Summer in Helen, Georgia
Tubing, waterfall walks, a mountain coaster and fireworks
The short answer
Summer in Helen is about water
When the heat builds, people come to float the Chattahoochee, climb to a waterfall and eat outside. This guide covers the family-friendly list. For the season calendar and weather, see our complete summer guide. Check the National Weather Service before you go; afternoon thunderstorms are common.
Tubing: who, what, how much
The river through downtown is calm, shallow in places and meant for floating. Both companies include a shuttle back to your car or the start. Prices below are the 2026 rates, and the 2026 season has ended.
| 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 quietest. In low water, the staff will tell you what to expect and recommend a push stick. Bring water shoes, sunscreen and a waterproof phone pouch.
More summer fun
Not everything has to be wet. These work for families and for anyone waiting out a thunderstorm.
| Place | Address | Hours and cost | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Mountain Coaster | 8409 S Main St | Single riders: $17 adults, $14 ages 7-12, $10 ages 3-6. Open every day weather permitting: Mon-Thu 10-6, Fri-Sat 10-9, Sun 10-7. | 706-878-1347 |
| Anna Ruby Falls | 3455 Anna Ruby Falls Rd | $6 ages 16+; 15 and under free. 9 AM-6 PM, last ticket 5 PM. Paved trail about 0.4 mile each way to twin falls. | 706-878-1448 |
| Unicoi State Park | 1788 Highway 356 | $10 per vehicle. Lake beach, paddleboard, kayak and paddle boat rentals, plus a zip line and the 2.5-mile Lake Trail. Open 7 AM-10 PM. | 706-878-2201 |
| Gem and gold panning | Dukes Creek Mines; Outpost Gold and Gem Panning | Both are listed by the Helen visitor bureau. Check hours and prices with each. | Via helenga.org, 706-878-2181 |
| Pirates Cove Adventure Golf | Helen | Mini golf listed by the visitor bureau under family fun. Check hours before you go. | Via helenga.org, 706-878-2181 |
Read more in our guides to the Georgia Mountain Coaster, Anna Ruby Falls and Unicoi State Park.
Waterfalls and swimming holes
Anna Ruby Falls is the easy one: a short paved walk to two waterfalls, Curtis Creek about 153 feet and York Creek about 50. For swimming, the river is for tubing and the mountain creeks are cold, so read our swimming holes guide for options and safety notes. Waterfall trails are slippery year-round.
If you'd rather skip the hike, the waterfall guide lists the drive-up views.
Fourth of July
Helen's fireworks go off over the river at dusk, about 9 to 9:30 PM, launched from behind the Alpine Village Shoppes and the Helen Welcome Center (726 Bruckenstrasse). Details for 2027 should be confirmed with the visitor bureau at 706-878-2181. Morning tubing, a rest and fireworks make a full day. See the Fourth of July guide.
Questions
When is tubing season in Helen?
From around Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. In 2027 that means roughly May 29 to September 6, with the exact opening day set by each outfitter.
What if it rains?
Tubing stops for lightning, and Helen Tubing gives no refunds for weather closures. Check the forecast; afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer.
What do I wear to tube?
A swimsuit and water shoes that strap on. Cool River also recommends a push stick when the water is low.
Where do I watch the July 4 fireworks?
Fireworks launch at dusk, about 9 to 9:30 PM, from behind the Alpine Village Shoppes and the Helen Welcome Center. Confirm details closer to the date.
Related Imagery from Around Helen
