Helen, Georgia, takes its inspiration from a traditional Alpine village, and its unique character sets it apart from other Georgia tourist hotspots. So join ViewCation as we coast you through the list of the best things to do in Helen, Georgia.
Explore the Unicoi State Park
Spend some time in Unicoi State Park. The Unicoi State Park is one of the most stunning natural areas in the Helen area, and it’s perfect for outdoor adventures. Get comfortable in a hotel room or rustic cabin at the Unicoi Lodge, a perfect base from which to discover all that Helen has to offer. There’s plenty to see and do inside the park’s boundaries. You have your pick of a wide variety of exciting pursuits, such as zip lining, archery, fly fishing, paddle boarding, and more.
Visitors can also stay in the wild at one of the primitive camping spots. Don’t forget to take the family to Unicoi Beach for a day of fun in the sun, where the little ones may play in the water, and you can relax in the calm surroundings.
Visit the Anna Ruby Falls
Anna Ruby Falls, in Helen, is a sight that must not be missed due to its extraordinary magnitude, majesty, and beauty. This beautiful waterfall in the Chattahoochee National Forest sits at the end of a short, flat climb, making it an ideal destination for families with young children. Visitors seeking a more difficult hike can take the Smith Creek Path, which is 4.6 miles long and leads off the main trail.
Hikers can use this path to travel between Anna Ruby Falls and Unicoi State Park, allowing them to see both locations in a single outing. In addition to photographing the waterfall and taking in the breathtaking vistas, visitors to the park may also enjoy a variety of hikes across picturesque bridges and along routes that wind past rushing water and beautiful, verdant forests.
Alpine Mini Golf Course
If you’re looking for something a little less strenuous to do in the great outdoors, then perhaps Alpine Mini Golf is more your speed. There’s no shortage of opportunities for basic strokes, hard shots, and creative hole-in-ones in its verdant grounds in the middle of town.
It’s great for the whole family, with 18 challenging holes and lots of beautiful landscaping, including flower gardens, sculptures, and even a quaint alpine hut. After dark, the course and garden are beautifully illuminated by string lights that have been carefully placed among the trees. After an exhilarating game of mini golf, cool down with some ice cream before continuing your journey.
Horsetrough Falls
The Horsetrough Falls is one of the few waterfalls around Helen where you may have the route to yourself. The trailhead is located at the Upper Chattahoochee River Campground, which is roughly 14 miles from Downtown Helen. You’ll need a 4×4 car to make the 5-mile trek to this hidden waterfall at the end of a rough forest service road. Be aware that storm damage has kept the Upper Chattahoochee River Campground closed for a long time, so you’ll have to park outside the gate and walk the road leading through the overgrown area to get to the trailhead. In any case, the effort is worthwhile.
The virgin forest is rich and beautiful, with a carpet of wildflowers in the spring and summer and brilliant fall foliage. This waterfall in Georgia is stunning and will easily rank among the best you’ve ever seen.
Yonah Mountain Trail
It is undeniable that the steep climb to the top of Yonah Mountain is one of the most awesome hiking trails in North Georgia. Once you get to the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It’s a popular and beautiful trail because of the 2.3 miles of breathtaking nature, wildlife, and views it offers. The 3,166-foot Mount Yonah towers spectacularly over the surrounding White County countryside.
The well-marked trail leads hikers through thick forests, up steep inclines with occasional cliffs and rocky outcrops, and all along, a steady ascent.
Don’t forget to visit Lover’s Leap, an incredible lookout point with panoramic views of the mountains, forests, and rivers in the area. Before we proceed, be sure to hit the like button and subscribe to the channel If you haven’t already. Don’t forget to hit the post notification bell to be among the first to be notified of our daily uploads.
Nacoochee Village Antique Mall
The wonderful Nacoochee Village Antique Mall can be found only a short drive outside of Helen, and it houses a large and unique collection of antiques, collectables, and curios. You can find anything from antique cameras and Vietnam War relics to one-of-a-kind vases, bowls, and plates among the countless oddities for sale over the store’s three levels. Around fifty vendors fill the ancient Martin House with trinkets, making it an interesting and entertaining location to explore.
