This blog post (Outdoor Adventures Abound In & Around Helen Georgia) is part of the “YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE NORTH GEORGIA OUTDOORS” blog series.
If we are not careful the drudgeries of this fast-paced world can weigh us down. An individual can work in an office or trade a job day in and day out. After a time frustration can set in and with those frustrations, individuals can lose their peace of mind. They wait impatiently for the day that they can hear the one word that will set their hearts free: vacation.
The thing about vacations is that some of them can cause just as many frustrations as our jobs, particularly when it comes to large crowds, long lines, and exorbitant expenses that go into theme park vacations. If one seeks rest and relaxation they need look no further for North Georgia mountain getaways than Helen, Georgia.
When you visit Helen, Georgia, you’ll have an abundance of choices for filling up your desire for adventure. Whether you are hiking a trail, fishing, or touring waterfalls, you will enjoy picture-perfect destinations. We at Cedar Creek want to share with you some of the adventures we believe you will not want to miss. So, sit back, grab your favorite drink, and read below about adventures that can transform from dream to reality for you and your family or friends!
Hiking The Appalachian Trail
No visit to the Georgia Mountains would be complete without some time spent on the beautiful Appalachian Trail located near Cedar Creek Cabin rentals. With easy access to the trail from Amicalola Falls State Park and our luxury cabins, visitors can enjoy long hikes without having to sleep on the ground or eat dinner from cans. Spend just a few days or a full day on the Appalachian and then return to the privacy and comfort of the north Georgia cabin.
Hiking is a very popular hobby for some, but for those of you who are looking for a brand new adventure, hiking up the Appalachians is going to be a fantastic treat if you’re looking for something to do that will literally take your breath away.
Adventurous Parks to Visit
Unicoi State Park
Unicoi State Park has a plethora of adventures to immerse yourself in while staying at Cedar Creek cabins for rent in Helen GA. There is so much opportunity you don’t want to miss for outdoor adventure in this state park.
You can go canoeing or rent a paddleboat here. Swimming and fishing in the lake are also popular activities if you want to experience the area and not just view it from a distance. There is a beach house and an area with covered picnic tables.
Anna Ruby Falls
A half-mile paved walk leads you up from the parking lot and visitors center to a scenic deck where you can relax with nature and view the falling waters. Remember to bring your camera to capture some breathtaking views. Pack a picnic, spread a tablecloth over one of the tables, and enjoy a meal before or after your hike.
Smithgall Woods State Park
This park is a great place to go hiking or bicycling. There are 23 miles of trails for taking an adventure and exploring. You can also take a special tour where you can view all of the gorgeous surroundings and take pictures for memories.
Black Forest Bear Park
If you are a risk-taker, this is the park for you. The views are glorious and the wildlife is flourishing. And, if you are daring enough, you can even feed the bears.
Enjoy Breathtaking Mountain Views
North Georgia is known for its incredible landscape and beautiful mountain views. Although you can experience the mountain beauty from any of the cabins near Helen, GA there are specific locations that offer the most remarkable views.
Walasi-yi Center at Neels Gap
This historical building located on the eastern side of Blood Mountain offers a beautiful southern mountain view and is the only man-made structure that the Appalachian Trail crosses. You can reach this iconic Georgia spot by driving along Highway 19-129 near Dahlonega.
Brasstown Bald
Easily accessible via GA 180, Brasstown Bald provides guests with an incredible, panoramic view of the North Georgia mountains. From this vantage point, you can see in all directions, and on a clear day, you can view the tall buildings of downtown Atlanta. A shuttle is available to transport guests from the parking lot to the mountaintop observation point.
Waterfalls
While the Appalachian Trail holds plenty of allure, it is by no means the only picturesque spot near Helen, GA. The Chattahoochee National Forest is full of beautiful waterfalls with many located about a mile from parking areas making them an easy destination for visitors of all ages.
When you are touring waterfalls near Helen, GA you never know what you might see. Taco Bell made a couple’s dream come true at Raven Cliff Falls! Whether you see love unfolding or not, you will be amid the peaceful mountain landscapes and in the heart of Waterfall Country. Below are a few that might not be on your radar:
Falls on Jones Creek
Two very different falls are created by Jones Creek about 18 miles north of Dahlonega. The first set consists of three individual, parallel falls that exit a rocky cliff. The second set of falls is a long, sliding cascade into a crystal-clear pool below. These falls are accessible by taking Highway 52 toward the Etowah River and then using local fire service roads.
Desoto Falls
Located in the Chattahoochee National Forest is part of the Desoto Falls Scenic Area, and this set of waterfalls is created by Frogtown Creek. These falls are easily accessed by taking US 19 north from Dahlonega past Turners Corner.
Paradise Cabin
This cabin boasts a view of a bustling private waterfall. It is situated so you and your loved ones can hike to the falls and picnic or sit on your deck enjoying your early morning cup of coffee or an evening glass of wine while soaking in the sounds of nature’s falling water.
