01Outdoor Adventures
Zip lines, horseback rides, gem mining and off-road trails across the north Georgia mountains.
Things To Do
Things To Do in Helen GA
Helen packs a river, a national forest, a Bavarian village and eight weeks of Oktoberfest into a few walkable blocks. Here's how to spend your days.
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Seven ways to explore Helen
Pair one active thing with one relaxed thing each day and you'll never feel rushed.
01
02Family Activities
Mini golf, alpine slides, petting farms and rainy-day indoor fun the kids will remember.
03Romantic Experiences
Sunset overlooks, couples spa days, wine tastings and horse-drawn carriage rides.
04Water Activities
Tubing the Chattahoochee, kayaking, fly fishing and waterfall swimming holes.
05Hiking & Nature
Anna Ruby Falls, Unicoi State Park trails and the southern end of the Appalachian Trail.
06Attractions
Alpine village landmarks, museums, wildlife parks and the famous Helen tower views.
07Tours
Guided wine trails, history walks, brewery crawls and mountain jeep excursions.
Featured operators
Local outfitters and attractions
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Things To DoWater Activities
Alpine Tube Co.
4.7(2140 reviews)· $
Two-hour float trips down the Chattahoochee with shuttle service, life vests and cooler tubes. Sample listing content.
- 35 River Bend Road, Helen, GA 30545
- Memorial Day–Labor Day, 10am–6pm
Things To DoHiking & Nature
Anna Ruby Falls Outfitters
4.9(512 reviews)· $$
Guided waterfall hikes, trail shuttles and gear rentals for the trails around Unicoi State Park. Sample listing content.
- 1650 Anna Ruby Falls Road, Helen, GA 30545
- Daily 8am–6pm
Planning tips for Helen activities
Tubing season runs Memorial Day through Labor Day and depends on water levels — call ahead after heavy rain. Waterfall trails like Anna Ruby Falls fill their parking lots by 10am on summer and fall Saturdays, so go early or go on a weekday.
Cell service disappears on the mountain roads above town. Download offline maps before you head toward Brasstown Bald or the Richard Russell Scenic Highway, and bring layers — the summit is routinely fifteen degrees cooler than the village.
Frequently asked questions
Related guides
Family ActivitiesA family adventure itinerary built around short attention spans.Romantic ExperiencesCouples cabins, overlooks and quiet corners of the valley.Outdoor AdventuresTubing, waterfalls, Brasstown Bald and the trails worth the drive.Helen Weekend GuideFit the highlights into two nights without rushing.Best Restaurants in Helen GAWhere to eat between the river and the village.Helen GA EventsOktoberfest, Christkindlmarkt and the seasonal calendar.