Helen, Georgia, is a small town nestled in the North Georgia Mountains with a population of 500 and a square mileage of only 1.8 miles. It’s home to the Chattahoochee National Forest, Unicoi State Park, Anna Ruby Falls, and Main Street – a replica of an alpine village from the late 1960s, complete with traditional German-style buildings like a chalet and brewery.
This incredible destination offers some of the best things to do in the United States for nature lovers, hikers, campers, anglers, and those looking for a unique getaway. The city is known as one of the best places to visit in Georgia, with its wonderful scenery, and it’s a perfect place to take a break from everyday life.
The town offers plenty of fun activities, including picnic areas, state parks, tubing down the Chattahoochee river, or better yet, floating down Smith Creek on your raft or tube. There’s also Troll Tavern & Sautee Nacoochee Indian Mound, where you can find local artwork from talented artists from all over North Georgia and some wine tasting too!
Helen is also home to famous attractions such as specialty shops on Main Street, the Babyland General Hospital (where Cabbage Patch Kids were created), a history museum, and Gretel’s Candy Kitchen, where they make homemade chocolates and fudges!
For outdoor adventurers, there are plenty of things to explore in Helen, like aerial adventure courses at Unicoi State Park and zip lining through Yonah Mountain or horseback riding around Raven Cliff Falls at Smithgall Woods State Park.
For beer aficionados, several breweries are offering beer-tasting rooms and garden patio areas with hot tubs! The area is also home to beautiful waterfalls like Anna Ruby Falls, which can be seen from viewing platforms at Dukes Creek Conservation Area.
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Best Places to Visit in Helen and the North Georgia Mountains
No matter how long you plan on staying, Helen offers a great variety of activities and attractions that will make your trip unforgettable. From outdoor adventures like mountain biking or zip lining in Smithgall Woods State Park and Raven Cliff Falls to specialty shops on Main Street, there is something for everyone. North Georgia State Parks are famous for their beautiful views.
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An absolute must-see while in Helen is the Anna Ruby Falls, which can be appreciated from the Dukes Creek Conservation Area viewing platform. The Chattahoochee River is also one of the most popular attractions, with its crystal clear waters perfect for tubing or floating down Smith Creek on your raft or tube. There are also plenty of wonderful picnic areas located within Unicoi State Park and Chattahoochee National Forest, where guests can experience a truly unique outdoor getaway.
Special Events In Helen
Helen also features exciting activities like hot air balloon races held every Columbus Day weekend at Atlantic Balloon Race Festival and Georgia’s first alpine coaster ride located within Brasstown Bald! Wine tastings, chocolates, and fudges made by hand in Gretel’s Candy Kitchen, beer tasting rooms with garden patios with hot tubs, and so much more make Helen an exceptional place to visit.
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It’s easy to find things to do as there are plenty of attractions in Helen’s square miles of White County. With its cobblestone streets lined with bavarian-style shops offering everything from handmade gifts to chocolates or taking part in outdoor adventures like mountain biking or zip lining, visitors come back again!
Summer Vacation
Helen is also perfect for more extended stays as there are plenty of fun activities that can be done throughout the warmer months, such as hiking or camping in Chattahoochee National Forest, visiting Nora Mill Granary, taking part in special occasions such as Oktoberfest and celebrating historic sites like Hardman Farm Heritage Center & Indian Mound.
Additionally, guests can experience something unique with a trip to Babyland General Hospital, where Cabbage Patch Kids were created, or participate in fun activities such as gold rush scenic route tours and fly fishing on Unicoi Lake.
If you’re looking for some traditional German fare, then take a walk through downtown Helen where you’ll find local chocolatiers, wineries, and specialty shops like the Gretel Candy Kitchen. Or enjoy the views of the North Georgia Mountains while visiting heritage centers.
Other highlights include wine tasting at Habersham Vineyards & Winery, Nora Mill Granary, and aerial adventure courses in Unicoi State Park.
A visit to Helen wouldn’t be complete without visiting one of its bavarian-style buildings, such as Troll Tavern, or even taking part in special occasions like Oktoberfest or Stone Mountain Christmas events held each year during the warmer months.
All in all, there’s so much to explore and do when visiting the town of Helen – it’s no wonder why it’s often referred to as the Heart of Blue Ridge Mountains!
Also See: Top 100 Bucket List Ideas for 50 States
Outdoor Activities and Adventures in Helen
Helen offers a wide variety of outdoor activities and adventures for all ages! Take part in a thrilling aerial adventure course at Unicoi State Park as you zip line through the canopy of trees. For those looking to stay dry, head to Helen Tubing & Waterpark, where you can rent a tube or raft and float down Smith Creek.
If fishing is your thing, take advantage of the Chattahoochee River’s crystal clear waters stretching across White County, offering anglers the perfect spot for trout and bass fishing.
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For hikers and mountain bikers, there are many trails within Chattahoochee National Forest and Unicoi State Park ranging from beginner to advanced levels, as well as trails that wind along Yonah Mountain – perfect for a day trip away from the hustle and bustle of town!
