Travelers seeking an exciting escape should consider a trip to Helen. Nestled in northeast Georgia, this mountain town is famous for its vineyards, Bavarian-style architecture, and abundant outdoor activities.
From exploring the quaint cobblestone streets lined with shops and restaurants to tubing down the cool waters of the Chattahoochee River, there is no shortage of fun things to do in Helen. So, be sure to plan your visit soon, as the attractions here are guaranteed to keep you entertained throughout your stay.
Just a quick drive away and a few hours from Atlanta, you'll discover the breathtaking Anna Ruby Falls. Nestled in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, it has become a top vacation spot in North Georgia.
The Recreation Area includes a visitor center offering local crafts, educational items, and clothing. You'll also find picnic spots, fishing areas, and, of course, the paved hiking trail leading to the stunning twin waterfalls.
Known as the Renaissance Eagle Owl Castle, Uhuburg is a fantastic place to visit, where you can explore different philosophies depicted in murals. This castle is a wonderful addition to Helen!
Touring the castle offers an unforgettable experience, with rare plants, beautiful artwork, and breathtaking views all around the property. Don't miss the stunning views from the top of the tower, where you can overlook the Blue Ridge Mountains. Plus, they have a mini Carnivore Garden for you to explore.
Plan a day of hiking at the scenic Raven Cliff area, known for its wooded trails and picturesque stream. This spot is perfect for nature lovers, with several waterfalls to admire along the way.
While there are picnic tables available, it's best to bring your lunch and enjoy a picnic at Raven Cliff Falls. The trail runs alongside Dodd Creek for most of the way, providing a peaceful soundtrack of nature as you walk
Feel the thrill of zooming down the mountain and through the picturesque woods in scenic alpine Helen. The Georgia Mountain Coaster is a thrilling ride suitable for all ages.
As the first and only mountain coaster in the state, it allows you to control your speed and tailor your adventure. Whether you prefer an adrenaline-pumping thrill ride or a leisurely glide through the forest, the choice is yours. So, rev up for an exhilarating journey filled with breathtaking scenery.
Strap on your hiking boots, grab a map and hit the walking trails at Smithgall Woods State Park. This area spans 5,664 acres and is a Georgia state park, lodge, and protected wilderness area located near Helen.
Within its boundaries, you'll discover old-growth forests, 12 miles of trout streams, and thriving populations of wildlife including wild turkeys, bears, and deer. It's a beautiful destination to reconnect with the great outdoors.
Hiking at Yonah Mountain Trail is great stuff to do in Helen GA for adventure seekers. The trail offers amazing views, steep slopes, and a somewhat tough but incredibly scenic journey to the top. Climbing about 1500 feet in a little over 2 miles makes the scenery even better.
It's not a trail for beginners, but it's a must-do for any hiker. To get there, you'll take a short, rough dirt road to a big parking area, with the towering peak of Yonah Mountain right in front of you.
Come and have a blast all day! If you want to beat the heat, Helen Tubing & Helen Water Park is the perfect place for the entire family. Enjoy a relaxing float down the Chattahoochee River that lasts around 2 to 2.5 hours.
They've got everything you need, like places to change, showers, a spot for picnics with views of the river, gift shops, push-off sticks, and all your tubing gear. It's the ideal spot for a family-friendly vacation.
Watching colorful hot air balloons drift gracefully through the sky is truly a wonderful sight that you can get at the Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race.
The race starts in Helen and finishes anywhere along the Atlantic coast highway I-95, between Maine and Miami. But it's more than just a race. The event spans three days and features a festival atmosphere with live music, delicious food vendors, arts and crafts stalls,
You can have a thrilling tubing ride down the beautiful Chattahoochee River at Cool River Adventures. Cool River offers a special tubing trip that lasts 2-2.5 hours down this lovely river.
Enjoy the pretty mountains around you or add some excitement by bouncing through mild rapids. But there's more fun Helen GA stuff to do than just tubing! You can also try out a zip line, two aerial adventure courses, and a 24-foot climbing wall.
The most photographed building in Helen, The Heidi Motel offers a refreshing getaway, surrounded by nature and steeped in the Bavarian Village tradition. It is conveniently located across from Betty's Country Store.
Their roomy suite, featuring a fireplace and private patio, is ideal for small meetings, weddings, and family gatherings. Additionally, the motel offers spacious, air-conditioned rooms with telephones, cable TV, and fireplaces for a comfortable stay.
Strolling through the Downtown area feels like stepping into a fairy tale. While shopping and dining are great, Downtown Helen is also your starting point for outdoor fun.
All year round, Downtown hosts lively festivals and events. Experience the spirited Oktoberfest with its traditional music, dancing, and lots of beer. During Christmas, the town turns into a magical winter wonderland with sparkling lights, carolers, and cheerful markets.
People who love being outside can have fun hiking and biking on beautiful trails offered at Unicoi. There's a simple trail around the lake, a tough one to Anna Ruby Falls, a nice three-mile path to downtown Helen, and a rough 7.5-mile trail just for bikers.
In the summer, you can swim at the cool mountain lake and rent canoes. All year long, the park staff put on great events like craft festivals, concerts, and educational hikes about animals.
While wandering around the lovely Bavarian-style town, you might find Fox Winery. Unlike other wineries, this attractions in Helen GA doesn't make its wines.
Instead, it's a place where you can try wines from three different Georgia wineries: Fox Vineyards, Horse Creek Vineyards, and Still Pond Vineyards. They let you taste their wines for free, so you can figure out which ones you like best before buying any.
Begin your adventure with a scenic view and end it with a series of stunning waterfalls and cascades along the Dukes Creek Falls Trail. This spot might be the Helen Georgia points of interest for hikers looking for exciting trails.
The trek to the falls starts with a 0.8-mile pathway weaving through a lush forest beside Dukes Creek. The path is moderately challenging, with some uphill stretches and rocky areas. As you walk, you'll hear the soothing sound of rushing water, building up excitement for the main attraction.
Bring along a tasty picnic, dip your feet in the stream, search for cool rocks, or simply stroll beside the river. And if you're up for it, you can also float along on tubes. The Chattahoochee River has activities for everyone to enjoy.
Make sure to carve out some time to hang out by the riverbank. The crystal-clear water and laid-back atmosphere at this Helen GA attractions are unbeatable. By the end of the afternoon, you'll feel all your stress melting away.
Enjoy breathtaking scenery and exceptional wines at Yonah Mountain Vineyards. Inside, you'll find an octagonal bar and ceiling, offering stunning vistas of the vineyard, along with a warm fireplace, and local artwork.
For an extra special experience, sign up for the Cave Tour and Tasting. You'll get to explore Georgia's only known wine cave, hear fascinating tales about "the oldest mountain in the world," and sample wines that are still aging.
Things to in Helen GA for antique collectors is to visit the Nacoochee Antiques. Located in the charming 1876 Martin House, this mall offers a special ambiance that beautifully mixes the olden days with modern times.
Inside, you'll discover three floors packed with collections from over 40 vendors, showcasing a wide variety of antiques and collectibles. It's a cute little detour on your journey to Helen, offering plenty of fantastic finds for enthusiasts of all kinds.
