Cooling Off Near Helen
River tubing, lake paddling, and waterfalls to look at, not jump into
The short answer
Mountain water is cold, even in July, and that's part of the appeal on a hot afternoon. But the area's pools and waterfalls aren't a good fit for casual swimming, and the Forest Service posts warnings about waterfall dangers. This page sticks to the places where getting wet is a normal, supported thing to do, then covers the falls that are worth the walk.
Places to cool off
Summer options, with prices checked October 2026
| Spot | Where | What | Cost | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chattahoochee River tubing | Downtown Helen | The classic summer float through town, shuttle included | Cool River Tubing: $14 Mon-Fri, $16 Sat-Sun and holidays (2026 prices) | Daily season runs Memorial Day to Labor Day. Outfitters may open on warm fall weekends, so call ahead. |
| Unicoi Lake paddling | Unicoi State Park, 1788 Highway 356 (about 10 min) | Kayaks, paddle boards and aqua cycles on the 53-acre lake | Rental prices are on the lodge's site; ParkPass is $10 per vehicle per day | Rentals run Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, 10 AM to 5 PM (last rental 4 PM). Reserve 24 hours ahead at 706-878-2201. |
| Vogel State Park | 405 Vogel State Park Road, Blairsville (about 45 min) | Seasonal sand beach and cottages | ParkPass, $10 per vehicle per day | Lake Trahlyta is currently drained for dam repairs, and the loop trail and waterfall are closed. Check the park before planning a swim. |
Sources: Cool River Tubing, Unicoi Lodge water sports and Georgia State Parks. Helen Tubing & Waterpark is the other outfitter in town; see its site for current prices. More on tubing in our Chattahoochee tubing guide.
Waterfalls worth the walk
Look, photograph, stay on the trail
| Falls | Where | Walk | Cost | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helton Creek Falls | Off US 19/129, near Blairsville and Vogel State Park | 0.2 mile, easy but with abrupt changes in grade | Free | Forest Service: stay on the trail and the observation deck. |
| Dukes Creek Falls | 1699 Richard Russell Hwy, GA-348 (about 15 min) | 2.2 miles round trip | $4 per vehicle per day | Views toward Mount Yonah. A viewing destination, not a swimming spot. |
| Anna Ruby Falls | 3455 Anna Ruby Falls Road (about 20 min) | 0.4 mile each way, paved, with steep sections | $6 ages 16+; 15 and under free | Viewing decks only. Stay out of the water at the falls. |
Fees from the Forest Service pages for Dukes Creek Falls and Helton Creek Falls and FIND Outdoors. More in our waterfalls guide.
When to go
Helen's average temperatures, NOAA 1991-2020
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | 77°F | 52°F | Early season; water is still cold |
| June | 83°F | 61°F | Tubing and lake season are on |
| July | 86°F | 65°F | Warmest month, about 10 days at 90°F or more |
| August | 85°F | 64°F | Afternoon thunderstorms are common |
| September | 80°F | 58°F | Fewer crowds; check which outfitters are still open |
Arrive early on summer weekends, and head out of exposed areas if you hear thunder; check the National Weather Service forecast before you go.
Water safety
Stay off the falls
Wet rock is slick, and flow can change fast after rain upstream. Don't climb, stand on or jump from waterfalls.
Wear a life jacket
Use a life jacket on the river and the lake. Cold water saps strength quickly.
Looking for lakes? See our lake guide, north Georgia swimming lakes and the Helen swimming holes page.
Swimming questions
Can you swim at the waterfalls near Helen?
Don't plan on it. The Forest Service warns about waterfall dangers and asks visitors to stay on the trail and observation deck at Helton Creek Falls, and the falls near Helen (Anna Ruby, Dukes Creek) are viewing destinations. Slick rocks, cold water and sudden flow changes cause injuries every year.
Where can I cool off in Helen?
Tubing the Chattahoochee is the town's signature summer activity. Cool River Tubing charges $14 Monday through Friday and $16 on weekends and holidays in 2026, shuttle included. Unicoi Lake has paddle rentals in summer.
Is Lake Trahlyta at Vogel open for swimming?
No. As of October 2026 the lake is drained for dam repairs, and the lake loop trail and waterfall are closed. Cabins and campsites are open.
Is the river tubing still open?
The daily season runs Memorial Day to Labor Day. Some outfitters open on warm fall weekends, so call before you drive in.
Related Imagery from Around Helen