While in the area, visit Anna Ruby Falls at Smithgall Woods State Park, which offers scenic views of the Chattahoochee River Valley. Or perhaps take part in an annual hot air balloon race held every Columbus Day weekend at Atlantic Balloon Race Festival or try out Georgia’s first alpine coaster ride at John Kollock Climbing Wall located within Brasstown Bald!
Where to Eat and Drink in Helen
The Helen and the Georgia Mountains are home to some of the best places to eat and drink in the area. From traditional German fare to delicious chocolates, you will find something that satisfies everyone’s taste buds. For a unique dining experience, head over to Troll Tavern, where guests can enjoy local craft beers and Bavarian-style dishes such as schnitzel, sauerbraten, and spätzle!
- Bodensee
- Mully’s Nacoochie Grill
- Clyde’s Table and Tavern
- Hofer’s Bakery and Cafe
- Old Bavaria Inn
- Troll Tavern
- Nacoochee Village Tavern and Pizza
Helen is home to an array of specialty shops and boutiques that offer a variety of unique items, ranging from handmade crafts to chocolates and other sweet treats. In addition, Main Street is lined with gift shops, souvenir stores, and traditional German fare that will make any trip to Helen memorable.
Whenever we go to Helen, I try to find slippers for the family that look like Dutch Clogs. (My husband is from Holland) They make great gifts, and the family loves them.
Accommodation Options for Staying in Helen
The city of Helen provides a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and needs, from luxury resorts to quaint beds and breakfasts. There are few places better than Helen when it comes to getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, so why not make your stay even more special with one of these great accommodation options?
If you’re looking for an authentic getaway experience, try out one of the many chalets throughout the city, where you can enjoy views of the beautiful North Georgia mountains. However, if luxury is more your thing, then you can’t go wrong with one of the many resorts on offer here in Helen.
The Valhalla Resort Hotel is Helen’s most luxurious stay with a rooftop bar, in-house spa, golf facilities, and world-class dining. The Innsbruck Golf Club, the resort is surrounded by scenic mountain views.
You will enjoy candlelit dinners in the dining room, private dinners in the wine cellar, and 24-hour room service. So whether you want to be pampered at a spa or relax by the pool, there are plenty of destinations to choose from.
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For those looking for something a little more affordable, there are plenty of budget-friendly hotels and motels near downtown Helen and camping sites nearby where you can camp under the stars and get back to nature. Of course, if you’d like something a bit more unique, why not rent out an RV or take part in glamping near Unicoi State Park, which offers some truly spectacular views?
The options are endless when it comes to finding accommodation in Helen Georgia Mountains. From luxury chalets overlooking breathtaking mountain vistas to camping sites that provide visitors with an authentic outdoor experience, there’s something here for everyone, no matter what budget or preferences they may have – it’s no wonder why this small town is quickly becoming one of the most popular places to visit in northern Georgia!
Also See: Ultimate Guide to the Northeast Georgia Mountains
More Tips for Exploring The Beautiful Scenery of Helen
If you’re interested in something a bit more adventurous, why not try white water rafting or tubing down the Chattahoochee river? River cruises and even hot air balloon rides are available if you’re feeling particularly brave!
Fishing enthusiasts will be pleased to know that Chattahoochee National Forest also offers plenty of opportunities for anglers looking to cast their lines in search of bass, trout, and other species.
If hiking is more your speed, head to Smithgall Woods state park, where you can explore over 8 square miles of natural beauty, including majestic waterfalls like Anna Ruby Falls and Raven Cliff Falls.
The Chattahoochee National Forest also boasts some great trails ranging from beginner-level hikes to advanced backcountry trails for experienced adventurers. For those who prefer a more accessible way up, Brasstown Bald, which is located within the forest, offers spectacular views at an elevation of 4784 feet!
For art lovers, there’s no better place than downtown Helen – this small town comes alive every weekend as local artists showcase their creations along Main Street and on local shop windows.
From traditional german fare to unique gift shops selling everything from handmade chocolates to vintage wares – Helen has something special for all kinds of shoppers!
From breathtaking landscapes to incredible cultural experiences – Helen Georgia Mountains offer much more than just great outdoor activities. With its cobblestone streets lined with bavarian-style buildings, festivals held throughout the year like Helen Tubing & Waterpark Festival or Babyland General Hospital Special Occasions, live music venues, and vineyards offering wine tastings – it’s easy to see why this small mountain town is quickly becoming one of the top places to visit in northern Georgia!
Whether you’re looking for some family fun or want a peaceful escape, exploring these mountains is sure to be an experience you won’t soon forget!
No matter what your interests may be, Helen has something for everyone making it one of the top places to visit in Northern Georgia. With its bavarian-style shops offering everything from handmade gifts to chocolates or taking part in outdoor adventures like mountain biking or zip lining, you’ll find that there isn’t a better way to experience the beauty and natural wonders of the Appalachian Mountains than by visiting Helen!
