Photo of Farrow Peacock, courtesy of McGowan Peacock
Helen is host to a variety of activities, such as hiking and whitewater rafting, and is one of the most gorgeous wildernesses on the planet. If you're looking for some attractive places to enjoy some fresh air and relaxation, here are a few of the best of Georgia's Forests & State Parks in the area.
The next time you visit the north Georgia mountains and stay in the Helen area, plan for a family adventure on an exciting coaster ride through the woods!
A lot of people don't know this, but Helen is actually the third most-visited town in Georgia, only beaten out by Atlanta and Savannah. That's pretty good for the best little German town in America with a population of only 543 people!
On a sunny summer day in Helen Georgia, you take a look up the Chattahoochee River. What's that you see floating towards you? Is it a strange flock of colorful river birds? An extraterrestrial being from outer space? Some new mutation of algae? No! It's a flotilla of inner tubes engaged in an essential northern Georgia past time — tubing.
There are many interesting destinations you can visit in North Georgia during the summer months. There is just no shortage of it!
According to the Champion Traveler website, the best times to visit are March 26th to June 3rd.
Here are some of the nice places to visit in North Georgia during the warmer months and have that summer fun in the North Georgia mountains. Some of these items are 'off the beaten track', so you might be able to enjoy hanging with the locals instead of the crowds.
This blog post is part of “THINGS TO DO ULTIMATE GUIDE HELEN,GEORGIA” blog series.
There are more holidays to celebrate in Helen than Oktoberfest!
If you've only ever traveled to the North Georgia mountains for Helen's Oktoberfest celebration, you need to return and see what else the area has to offer. There are exciting things to do in North Georgia the entire year, and you shouldn't wait until Oktoberfest to return!
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 is 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
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
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?
You need a good home base for your hiking adventure, and Cedar Creek Cabin Rentals has over 30 luxury cabins for you to relax in at the end of your fun day. Below is just one kind of cabin we offer, our popular treehouses. Click the button below to see more and get your adventure started!
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.
This blog post is part of “DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO ROMANTIC GETAWAY IN NORTH GEORGIA” blog series.
Sure, you could pick up a card or wait for hours for a table at a restaurant with hundreds of other couples, but nothing says 'I love you' better than saying 'Honey, let's go away by ourselves for a few days'!
