Helen, Georgia, is one of those places that feels like you stepped into a completely different country without ever leaving the southeast. This tiny German-style town nestled in the North Georgia mountains is a perfect getaway for outdoor lovers, families, and anyone looking for a unique escape. From waterfalls to mountain peaks, Helen and the surrounding areas offer some of the most beautiful spots in the Southeast.
Long weekend in Helen, GA? Follow our footsteps! Above is a Map of places we visited!
Town of Helen
Helen itself is a quirky, charming little town that transports you straight to a German village. With its cobblestone streets, timber-framed buildings, and authentic German restaurants, it’s easy to forget you’re still in Georgia. If you visit in the fall, Oktoberfest is a huge deal here, with lively celebrations, beer, bratwurst, and plenty of music. Even outside of festival season, you’ll find plenty to do. Or during December you’ll find Christmas Markets, Lights, and Singing in the streets.
Grab a giant pretzel from one of the bakeries, browse the unique shops selling handmade crafts, or take a leisurely stroll along the Chattahoochee River that runs through town. There is ton of shopping in town, but if you’re more of the adventurous type, try out the alpine rollar coaster!
Anna Ruby Falls
If you’re in Helen, visiting Anna Ruby Falls is non-negotiable. This stunning twin waterfall is located just a short drive from downtown Helen, inside the Chattahoochee National Forest. The hike to the falls is only about half a mile on a paved trail, but it is an uphill battle. The reward? A breathtaking view of two waterfalls cascading down from Curtis and York Creeks.
There’s something incredibly peaceful about standing at the overlook, listening to the roar of the falls. If you want to keep exploring, the surrounding Unicoi State Park has plenty of additional hiking trails and scenic spots to check out.
Brasstown Bald – Highest Point in Georgia
For those who want to take in the best views in the state, a trip to Brasstown Bald is a must. Standing at 4,784 feet, this is the tallest point in Georgia, and the view from the observation deck is nothing short of spectacular. On a clear day, you can see four different states—Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina.
There’s a shuttle that takes visitors most of the way up, or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike the steep but rewarding 0.6-mile trail to the top. If you love photography, sunrise and sunset from Brasstown Bald are unbeatable.
Surrounding Area
While Helen itself is packed with charm, the surrounding area offers even more adventure. If you love hiking, the Yonah Mountain Trail is a challenging but rewarding trek with stunning views at the summit. For a more laid-back experience, try tubing down the Chattahoochee River—it’s one of the most popular summer activities here. Wine lovers will appreciate the local wineries like Habersham Winery, where you can sample North Georgia’s finest wines. If you’re traveling with kids, Babyland General Hospital, the birthplace of the Cabbage Patch Kids, is a fun and nostalgic stop just a short drive away.
No matter what brings you to Helen, GA, one thing’s for sure—you won’t run out of things to do. Whether you’re here for the nature, the culture, or just the fun atmosphere, this little Alpine town in the mountains has something for everyone.
Pictured: Helton Creek Falls
Our Itinerary
Day 1: Drive to Helen, GA. When we got in we enjoyed dinner and the view.
Day 2: Woke up and went to Hector Falls. Then onto Brasstown Bald where we saw the area from above. Afterwards we made our way to the town of GA. We had lunch at Muller’s and enjoyed the town.
Day 3: Woke up and went back to Helen for breakfast. Spent more time in the town and then went to Anna Ruby Falls where we hiked. Afterwards it was time for us to head home!
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