Fall is officially here and it’s the perfect time of year to enjoy some hiking! Helen, GA experiences the perfect weather during the fall to comfortably enjoy a hike through the majestic fall foliage the northern part of our state. You’ll experience all of the regular sights and sounds of the numerous trails in a completely enhanced way as you view all of the brilliant hues of red and orange while hiking near your cabin rental. Helen, GA is truly the place to be during Autumn. So where should you go for the greatest views? Here are a few of the best trails near our luxurious cabins for hiking Helen, GA.
Appalachian Trail
Though this trail actually begins in Maine and covers 2,000 miles, we don’t expect you to hike through the 14 states that it passes through on your hiking expedition! The trail ends in the Chattahoochee National Forest at Springer Mountain which means there is plenty of distance to be covered in the the area near Helen alone.
The Appalachian Trail is a perfect place for hiking Helen, GA at any time of the year, however, it will be exceptionally beautiful during the fall months. While you are here, be sure to stop by Amicalola Falls to experience the tallest waterfall in Georgia.
Smithgall Woods
Taking a stroll in Smithgall Woods is a favorite of locals and visitors alike for hiking Helen, GA. The park will allow guests to explore five miles of nature trails which will be sure to give you a whole new look at Helen. There are trails that will give you a scenic look at Dukes Creek, or that will even take you through Dukes Creek in order to check out the woodlands which surround the waterway. As you hike, you will get a feel for the gold mining past of the area and you can even take a look into Martin’s Mine Shaft which now serves as a habitat for bats.
Cloudland Canyon State Park
This Park is located in Rising Fawn, GA and is considered by many to be one of the most scenic parks in the entire state of Georgia. The park itself is home to five separate hiking trails that range from easy to difficult. The shortest trail is 2 miles round trip while the more difficult trail is approximately 12 miles in and back. Regardless of which trail you elect to follow, you will enjoy rugged geology and magnificent fall colors all along your hike. You will be able to enjoy views from the peak of the canyon or from the canyon floor.
Anna Ruby Falls
Visitors to the Helen area simply cannot leave without visiting Anna Ruby Falls – a tourist favorite! You can access the double falls (which forms from both Curtis Creek and York Creek merging together) via Unicoi State Park. A short footpath leads to the falls complete with an observation deck for optimal viewing, however, you will also have the option to continue on to other trails for further exploring within the park. The sight of the falls during Autumn is all the more breathtaking.
Dukes Creek Falls
Another waterfall that you will want to see while hiking Helen, GA is Dukes Creek Falls which drops down 200 feet down to head off both Dukes Creek and its gorge. Because the 1.2 mile long trail is so well cared for, it is ideal for people of all skill levels and ages. As you walk, you will be mesmerized by all of the incredible fall colors mixed in with beautiful green ferns. The payoff of the trail is the falls and there are three separate observation decks for viewing it.
Raven Cliff Falls
For those visitors to the Helen area who would like to be given more of a challenge during their hike, Raven Cliff Falls is the perfect spot to go. The 5 mile hiking trail follows Dodd Creek and passes through beautiful trees so that you can enjoy exceptional fall colors. You will be graced with the opportunity to discover several small falls all along the path which will eventually lead to Raven Cliff Falls. This waterfall thunders down approximately 30 feet and it has actually eroded a block of granite into two halves over the centuries.
Andrews Cove
This is yet another great spot for Hiking in Helen, GA during the fall months. The trail itself is about two miles long and is perfect for hikers of all abilities as the majority of the trail follows an old logging road. The path passes through majestic Maple and Oak trees which are well known for their fabulous colors during autumn, and as you watch bright red leaves reflect in and float down Andrew’s Creek, your breath will be taken away.
Which of these gorgeous hiking trails will you explore first?
