7 Fun & Adventurous Things To Do in Helen, Georgia

Hidden away in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia, there's a tiny little town that's got a huge personality, and it's all about the adventures. Helen's got those super colourful Bavarian-style buildings, amazing mountain views, and the best part is, there's loads of room to get outdoors and have a blast. Whether you want to drift lazily down a river, chase up waterfalls, hike along the scenic trails, or literally fly through the trees on a zipline, Helen has it all. This guide to 7 fun and adventurous things to do in Helen, Georgia, will help you figure out where to find the most fun, fresh air, and those feel-good moments, too, so you can spend all that time actually having fun and leaving the planning to someone else.

The Georgia Mountain Coaster is an alpine coaster that sends thrill-seekers flying through the forested slopes just outside Helen, the fun city in north Georgia. You get to control your own speed on this gravity-powered ride, so you can either cruise through the woods at a leisurely pace or let it rip and see how fast you can go. The track is a single winding route with some wicked curves, dips that'll make you feel like you're floating, and long stretches where you can open up and really move. And because each cart's designed for one or two riders, you can bring a friend along for the ride and share the fun. Each cart is fitted with safety belts and automatic brakes, so you don't have to worry about anything. The elevated track gives you a real bird's-eye view of the surrounding mountains and woodland as you zip through. And whether you're visiting in the spring, summer, fall, or winter, the coaster delivers a different kind of fun every time. Evening rides are extra special, with track lighting that makes the whole place feel like it's glowing. It is one of the best Helen attractions.

Anna Ruby Falls is a pretty amazing spot, featuring two separate waterfalls: one that drops a whopping 153 feet and a smaller one that plunges 50 feet. They're both formed by Curtis Creek and York Creek, which feed into the Chattahoochee National Forest. You can get up close and personal with these natural wonders on a paved half-mile trail that leads from the parking lot to an observation platform right at the base of the falls. Along the way, you'll get to see some pretty beautiful hardwood forests and even cross over a few bridges and stairs to get a better look. The area's got plenty of picnic spots and informative signs to tell you all about the history and geology of the place. And the best part? Anna Ruby Falls has water flowing all year round, so you can bet you'll see these impressive waterfalls no matter when you visit.

If you're looking for some real history and culture during your visit to Helen, then you've got to check out the Sautee Nacoochee Indian Mound. This is a 1,000-year-old earthwork that's been beautifully preserved, and it's a real treat to explore. The mound itself is about 17 feet above the valley floor, and it's got a great view of Sautee Valley from the top. You can climb up to the platform using the wooden staircase and take in the scenery. The plaques down at the base of the mound will give you a real sense of the history and cultural significance of this place, and the area around it is just as interesting, with paths and open grassy spaces to explore. It's a really special spot, and it's definitely worth a visit if you're interested in learning more about the early days of Helen and the region.

Unicoi State Park is a real gem of the north Georgia countryside. This big park, covering over 1,000 acres of forest and countryside, is just waiting for you to come and explore. There are trails for hiking and mountain biking, plus you can paddle around Unicoi Lake in a kayak or on a paddleboard, or even fish in the water. And if you're feeling really adventurous, there are ziplining and archery programs on offer. But that's not all, there are trails up to the top of some rocky ridges, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. And if you're planning to stay overnight, the park's got a campground and cabins for you to choose from.

If you're looking for a fun way to spend a warm day in Helen, then tubing on the Chattahoochee River is the way to go. Several outfitters in the area will provide everything you need: tubes, life vests, shuttle service, and access to the river. You can expect a relaxing two hours or so drifting down the river, enjoying the scenery of the forested banks and gentle rapids. And don't worry if you're not a confident swimmer, the water levels are controlled by the dam, so you can float along in safety.

Dukes Creek Falls is a real treat, a collection of cascading waterfalls hidden deep within the forest that's only accessible by a seriously steep, but still very scenic, hiking trail. The path is paved for most of the way, and as you make your way down the mountain, you'll pass through some seriously beautiful forested slopes, and you'll even get a chance to stop at some observation decks to take in the view of the rushing water below. It's a 2-mile round-trip hike, and they did install some stairs and handrails along the way to make it a bit easier (thankfully!). At the bottom, you'll find yourself in a gorgeous rocky gorge, surrounded by dense hardwood forest and lined with seasonal wildflowers and moss-covered stones; it's such a beautiful spot. And the real pièce de résistance is the lower viewing platform, where you can really get up close and personal with the waterfalls as they cascade down.

The Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway is a 41-mile stretch of scenic road that takes you deep into the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As you wind your way along this paved loop road, you'll pass through some of the most beautiful forested ridges, rolling valleys, and mountain overlooks you've ever seen. And what makes it even better is that you're not just driving along a road, you’re driving through some of the best scenic spots that North Georgia has to offer, with all sorts of pullouts, trailheads, and waterfall access points to stop off at along the way. You'll encounter all sorts of sharp curves, elevation changes, and sweeping panoramic views; it's a real rollercoaster of a drive. And of course, there are all sorts of places to stop off at along the way, like the summit of Brasstown Bald (the highest point in Georgia) and some of the other great spots like Hogpen Gap and Dukes Creek.

In a nutshell, from thrilling mountain coasters and scenic waterfalls to panoramic drives, these places to visit in Helen offer nonstop outdoor adventure.

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