Spring in Helen

Spring turns the mountains from bare branches to green in a few weeks. The change starts in the valleys and climbs the ridges, so early March feels like winter and late April feels like summer is on the way. Hardwoods leaf out across the Chattahoochee National Forest, wildflowers come up on the trails and the town is quiet compared with fall. Check weather.gov before you go, since spring weather can swing fast.

Helen gets about 72 inches of precipitation a year, and spring months run 5.6 to 6.8 inches, so the waterfalls are usually flowing well. Heavy rain makes trails slick and creek crossings tougher, so check conditions first.

Details from FIND Outdoors and the Forest Service pages for Dukes Creek and Raven Cliffs.

Spring wildflowers appear along moist coves and creeks from late March, and shrubs such as rhododendron and mountain laurel follow in the weeks after. Bloom timing shifts with each year's weather, so treat dates as a rough guide. Our wildflower guide goes into species and where to look. Please stay on the trail and leave the flowers alone.

Highs in the 60s and 70s are ideal for hiking. Trails stay muddy after rain, so wear shoes with grip. Creek crossings on the Raven Cliff Falls Trail can be higher in spring, and trekking poles help. Mount Yonah is a strenuous climb with open granite views. Unicoi's 2.5-mile Lake Trail is a gentler option (park page; $10 per vehicle).

Sources: Helen Chamber, helenga.org, helenballoon.com. See the spring events page.