Locate It: Helen

Alpine Helen is Ground-Central for Outdoor Adventure in the North Georgia Mountains

Expressing the charm of Bavaria in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Helen, Georgia is one of the state’s most-visited towns.

Expressing the charm of Bavaria in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Helen, Georgia is one of the state’s most-visited towns. Outdoor adventurers flock to the surrounding hills and waters. Oenophiles come to tour the local vineyards. Alpine Helen’s special blend of cultures, traditions, history, arts, and outdoor activities keep visitors coming back for more. Don’t forget the town’s wonderful seasonal attractions – you haven’t been to an Oktoberfest until you’ve been to Helen.

If you’re ready for the experience of a lifetime, prepare for the ultimate adventure at Unicoi State Park & Lodge in Helen. Unicoi is one of the most breathtaking state parks in the Georgia mountains. Adventure seekers, outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, ziplining, 3-D archery, air gun target practice and many other adventure activities.

Create fun and lasting memories for the whole family by staying in the Unicoi Lodge, cabins, campgrounds or squirrels nest (primitive campsites) or taking in a meal at one of the two onsite restaurants. Learn how Unicoi State Park & Lodge has earned its title as one of the Adventure Lodges of Georgia.

Adjacent to Unicoi State Park is the popular Anna Ruby Falls, which marks the junction of Curtis and York Creeks. Curtis Creek drops 153 feet and York Creek 50 feet to form the twin waterfalls. A paved 0.4-mile footpath leads from the parking lot to the base of the falls. Walking is easy to moderate, although a steep incline occurs in spots. Benches are provided along the way. Walking shoes are

recommended since the trail can be wet and slippery. Other waterfalls in the Helen area include Duke Creek Falls and Horse Trough Falls, among others.

Smithgall Woods State Park is also in Helen. Smithgall Woods is a hidden cottage getaway and an angler’s paradise. One of north Georgia’s premier trout streams, Dukes Creek runs through this spectacular mountain property and is a favorite for catch-and-release trout fishing. To ensure a quality experience, the number of anglers is limited, and fishing is offered only on certain days. As a result, anglers should call ahead for reservations. Cottage guests may fish daily and choose from one-bedroom log cabins with hot tubs up to five-bedroom cottages, all creekside and perfect for retreats. Miles of trails allow hikers and bicyclists to explore hardwoods, streams, waterfalls and wildlife.

Miles of hiking and mountain biking trails criss-cross through the surrounding national forest lands, including the famous Appalachian Trail (A.T.) which stretches from Georgia to Maine. Unicoi Gap in Helen is one of several access points to the A.T. segment in Georgia.

The headwaters of the Chattahoochee River are in Helen, and enterprising businesses have sprung up around this attraction, offering river tubing, zip lines, climbing walls, and even a water park. There are also outfitters who will equip you, teach you, and take you on guided fly fishing trips, often on private trophy trout waters.

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Helen - Locations

Andrew’s Cove Campground

NE GA Mountains
GA 75 north from Helen for approx. 5.5 miles
Helen, GA 30545
706-490-1246

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Anna Ruby Falls

NE GA Mountains
GA Hwy. 356
Helen, GA 30545
706-754-6221

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Chattahoochee Stables

NE GA Mountains
2180 Hwy. 17
Helen, GA 30546
706-878-7000

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Chattahoochee Wildlife Management Area

NE GA Mountains
Off GA Hwy. Alt. 75 and GA Hwy. 75 N.
Helen, GA 30545
706-535-5700

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Cool River Tubing and Adventures

NE GA Mountains
590 Edelweiss Strasse
Helen, GA 30545
706-878-2665

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Dukes Creek Falls and Recreation Area

NE GA Mountains
GA Hwy. 348
Helen, GA 30545
706-754-6221

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Helen Tubing and Waterpark

NE GA Mountains
9917 Hwy. 75 N.
Helen, GA 30545
706-878-1082

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Innsbruck Golf Course

NE GA Mountains
664 Bahn Innsbruck
Helen, GA 30545
706-878-2100

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Raven Cliff Falls

NE GA Mountains
Russell-Brasstown Scenic Bwy.
Helen, GA 30545
706-754-6221

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Smithgall Woods State Park

NE GA Mountains
601 Tsalaki Tr.
Helen, GA 30545
706-878-3087

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Tray Mountain Wilderness Area

NE GA Mountains
F.S. Rd. 698 and Appalachian Trail
Helen, GA 30523
706-754-6221

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Unicoi State Park & Lodge

NE GA Mountains
1788 GA Hwy. 356
Helen, GA 30545
706-878-2201

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Upper Chattahoochee River Blue Trail

NE GA Mountains
Upper Chattahoochee River
Helen, GA 30571
404-216-9351

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Woody’s Mountain Bikes

NE GA Mountains
457 Georgia 356
Helen, GA 30545-2307
706-878-3715

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Zip-n-Time – Nacoochee Outdoor Adventures

NE GA Mountains
7019 S. Main St.
Helen, GA 30545
706-878-9477

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Alpine Mini Golf Village

NE GA Mountains
7914 S. Main St.
Helen, GA 30545
706-878-3328

Andrews Cove Recreation Area

NE GA Mountains
GA Hwy. 75 N.
Helen, GA 30545
706-754-6221

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Dukes Creek Gold & Ruby Mines

NE GA Mountains
Georgia Hwy. 75 S.
Helen, GA 30545
706-878-2625

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Georgia Mountain Coaster

NE GA Mountains
8409 S. Main St.
Helen, GA 30545

Habersham Winery

NE GA Mountains
7025 S. Main St.
Helen, GA 30545
706-878-9463

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Helen Fun Factory

NE GA Mountains
115 Escowee Dr.
Helen, GA 30545
706-878-8404

Horse Trough Falls

NE GA Mountains
GA Hwy. 75 and F.S. Rd. 44
Helen, GA 30545
706-754-6221

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Low Gap Campground

NE GA Mountains
Chattahoochee River Rd.
Helen, GA 30545
706-490-1246

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Nora Mill Granary

NE GA Mountains
7107 S. Main St.
Helen, GA 30545
800-927-2375

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Smithgall Woods Regional Education Center

NE GA Mountains
61 Tsalaki Trail
Helen, GA 30545
706-878-3087

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The Glassblowing Shop

NE GA Mountains
8600 Main St., Unit !
Helen, GA 30545
706-878-3156

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Upper Chattahoochee River Campground

NE GA Mountains
Chattahoochee River Rd.
Helen, GA 30545
706-490-1246

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Upper Chattahoochee River Recreation Area

NE GA Mountains
F.S. Rd. 44
Helen, GA 30523
706-754-6221

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Featured Attractions