Helen, GA
The alpine village and your base for Anna Ruby Falls, Raven Cliff Falls and Unicoi.
Helen is more than the Oktoberfest strip. Tubing on the Chattahoochee, Unicoi State Park, a hilltop castle, the Sautee Nacoochee Valley and four waterfalls within 20 minutes all sit just outside the alpine-style downtown.
This page pulls every Helen guide into one place: the full town guide, the two waterfall hikes and where to eat when you've had enough schnitzel.
- Drive time
- About 1 hour 30 minutes from Atlanta
- Best time to go
- Weekdays, spring for waterfalls, and October weekdays for fall color. Skip Oktoberfest weekends and peak summer Saturdays.
- Parking
- Paid lots throughout downtown. Park once and walk, since the core is small.
- Waterfall fees
- Anna Ruby Falls is $6 per person ages 16 and up. Raven Cliff Falls is $5 per vehicle.
Start here
The whole town, beyond the strip.
Things to Do in Helen, GA Besides Oktoberfest
Tubing the Chattahoochee, a hilltop castle, Unicoi State Park, four waterfalls within 20 minutes and where to eat.
Read the guideExplore more around Helen
Waterfalls and trails near town.
Anna Ruby Falls
Georgia's twin waterfall, with an easy walk and a big payoff.
Raven Cliff Falls
The creekside hike to a waterfall that falls through a cliff, not off one.
12 Best Waterfalls in North Georgia
Ranked by difficulty, with fees and distances, including Dukes Creek Falls.
Want the whole Helen trip planned for you?
Helen is one of five trips in North Georgia Weekends ($79): a full Friday to Sunday with three places to stay and a rain plan for each stop.
Where to eat in Helen
All six are in the Helen guide.
- The HeidelbergNorth Main. Old-school German: jägerschnitzel, spaetzle and potato pancakes.
- HofbräuhausA big dining room and the giant pretzel with beer cheese.
- Francesco'sHomemade pasta and rooftop seating. Open late, which is rare in Helen.
- Cowboys & AngelsSteaks, trout and shrimp and grits, with a patio and live music some nights.
- Bigg Daddy'sThe crowd-pleaser menu, with fried green tomatoes and fish and chips.
- JumpinGoat Coffee RoastersHelen Highway. A tasting room facing Mount Yonah. Opens at 8:30.
Helen, GA FAQ
Is Helen, GA worth visiting?
Yes, as long as you treat the downtown strip as one stop rather than the whole trip. The waterfalls, state park, castle and Sautee Nacoochee Valley within 15 minutes make the area worth a weekend.
What is there to do in Helen besides shopping?
Tube the Chattahoochee, hike Unicoi State Park, visit Anna Ruby Falls, tour the castle above town, ride the mountain coaster and use Helen as a base for four major waterfalls.
When is tubing season in Helen?
Roughly late spring through early fall, depending on water levels and weather. Call the outfitters the morning of.
Is Helen crowded during Oktoberfest?
Very. Expect heavy traffic, full parking lots and restaurant waits on Oktoberfest weekends.
More North Georgia towns
Each one has a local's guide with what to do, where to eat and how to plan the day.
Want company on the trail?
The Explore Georgia Hiking Club is free, and every pace is welcome.
More in North Georgia, or find a trip by drive time.