A Waterfall Day Near Helen

Helen is a good base for waterfalls because the closest ones are 15 to 20 minutes from downtown. This plan strings together four easy-to-moderate falls in a day and shows where Raven Cliff Falls fits if you'd rather take the long hike. All of the stops are in or near the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.

For the full comparison of every waterfall, see our waterfalls near Helen guide.

Times are suggestions, with drive times from OSRM routing and fees from the Forest Service, FIND Outdoors and Georgia State Parks, all checked October 2026.

Anna Ruby Falls is the easy opener. The trail is paved, 0.4 mile each way, and follows Smith Creek to two wooden decks facing the falls: Curtis Creek on the left (about 153 feet) and York Creek on the right (about 50 feet). The trail has steep sections, so it's not wheelchair accessible, but the paved 0.1-mile Lion's Eye Trail is. Dogs are welcome on a leash. The gate is open 9 AM to 6 PM, with the last ticket at 5 PM. See the full Anna Ruby Falls guide.

Dukes Creek Falls is on the Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway (GA-348) at 1699 Richard Russell Highway. You walk down to the falls and climb back out, 2.2 miles round trip. From the parking area and trail you get views toward Mount Yonah. The day-use fee is $4 per vehicle, and it's open sunrise to sunset. The Forest Service has posted a caution about waterfall dangers, so stay on the platforms. More on our Dukes Creek Falls page.

Helton Creek Falls is a free, 0.2-mile walk. From US-19/129 south of Blairsville, turn onto Helton Creek Road just past Vogel State Park and drive 2.2 miles to a small pullout. Then head to DeSoto Falls, 17 miles south of Blairsville on US-129, where day use is $5 per vehicle. See our DeSoto Falls guide.

Learn the principles at Leave No Trace. After the falls, head back to town: see fall color around Helen for October ideas.