Did you know that a simple walk in the forest could make you smarter? It’s true! Scientists have discovered that spending time in nature, versus spending time in a busy city environment, improves our brain’s cognitive functioning abilities. So if you needed a reason to visit the Helen, GA mountain cabin rentals, you now have one.
The mountain cabin rentals in and around Helen, GA sit within some of the most beautiful wilderness and natural scenery in the country. Rolling mountains, dense forest canopies, breathtaking waterfalls and rushing rivers make this the ideal place to exercise your brain and let it become entranced by nature. So take a walk on the wild side this fall. Here are some of the best places to explore the wilderness around the GA cabin rentals.
Lake Russell
Water and nature seem to go hand in hand and Lake Russell in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is the best place to experience both. Make the Helen, GA cabin rentals your home base and head to Lake Russell for swimming, hiking, fishing and non-motorized boating. The 100-acre lake has a grassy beach leading to the swimming area. You can fish from your boat or off the dock for bass, bream, catfish, crappie and perch. Or, give your body and your mind a workout on one of the four hiking trails around the lake, including the six mile Lady Slipper Trail.
Anna Ruby Falls
Waterfalls have a mystical, magical quality. Maybe it’s the free falling water, the mist creating prisms in the air or the churning and gurgling of the pond below. Anna Ruby Falls just outside Helen certainly feel magical. This popular attraction boasts a twin waterfall with Curtis Creek plunging 153 feet and York Creek diving 50 feet down a cliff face to join with Smith Creek.
The falls are accessible to everyone with just a short half-mile, paved footpath to the main viewing area. There is also the Lion’s Eye trail for the visually impaired. More ambitious hikers can take the 4.6 mile hike along Smith Creek Trail that leads from the base of Anna Ruby Falls to Unicoi State Park. Think of the brain workout you’ll get on that hike!
Mountain Biking
Northern Georgia is known for it’s great mountain biking trails. The Stonewall Falls and White Twister Trails are popular with cyclists. These trails take you across Stonewall Creek four different times and ride you right past the beautiful Stonewall Falls. The White Twister trail gets it’s name from the winding, twisting path that takes you under and through the cool forest canopy. After your grueling ride, you can look forward to a warm soak in the hot tubs at the Helen, GA cabin rentals and gear up for your next run.
Brasstown Bald
Want to see for miles? Then make your way to the highest peak in Georgia, Brasstown Bald. This peak rises 4,784 feet above sea level making it the highest point in the state. From up here, you can peer out and see neighboring North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee as well as much of Georgia.
The half-mile summit trail is short, but steep so come prepared with good shoes (and binoculars). Spend some time in the Brasstown Bald Visitor Center, which includes a viewing platform, and historical information about this site.
You can also hike from Brasstown Bald to the historic Appalachian Trail via the Jacks Knob Foot Trail. The 4.5 mile hike will take you to the southern terminus of this landmark site where you can meet other nature lovers and hear stories of their cross country adventures.
Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway
If your time in the Helen, GA cabin rentals is short and you want to see as much nature as you can, hop in your car and hit the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway. This loop takes about three hours to drive (longer if you stop at the sites) and winds through the Chattahoochee National Forest. You’ll see Anna Ruby Falls, Brasstown Bald, portions of the Appalachian Trail and come across miles and miles of trailheads for short jaunts out into the woods. Be sure to pack a picnic to take advantage of the parks and day use areas you will come across. Each drive on the byway will be just a little different from the last.
So work out that brain of yours on your next vacation and expand your cognitive abilities by getting out into the wilderness around the Helen, GA cabin rentals. What do you plan to do first?
