Georgia is home to the number one Christmas town in the US - Helen. According to a new study from mydatingadviser.com, Helen has ranked the first spot out of 152 towns to celebrate Christmas. It is also in the second spot when it comes to Most Christmas Activities and the fourth spot in Best For Food. 

In October, as the clouds gather beneath a full moon and the bats start to swirl, visitors flock to North Georgia for some of the spookiest attractions around! Why go to some plastic-coated theme park for the scariest night of the year, when you could be spending All Hallow's Eve in a natural forest, possibly, in your very own secluded cabin!

Fall is in the air. Experience one of the longest-running fall foliage seasons in the world in North Georgia. There are plenty of trees with different shades of vibrant reds, yellows, oranges, and browns. If you're ready to be bedazzled by the fall colors, here are the places you can visit near Helen, Georgia.

Blue Ridge Mountains

In early October, the leaves begin to change in the higher elevations in the mountain. By early November the leaves then work their way to the lower elevations. The intensity of color often varies greatly mile-to-mile. 

Having been canceled last year due to the pandemic, Oktoberfest in Helen, Georgia is finally here! So what's in store for you?

Helen's biggest celebration is running from September 9-12, September 16-19, September 23-26, and reopens again on September 30 which will run through the entire month of October. Enjoy German music, lots of dancing, food, and drinks.

This is the longest-running Oktoberfest in the US and this year will be its 50th celebration! There are German-style bands from around the country. While German tunes are played, there are also modern favorites. But 90% of all music played at the event must be Bavarian to take away the traditional authentic German experience. The bands performing this year include Yodel Blitz, The Czechers, Prost, Squeeze Box, Alpenmusikanten, Europa and Martin Gross und sein Sonnenschein Express. Dance the polka and others. Are you ready for the chicken dance?

The festivities will happen at the riverside Helen Festhalle where there are rows of long tables so you can eat and drink while watching the shows. Festhalle is located at 1074 Edelweiss Strasse in Helen. You can buy your tickets at the door. The event is kid-friendly. Active and retired military gets free admission but on Sundays, everyone gets in free. If you cannot go to the festivity, you can watch what's going on at the Festhalle live here.

Image courtesy to owner

Many people will be dressed in traditional attire, lederhosen, and dirndls.

The parade at noon on September 11, 2021, in downtown Helen, marks the start of the celebration. The parade starts on Edelweiss Strasse near the Festhalle, turns on the Chattahoochee Strasse, turns on to the Main Street, and ends at the Betty's Country Store.

Image courtesy of the owner

There is a ceremonial tapping of the keg. Plenty of German food you can try at the Hofer's of Helen, Cafe International, Bodensee, The Troll Tavern, and other restaurants in town. 

What should you bring?

Bring your ID with you as you will be asked for identification. Don't forget to bring cash since most parking lots accept cash only and you may want to tip servers and musicians with cash.

Where to stay for Oktoberfest?

Accommodations book up for Oktoberfest quickly so make plans in advance. Cedar Creek Cabin Rentals cabins are popular options for the amenities whether you are traveling with your partner, family, or group. Many of our cabins have hot tubs, sauna, full kitchens, firepit, and jacuzzi. 

The weather will still be warm and it only gets cooler in late October. The Georgia mountains by then will be bursting with fall colors. The fall colors of the leaves are an annual display that attracts many people to enjoy nature and it also coincides with the Oktoberfest schedule.

Are you going to the Oktoberfest this year? Share your experience!

Our dreamy treehouse cabins are perched high above the ground and have views for days. You will love staying inside with all its comfort and convenience. But if you want to explore the outdoors, we have places we recommend going. These places are not too far away from our luxurious treehouse cabins.

There are many interesting destinations you can visit in North Georgia during the summer months. There is just no shortage of it! Here are some of the nice places to visit in North Georgia during the warmer months.

