Anna Ruby Falls
Two creeks, two waterfalls, one short paved walk, about 20 minutes from downtown Helen
The short answer
$6
15 and under free
0.4 mi
9 AM to 6 PM
last ticket at 5
~20 min
about 6 miles
Most waterfalls make do with one stream. At Anna Ruby Falls, two creeks arrive at the same rock face and pour down side by side: Curtis Creek on the left, about 153 feet, and York Creek on the right, about 50 feet. Below them the two join and become Smith Creek, which you follow up the trail and which runs on to Unicoi Lake. Both creeks start high on Tray Mountain.
The falls sit in a 1,600-acre scenic area of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. The Forest Service owns the land and nonprofit FIND Outdoors runs the visitor site. That's why it feels like a separate stop from Unicoi State Park, even though you drive through the park to get here: different gate, different fee, different rules.
Hours, fees and rules
Checked with FIND Outdoors, October 2026
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Open | Every day, 9 AM to 6 PM, year-round |
| Last ticket | 5 PM. Restrooms and gift shop close at 5:30; the gate locks at 6 |
| Closed | Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day |
| Admission | $6 per person ages 16 and up; 15 and under free; parking included |
| Payment | Cash or card at the gatehouse |
| Georgia ParkPass | They don't take it here, and you don't pay Unicoi's fee just for driving through |
| Dogs | Welcome on a leash at all times |
| Groups over 10 | FIND Outdoors asks for at least 90 days' notice |
Season passes are no longer sold, so every visit is a day-use admission. Questions: 706-878-1448.
The walk to the falls
From the gatehouse and gift shop the paved trail follows Smith Creek upstream, over boulders and past rhododendron thickets, with benches where you can stop and catch your breath. It's only 0.4 mile each way, but parts of it are steep, so a quick walk for a fit hiker can feel like work for everyone else. The trail ends at two wooden observation decks facing the falls.
| Trail | Length | Surface | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anna Ruby Falls Trail | 0.4 mile each way | Paved, with steep sections | Follows Smith Creek up to two observation decks. Not wheelchair accessible. |
| Lion's Eye Trail | 0.1 mile | Paved, wheelchair accessible | Cable handrail and signs in print and braille, built for visitors with low vision. |
| Smith Creek Trail | About 4.6 miles each way | Natural surface | Connects the falls to Unicoi State Park. The park's own map lists it at 4.8 miles. |
For trail-by-trail detail, see our Anna Ruby Falls trails and creeks guide and the trail page.
Where the name comes from
The falls are named for Anna Ruby Nichols, the daughter of an early settler. Her father, Captain James Nichols, built the mansion that is now Hardman Farm State Historic Site in 1870, and Anna Ruby's bedroom is still part of the house. Hardman Farm sits in the Nacoochee Valley; see our Hardman Farm guide if you want to pair the two.
Events at the falls this fall
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Tue, Oct 13 | Native Plant Days | Listed by FIND Outdoors; check the site for the program |
| Sat, Oct 31 | Treats on the Trail | 2 to 5 PM. Trick-or-treating, crafts, games, a costume contest for people and dogs. Start at the gift shop. |
| Thu, Nov 19 | Native Plant Days | Listed by FIND Outdoors; check the site for the program |
Standard admission applies. Details on the Treats on the Trail page.
Tips for a better visit
Go at opening
The lot fills on Oktoberfest and leaf-season weekends. Arriving at 9 gives you the decks to yourself for a few minutes.
Go after rain
Both creeks run fuller after a good rain. In a dry spell the falls thin out, so check the weather first.
Wear real shoes
The path is paved, but it's wet near the creek and steep in places. Sneakers beat sandals.
Pair it with Unicoi
Unicoi State Park is on the way, with a 2.5-mile lake loop and lodge restaurants. Parking there needs the $10 ParkPass, and Anna Ruby's admission doesn't cover it.
More waterfalls nearby: Dukes Creek Falls and Raven Cliff Falls. In October, see fall color around Helen.
Anna Ruby Falls questions
How much does it cost to visit Anna Ruby Falls?
Admission is $6 for ages 16 and up, and free for children 15 and under. Parking is included, and you pay at the gatehouse by cash or card. They don't take the Georgia ParkPass, and you won't pay Unicoi State Park's fee just for driving through.
What are the hours at Anna Ruby Falls?
It's open every day from 9 AM to 6 PM, with the last ticket sold at 5 PM. The gate locks at 6. It's closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Call 706-878-1448 if ice or storms make the road look doubtful.
How far is Anna Ruby Falls from downtown Helen?
About 6 miles, or roughly 20 minutes without traffic. The road runs through Unicoi State Park, and traffic slows down on Oktoberfest and leaf-season weekends.
Is the trail to Anna Ruby Falls wheelchair accessible?
No. The 0.4-mile paved trail to the falls has steep sections that wheelchairs can't manage, according to FIND Outdoors. The 0.1-mile Lion's Eye Trail is paved and wheelchair accessible, and it has a cable handrail and braille signs.
Can you swim at Anna Ruby Falls?
Stay out of the water at the falls. For a swim, Unicoi State Park's lake is a short drive away.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes. Dogs are welcome on a leash at all times.
Where to Stay Near Anna Ruby Falls
Compare live prices on cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near Anna Ruby Falls across Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more, all on one map.
Live map powered by Stay22. We may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
