visit was friendly and helpful. Also, if you are concerned about COVID like we were, they are taking very good measures to promote social distance and wear masks in the visitor’s center. Overall, Smithgall Wood exceeding our expectations and we hope to visit again soon.
6. Unicoi State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 868 reviews
Reviewed By Coolcool145
Barrel cabins were comfortable and incredibly unique!! Must stay and highly recommend for a nature retreat!
7. Unicoi Hill Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
Reviewed By thebigwanderingclan - Winder, United States
We headed here while visiting Helen. It was nice the kids got a playground to play while we sat on a swing. Plenty of benches and paved walking area.
8. Yonah Mountain Hiking Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
Reviewed By RebeccaL50 - Atlanta, United States
This is about a 4.5 mile hike to the top of Yonah Mountain. The path is clear but has roots and some rocks. At the halfway point up the mountain, there is a grassy clearing for your first good view. After that, the path gets much steeper. At the top, there are many outcrops you can sit and enjoy views. It was a little hard finding the trailhead, but the parking lot is on a short gravel road off Chambers road. No fee to park and pit toilets. I would say this hike is moderate to strenuous, but very doable. Take lots of water.
9. Dukes Creek Falls Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 377 reviews
Reviewed By Q8105RDdan - Panama City Beach, United States
My brother and I recently took a day trip and visited Dukes Creek Falls. Located just off Richard Russell scenic highway less than 6 miles north of Helen, Ga. the Dukes Creek Trail is a moderate 2 mile hike out and back through a beautiful, mountain stream-filled forest. The first segment of the trail is paved and accessible, and allows all hikers to catch a glimpse of the falls from the trail’s upper viewing deck. As you descend the trail is not paved but is well maintained. If you have mobility issues be aware that there are some stairsteps on this section of the trail. As you proceed the trail moves alongside a stream where you will pass several large, cascading waterfalls that provide multiple photo opportunities. When you reach the falls, there are several large wooden viewing platforms that offer stunning views of the dramatic, multi-tiered, 150-foot-tall drop of Dukes Creek Falls. The day we visited we saw lots of families with kids and dogs. Be aware the parking area is very small so get there early. There is a $4.00 per car charge for a day use pass.
10. Helen Veterans Park
TAGS
