Traveling to Helen, Georgia? Georgia’s third most visited city, there are many things you can do in the Alpine town of Helen. We have the top five places you can go and try!
1. Ride on the Georgia Mountain Coaster
How about riding a roller coaster down the mountain and through the woods in Alpine Helen, Georgia?
The coaster is one of the must-try outdoor activities when you are in Helen.
The first alpine coaster in Georgia allows people of all ages. The coaster runs as fast as 25 mph in a cart that moves along a tubular steel rail system. You control the speed, whether you like it slow or fast!
Enjoy the wonderful views while riding. This is surely an unforgettable experience.
Located at 8409 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545, this is only a 12-minute drive from cabin rentals in Georgia.
2. A trip to the Anna Ruby Falls
One of the favorite places to go by most people, Anna Ruby Falls is a pair of beautiful waterfalls cascading in tandem through the North Georgia forest. The falls plunge more than 150 ft on the paved trail from the visitor information center. There are toilets, picnic tables, drinking water, and parking available. The area is fully accessible from the Lion’s Eye Trail to the picnic area with signs along the trail in braille and can accommodate people in wheelchairs.
Bringing your furry dog? You are allowed to! Dogs can use the Anna Ruby Falls Trail but just remember to keep your furry friend on a leash.
There are lookouts on both sides of the combined creek just downstream from the two creeks where you can view Anna Ruby Falls from a few different angles. The walk from the paved parking lot to the viewing platforms is 0.4 miles each way (0.8 miles round-trip) along a mostly gentle paved uphill path.
Depending on how busy the area is, walking can take you about 30 minutes to complete.
What to wear?
Be sure to wear a pair of comfortable walking shoes since the trail can be wet and slippery.
Is there a fee?
Yes, as of this writing, there is a fee of $3.00 per person (ages 16 and up) to visit Anna Ruby Falls.
What hours and days is it open?
Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. No one is admitted on the trail after 4 PM.
If you love hiking, nature viewing, and picnicking, this is the right place to go.
Address: 3455 Anna Ruby Falls Rd Helen, GA 30545
3. Shoot the hooch in the Chattahoochee River
Extremely popular adventure especially during summer, Chattahoochee River tubing should be included in your must-to-do list while in Helen. Having 400 miles of rapids, it is one of the best ways to experience the great outdoors.
Where do you start?
Where you begin depends on the rental company you choose to get your equipment from. To check the boat rentals, please see the list here.
If you start tubing in Alpine Helen, you will be surrounded by refreshing forest scenery on a lively tubing trip down the Chattahoochee River. You can also have optional waterslides along the way!
What should you bring?
Don’t forget to wear light clothing or a swimsuit. Make sure you put on some sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and other sun necessities. Bring your drinks while you float down the river. Most of the rental companies will allow you to rent a tube for your cooler.
As for safety precautions, bring a life vest or rent one from a rental company. Always carry it with you. Please do not dive in the river and do not bring any styrofoam or glass. It can injure you, other tubers, and the wildlife. Wear rubber-soled water shoes as they will come in handy if you have been thrown from your inner tube in a mini-rapid.
Choose a closed bottom inner tube as soon as the temperature starts to descend which happens after Labor Day.
4. Play golf in the Alpine Mini Golf
With breathtaking flower gardens, the miniature golf is situated at the south end of Helen on Main St. You can either play golf or eat ice cream from Scoop De Scoop Ice Cream Parlour. The area has free parking, party facilities, family-friendly, and pet-friendly. This is a fun spot for kids of all ages.
5. Enjoy wine at the Habersham Vineyards and Winery
Love wine or vineyards? This winery has been producing award-winning Georgia wines since 1983. It is also the state’s largest and oldest wineries with more than 150 medals awarded in both national and international competitions. This is situated just one-half mile from the Alpine Helen.
Facility amenities include free parking, parking on-site, a gift shop, public restrooms, and self-guided tours. Their popular Habersham and Creekstone labels include varietal vinifera wines and also blended wines using vinifera and French-American grapes. They also use French, American, and Hungarian Oak Barrels with many of their wines.
Address: 7025 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545
Whatever you choose to do, Helen is just more than a bustling, artistic shopping district. Enjoy delicious German cuisine in this Bavarian Alpine village with its cobblestone streets.