When you are on vacation, is hiking one of your to-do activities? One of the great outdoor activities, hiking is one of the easiest to organize and rewarding to do. Not only is it a good way to exercise but it also makes you appreciate the natural beauty around you. 

Before you go for a hike, remember to wear your hiking boots, bring lots of water, put on sunscreen, and wear weather-appropriate attire.

Here are the best hiking trails you can go in Helen, Georgia:

1. Anna Ruby Falls

A 0.9-mile trail, it features a beautiful waterfall and is good for all skill levels. Accessible throughout the whole year round, the trail is used for hiking and nature trips. The trail is paved which leads to two observation decks and a picnic area if you want to stop by and appreciate the double waterfalls. Once you cross Smith Creek over a bridge, you will see luscious wildflowers and rocks thick with moss. The area is child and dog-friendly but you have to put the dog on a leash. The hike is pretty easy although the outbound trek is mostly uphill. And while the twin waterfalls are clearly the main attraction, the trail itself is a beautiful one.

2. Raven Cliff Falls Trail

Featuring a waterfall, the Raven Cliff Falls Trail is rated moderate and a 9.3-kilometer trail located near Helen, Georgia. Aside from hiking, you can go fishing and watching the wildlife. The trail follows a beautiful creek with several waterfalls. The majority of the trail is covered, well marked, and maintained. At the end of the trail is gorgeous waterfalls.

3. Duke’s Creek Falls in Chattahoochee National Forest

Photo credit to the owner

Considered a moderate trail, the Duke's Creek Falls Trail is kid and dog-friendly. It is just north of Helen and two miles out and back through a mountain stream-filled forest. There are viewing platforms where you can watch the gorgeous 150 ft tall drop of Duke's Creek Falls. You can go hiking, walking, or bird watching here. There are wooden boardwalks and stairs occasionally along the way and most of the trail is wide and flat with switchbacks. If you want to rest, there are also benches available.

4. Bottoms Loop at Unicoi

A two-mile loop is considered and rated moderate. As you hike, you will pass plenty of rhododendrons, mountain laurels, and hemlocks. The trail crosses several brooks and winds through a hardwood forest. It will then meet the rippling waters of Smith Creek. A beginner-friendly trail, it has compacted soil.

5. Ash Creek in Smithgall Woods

Rated slightly more difficult than the other trails, the Ash Creek Loop trails are at 3.8 miles round trip. There is a stream crossing and a covered bridge. The trail is mostly used for running and hiking. It is also a good chance to see wildlife.

6. Laurel Ridge Trail Loop

Photo credits to the owner

Accessible all year round, the trail is 2.6 kilometers and good for all skill levels. This trail offers pretty scenery with a nice mountain overlook at the top. There is a moderate incline and downhill and some loose gravel. Best to bring a walking stick and wear closed-toe shoes. The trail is well marked but some of the posts can be hard to see. Pay attention to the arrow directions on the posts.

7. Andrews Cove Trail

The trail is two miles and follows an old logging road up Andrews Cove to the Application Trail and Forest Service Rd 283 at Indian Grave Gap. The crease is deep along the trail. Above Andrews Creek, the mountain walls rise 1,000 ft. There is a stream.

8. Tallulah Gorge North and South Rim Trails

This is a heavily trafficked loop trail and rated it as moderate. 1.8 mile, the trail is accessible all year-round and dog-friendly. There are waterfalls. The hike allows you to watch stunning views of the canyon's rim without making a difficult descent into the gorge. 

Which trail are you keen to go? 

Cabins you can stay after hiking

Luxurious Treehouses

Relax in our luxurious and private treehouses with spa-like amenities. Reconnect with nature and wildlife as you fill your lungs with clean and fresh air on a walk along our private tracks. The treehouses will give you a true sense of home and comfort in the wilderness but not too far from civilization. 

These treehouses are perfect for romantic weekends or a relaxing break with a small family as it accommodates four people. After your hike, this is the ultimate immersion in nature and comfort.

BOOK THE TREEHOUSES NOW