Fishing
The area around Helen, GA has some of the most famous fishing areas in the world and even non-fishermen can enjoy the beauty of the Georgia Mountain rivers and lakes. Check out the Chattahoochee River and Duke’s Creek for trout fishing, and Smith Lake for trout, bluegill, crappie, and catfish.
Unicoi Outfitters
Bring your personal fishing gear or pay a visit to Unicoi Outfitters for fly-fishing gear and perhaps some valuable advice. They can steer visitors to the best fishing sites and offer instructions on how to hook a big fish. They can also point visitors to a spectacular privately-owned 1.5-mile stretch of the Chattahoochee River. These are spots where you can fish for trophy rainbow and brown trout.
Dukes Creek
Another great spot for anglers. In fact, Southern Living Magazine called Dukes Creek the “holiest of holies in Georgia trout-catching circles”. In Unicoi State Park anglers can catch the whole array of trout – brown, brook, and rainbow – as well as catfish, bluegill, and bass.
Peaceful Creeks and Local Rivers
If casting a line isn’t on your agenda, enjoy the beauty of the local lakes and rivers. Bring a picnic and relax while you enjoy the beauty of the Georgia Mountains.
Just as the North Georgia landscape is marked by waterfalls, the rivers and creeks are synonymous with the mountain beauty adjacent to cabins near Helen, GA. Whether you discover a small babbling creek, a flowing rapid stream, or a larger roaring river you’re certain to fall in love with the local waters.
Etowah River
Nearly 165 miles long, this river rises from the North Georgia mountains to welcome guests seeking refuge in the movement of a peaceful river. Several falls along the river break up the river and provide a remarkable viewing of its beauty. At about three-and-a-half miles beyond the Castleberry Bridge, the river disappears into a one-quarter-mile abandoned mining tunnel.
Nottely River
This river begins in the upper regions of the Chattahoochee National Forest and runs through Union County. Its gentle current is perfect for searching out a quiet cove for a picnic or an afternoon of relaxation. The Nottely River is also sought by fishermen looking for a calm river full of native fish.
Swimming
For those hot summer days when the blazing sun is beating down on your body, a dip in the Chattahoochee River offers a welcome respite. Both the Chattahoochee River and Smith Lake at Unicoi State Park offer visitors an escape to enjoy some time swimming.
Tubing
Cool River Tubing is our best recommendation for Helen visitors. They are inexpensive and have sturdy tubes.
White Water Rafting
The Chattooga River and Tiger Creek are made for intermediate and advanced rafters. For beginners and those who plan to take their family for a day filled with adventure and delight, the Chattahoochee and Soque Rivers are the best choices and also offer breathtaking scenery.
Gold Panning
At Crisson Gold Mine, anyone can experience what the folks during the Georgia Gold Rush experienced from 1828-1933. Panning for gold is a fun and educational experience for the entire family. Children delight in the underground tour at Consolidated Gold Mines in Dahlonega, about a 40-minute drive from Helen. After the tour, they give little explorers the ability to try some gold panning of their own.
Horseback Riding
If there are people who love horses but find no opportunities for horseback riding in the city, guests of Helen, GA vacation rentals can ride to their heart’s content. Pay a visit to Sunburst Stables for a mountain trail ride. Rides into the Chattahoochee National Forest can be fun for the whole family and a welcome chance to create unforgettable memories with loved ones.
Riders can experience the beauty of the mountains by taking the scenic moonshine still ride, a two-hour lunch ride, or a three-hour sunset ride that leads up to a high mountain where riders can snack on trail mix or spread a blanket and watch the golden sunset behind the majestic horizon.
Zip Line Tours
Get an unforgettable adrenaline rush while Zip-lining. Sunburst Stables, North Georgia Canopy Tours, and ZipNTime offer zip-line tours. Enjoy the scenery as you zip past the trees and woodland creatures that stir on the forest floor.
Wherever you choose to take your zip line tour, the experience you gain will be unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
Richard Russell Scenic Highway
For those who want a break from the activities of hiking, fishing, or any other outdoor adventures, we recommend you enjoy a car ride along the picturesque Richard Russell Scenic Highway.
You can enter the highway in Helen, GA, and wind your way past Dukes Creek Falls and Raven Cliffs Trails. You’ll cross over the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and end at Brasstown Bald, where you can enjoy the view of Atlanta and even South Carolina from this highest point in Georgia.
Helen, GA
Helen is a beautiful little town with numerous restaurants, galleries, stores, and activities for people of all ages for an authentic Bavarian experience. Enjoy a day of shopping and sample delicious German fare. Take a stroll, enjoy shopping the local businesses, and be sure to sample the delicious German fare
Whether starting or ending the day in the town of Helen, GA, our luxury cabin rental guests will enjoy touring the old Bavaria Alpine-styled village.
