Summer in Helen, Georgia
Tubing, summer events, weather and cool-off spots from June through August
The short answer
Summer at a glance
Summer is Helen's tubing season and its busiest stretch outside October. The river runs right through town, the shuttle buses do the hard part and a float costs about the same as lunch. The season runs from around Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, so as of October 2026 the outfitters are winding down; Cool River's site was still listing a couple of open days this week, with low water. Use this guide for 2027 planning.
Helen is a Bavarian-styled mountain town, but summer here is Southern: floating, hiking to waterfalls and eating on riverside decks. Our tubing guide goes deeper on the river itself.
Summer weather
Highs stay in the 80s with warm nights in the 60s, and rain falls steadily all season. Pack a rain layer and plan the outdoor stuff for the morning.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rain | Days at 90°F or above |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June | 83°F | 61°F | 6.3 in | About 5 days |
| July | 86°F | 65°F | 5.6 in | About 10 days |
| August | 85°F | 64°F | 6.6 in | About 7 days |
Source: NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Helen. See our month-by-month weather guide.
Tubing the Hooch
Two companies run the downtown float. Prices below are 2026 rates; check before you go in 2027.
| Outfitter | Price | Trip length | Where | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cool River Tubing | $14 Mon-Fri; $16 Sat-Sun and holidays (2026), ages 2 and up | Short ride about 1-1.5 hours; long ride about 2-2.5 hours | Chattahoochee Outpost, 590 Edelweiss Strasse (706-878-2665); Headwaters Outpost, 112 Poplar Stump Rd (706-878-9471); Main Street ticket booth | Walk-ins accepted, online tickets recommended. Dogs can ride along. Waivers and wristbands for every person. Push sticks recommended when the water is low. |
| Helen Tubing | $14 cash (card payments add 4%), 2026. Groups of 20+: $12 | One trip down, usually 2-2.5 hours | North office (entry), 9917 Hwy 75 N (706-878-7465); South office (exit), 685 Brucken Strasse | Includes life jacket, hook-up strap and free shuttle. Main office 9 AM-5 PM; last shuttle 4:30 PM. No children under 2; life jackets for ages 13 and under; 250 lb weight limit; no private floats. |
Weekday mornings are the quietest. When the water drops in late summer, buy a push stick, wear water shoes that stay on and ask the staff about river levels before you pay.
Paddling instead
If you'd rather steer, Wildwood Outfitters in Cleveland (26 Megan Drive, 706-865-4451) runs paddling trips from leisurely floats to whitewater and is open seven days a week in July and August. See our kayaking guide.
Cooling off beyond the river
Unicoi State Park (1788 Highway 356, 706-878-2201) has a lake beach and rents paddleboards, kayaks and paddle boats on Unicoi Lake. The ParkPass is $10 per vehicle. Rental dates aren't posted, so call before you drive up.
Helton Creek Falls, near Vogel State Park, is a 0.2-mile walk to a pair of falls. It's free and open year-round, parking is a small pullout and there are no restrooms. The Forest Service warns about slippery rock, so treat any wading with care. More swimming options are in our swimming holes guide, and waterfalls in the waterfall guide.
Summer events
Dates for 2027 from the events calendar and the organizers. Anything marked to be announced hasn't been published yet.
| Date | Event | Where | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, May 29, 2027 | BavarianFest | Festhalle, 1074 Edelweiss Strasse | 6-11 PM |
| Early June 2027 (dates to be announced) | Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race | Helen | Flights around 7 AM and early evening; mass ascension 7 AM Thursday |
| June 3-6, 2027 | Biker Nation Reunion Rally | Riverside City Park, 600 Edelweiss Strasse | Thursday-Sunday |
| Sat, June 12, 2027 | Shriners Parade | Downtown Helen | Noon |
| July 4 (confirm closer to the date) | Fourth of July fireworks | Behind the Alpine Village Shoppes and Welcome Center | At dusk, about 9-9:30 PM |
| Early August 2027 (date to be announced) | Helen Import Day | Event grounds in Helen | Noon to evening in 2026 |
More in the events calendar and the Fourth of July guide. The balloon race is covered in our balloon race guide.
Questions
When does tubing open in Helen?
Around Memorial Day weekend, which is May 29-31 in 2027. Helen Tubing runs daily through Labor Day (September 6, 2027). Check each outfitter's site for opening day.
How much does tubing cost?
In 2026 Cool River charged $14 Monday-Friday and $16 on weekends and holidays; Helen Tubing charged $14 cash. Prices for 2027 haven't been posted.
How hot does Helen get in summer?
July highs average 86 degrees with lows near 65, and the area sees about 10 days at or above 90 in a typical July. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.
Is the river safe for kids?
Both outfitters supply life jackets, and Helen Tubing requires them for ages 13 and under. Helen Tubing doesn't take children under 2, and Cool River takes ages 2 and up.
Related Imagery from Around Helen
