Bringing Your Dog to Helen, Georgia
Dog-friendly lodging, patios, trails and the places that say no
The short answer
Where to stay with a dog
| Lodging | Where | Pet policy |
|---|---|---|
| Bear Creek Lodge & Cabins | 219 Escowee St · 706-773-1040 | All pets are welcome and the lodge charges no pet fee. More than 300 feet of Chattahoochee River frontage, hot tubs, fire pits, and a walk to downtown. |
| Home2 Suites by Hilton | 133 Narr Weg · 706-878-4663 | Listed as pet friendly, with an indoor pool and a free hot breakfast. Ask about fees and size limits when you book. |
| Quality Inn Main Street | 8171 S Main St · 762-284-5344 | Advertises pet-friendly rooms. |
| Helendorf River Inn | 33 Munich Strasse · 706-878-2271 | Pet-friendly lodging is available on the river. Ask which rooms and what fee. |
| Cabin rental companies | Throughout the area | The visitors bureau notes dog-friendly properties through Cabin Rentals of Helen, Georgia Mountain Rentals and others. Policies and fees are set cabin by cabin, so read each listing. |
| Living Waters Cabins | Near Helen | No pets allowed at these two riverside cabins, so skip them with a dog. |
Policies from the visitors bureau listings for Bear Creek Lodge, Home2 Suites, Quality Inn and Helendorf River Inn. See also our pet-friendly cabins guide.
Restaurants and river fun
| Place | Dog policy |
|---|---|
| Cowboys & Angels | Pet-friendly deck at 60 Chattahoochee Street, open daily 11 AM-10 PM, with free parking. |
| Hofer's of Helen Bakery & Cafe | Dogs can join you on the outdoor patio for bakery items and drinks only. Cafe food is served indoors only, and service animals are welcome inside. |
| Troll Tavern | Riverfront patio. The restaurant permits service dogs; emotional support animals are not accommodated under ADA rules, so call about pets before you go. |
| Cool River Tubing | Dogs are welcome on the river: they can ride in your lap or rent their own tube. |
From Cowboys & Angels, Hofer's, Troll Tavern and Cool River Tubing. Many other patios downtown take dogs, but policies change, so ask before you sit. Our riverside dining page lists more.
Trails and parks
Helen to Hardman Heritage Trail
One mile, paved and pet friendly. Closes at dusk.
Anna Ruby Falls
The visitors bureau lists the 0.4-mile paved path as dog-friendly. $6 per person ages 16+.
Dukes Creek Falls Trail
Dogs are welcome on the 2.2-mile round trip (the visitors bureau notes mossy roots and exposed rock). $4 per vehicle.
Georgia state parks
Unicoi and Smithgall Woods follow state park rules, which require a leash no longer than six feet. Pets are generally kept off beaches and out of public buildings; call the park about pet-friendly cabins.
Trail details from the visitors bureau's Heritage Trail, fall foliage and beginner hikes guides, plus FIND Outdoors and Georgia State Parks.
Know before you go
Festivals are tough on dogs
Oktoberfest, the Christmas Market and parade days bring crowded sidewalks and noise. Oktoberfest bans pets inside the Festhalle (trained service animals only).
Heat and the car
Summer afternoons reach the mid-80s with humidity, so never leave a dog in a parked car. Hike early and carry water.
Wildlife
Black bears live in the mountains. Keep dogs leashed on trails and don't leave food or pet food outside cabins.
Emergency vets
Helen is a small town. Ask your lodging for the nearest vet and look up a 24-hour emergency hospital toward Gainesville before you travel.
For more pet travel listings, BringFido covers Helen. Related: Pet-friendly Helen, GA and dog-friendly Helen.
Related Imagery from Around Helen