How To Enjoy The Outdoors and Rough It During Your Cedar Creek Cabin Rental Stay
Cabins near Helen, GA provide guests with a secluded getaway in the heart of the North Georgia mountains. Many guests who seek a cabin rental in Helen, GA are looking for an escape from their everyday lives; they want to find relaxation and rejuvenation while marveling at the beauty of the local landscape. Since every cabin is different, with a unique location and one-of-a-kind features, each guest’s experience is special. However, all cabins allow guests to experience the most beautiful parts of the North Georgia mountains.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway or a longer family vacation, look no further than the cabin rentals in north Georgia. The beautiful, all-wood, private cabins offer breathtaking views of the Appalachian foothills and come in a variety of sizes with amazing amenities to suit any vacationer’s needs.
Choose from views of creeks and waterfalls so you’re surrounded by the sound of running water. Or, choose a cabin where you can sip your coffee on the deck while taking in breathtaking views of mountains and the rolling Georgia hills. With all the amenities and views, you can relax during your entire vacation and leave the sounds of your busy life behind you.
If kicking your feet up for the weekend makes you restless, heed the call of exploration in the gorgeous natural surroundings of the North Georgia mountains. Adventure awaits just outside your cabin door.
Health Benefits of Fresh Mountain Air
The idea that vacationing in the mountains can provide positive health effects is not new. In fact, Albert Einstein researched the benefits of mountain air when attempting to discover TB treatment options for his sister. He concluded that higher ion levels were more plentiful in higher altitudes, which is what makes the air purer and healing. Research by the University of Innsbruck in Australia expanded further upon Einstein’s findings and revealed that people who holiday in moderate to high altitudes, like those found near the rental cabins in Helen GA, have lower blood pressure and heart rates, are able to lose weight easier and sleep better.
How is this possible? Again, it all comes back to the high levels of negative ions. Mountainous and forested areas are typically charged with these negative ions, which have a positive effect making it easier for guests of the north Georgia mountains to recuperate, relax, and refresh.
The concentration of negative ions found in mountainous regions is generally between 2000-4000 ions per cubic centimeter. And when you add the fact that a waterfall can provide an additional 1,000,000 negative ions per cubic centimeter, it’s easy to see that the rental cabins in Helen GA are perfectly positioned to provide numerous health benefits to visitors – especially when compared to the mere 100-200 negative ions per cubic centimeter found in typical indoor environments, like hotels.
In addition to the high charge of negative ions found in the mountainous air, fresh, clean oxygen is just good for the soul. Being able to escape from all of the toxins in the air back at home will make you feel lighter and younger, and will enable you to enjoy many more outdoor activities. And because the air is so clean, you will be able to look out upon the magnificent views for miles and miles, which will only add to your sense of peace and serenity.
Experience Star Power
This location is going to revive your spirit like no other. Who doesn’t want to see the stars without the city lights? Stars are beautiful and amazing, with small diamonds scattered across the black velvet sky. It is one of the most poetic scenes in life. Looking for a place where stargazing is without the disturbance of city lights can be such a hassle. Luckily, when staying at some luxury cabin rentals, North GA rocks when it comes to star power.
While cabins provide various daytime views of mountains, creeks, waterfalls, and woods, every one of their cabins has a front-row seat to meet the stars. With a multitude of sizes and ample privacy, cabin rentals in North Georgia are perfect for the whole family, or a couple’s getaway. Groups of friends may stay and share a large cabin or get cabins located near one another. No matter who attends, they are all bound to fall in love with the many beautiful and varied landscapes of a mountain cabin.
If you have a different idea of stargazing in mind, there are plenty of engaging activities taking place in one of the nearby, mountain towns. The Alpine village of Helen, GA comes alive at night with outdoor dining and live entertainment. Dahlonega, GA is just up the winding road apiece, and it gets a second wind at night, as well. Visitors who dine at the Crimson Moon Café may savor fine, mountain cuisine while enjoying live, talented musicians; some artists just getting started and some well-known names frequenting the popular North Georgia hangout.
When the day is done and visitors return to their cabin rentals, North GA is still shining brightly with a welcoming reception. Coming back to a cabin with the amenities of home, surrounded by trees, grass, mountains, and creeks can give one such a relaxed feeling. Breathing fresh air and being away from the city’s hustle and bustle can truly reward a soul with its much-needed peaceful and healthy living. And on a clear, crisp night, the beautiful North Georgia sky shines her light down, reminding every visitor of the pristine mountains.
Nature is beautiful, in every aspect, of the North Georgia Mountains, but the attraction doesn’t stop there. When do you enjoy the Georgia mountains most; day or night?
We’d love to hear your comments on this blog post and learn how North Georgia shines for you.
This blog post is part of the “YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE NORTH GEORGIA OUTDOORS” blog series.