While the gorgeous 1876 structure and its rooms full of antiques and eccentricities offer wonderful photography opportunities, the mall’s primary charm is its function as a convenient place to purchase mementoes of your visit.
Go tubing along the Chattahoochee
Tubing along the Chattahoochee River is a popular activity for visitors to Helen. On hot summer days, shoot the ‘Hooch and float down a calm section of the river at your own pace. Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of what is considered to be the summer tubing season, which typically continues through Labor Day weekend.
You can go on a float tour that lasts anything from an hour and a half to two and a half hours. Get in touch with Cool River Tubing to reserve tubes and gear for your next river excursion.
Visit the Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen
Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen, established in the centre of the Alpine village in 1973, is a popular attraction in Helen, Georgia. Visit the factory to see how delicious goodies like fudge and peanut brittle are made, and then stop by the store to sample some for yourself. If you’re going to be spending Christmas in Helen, this is a must-see destination! Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen, in keeping with the town’s ambience, focuses on Alpine-style desserts and offers a delightful selection of sweets that will make you want to return every day of your trip.
The finest chocolates, fudges, brittles, and truffles in the region may be found in this establishment. A popular favourite is the Chattahoochee Snapper truffles.
Explore Downtown Helen
Although it can get quite crowded, Downtown Helen is one of the best spots to visit in the area. You’ll fall in love with the vibrant Alpine-style architecture, Bavarian-meets-Appalachian warmth, blatantly touristic sights, and the Chattahoochee River that winds through it all. If you want to avoid the crowds while strolling through Downtown Helen, your best bet is to go either very early in the morning or very late in the afternoon/early in the evening. Or, avoid the crowds by coming on a weekday or outside of the main summer and fall seasons.
With more space, you may take your time exploring Helen’s many unique shops and restaurants, including its many fudges and gift businesses, as well as its year-round Christmas decoration stores and rustic country stores with river views.
Take a hike to Raven Cliff Falls
The Raven Cliff Falls trail, at 4.9 miles, is one of Georgia’s most well-known and well-liked options for hikers who care more about reaching their destination than the hike itself. Just 6 miles from Helen’s downtown, it sits on the Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway, close to both Dukes Creek Falls and Helton Creek Falls. The gorgeous route through the Chattahoochee National Forest features tall hardwood trees, lush moss, and rivers adorned with wildflowers of varying hues.
The trail begins at a gravel parking area and winds upstream along Dodd Creek via a wooden bridge and into the woods, adding 400 feet of elevation along the way.
Ride the Georgia Mountain Coaster
The Georgia Mountain Coaster is an exhilarating ride down the mountain’s steep slopes at breakneck speeds and is a must for thrill seekers. As you wind your way along its tracks, you’ll see plenty of beautiful, verdant woodlands and get great views of the nearby hills and quaint town. In spite of the fact that it was opened in 2019, it has already become one of Helen’s most popular tourist destinations, with many visitors immediately purchasing a second ticket once reaching the bottom.
Each cart may hold just one or two passengers, and the driver decides how fast to go. Although the maximum speed is only 25 miles per hour, the coaster’s steep and winding layout makes it feel considerably quicker.
Experience the Rush of Ziplining
Ziplining is another adrenaline-pumping option in the Helen area; several different businesses provide thrilling tours through the treetops. Nacoochee Adventures, Cool River Adventures, Sunburst Adventures, and the beautiful Unicoi State Park are just a few of these. The longest of the ziplines is an astounding half a mile long, and at each station, you’ll step out onto a towering platform before whizzing your way beyond forests, rivers, and fields. Above and beyond the thrill of the ride itself, the scenery of the mountains and farmland is truly breathtaking. In addition to ziplining, you may also try your hand at gigantic swings, obstacle courses, and climbing walls at any of the parks in the area.
It is now time for us to hear from you. Let us know in the comments which fun activity piqued your interest the most. And, for those who have vacationed in Helen, Georgia, what was the most memorable aspect of your experience? Remember to show your support by liking this video and subscribing to the channel. Enabling post notifications will ensure that you don’t miss any of our daily uploads. Catch you in the next one.