Trails & Hiking
Waterfalls, lake loops and ridge walks within about 25 minutes of Helen
Start here
Most of Helen's trails sit in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, and the rest are in Georgia state parks. The Appalachian Trail is close, too. Fall color usually peaks around the end of October to the first of November; see the fall color guide.
- 10 min
- 15 min
- 15 min
- 20 min
- 25 min
Approximate drive times from Helen.
What it costs
| Site | Fee |
|---|---|
| Georgia state parks (Unicoi, Smithgall Woods) | $10 per vehicle ParkPass |
| Anna Ruby Falls | $6 per person, ages 16 and up |
| Dukes Creek Falls | $4 per vehicle |
| Raven Cliff Falls | $5 per vehicle |
Fees differ by site, so check before you go.
Closed this fall
| Place | Status |
|---|---|
| Vogel State Park | Lake loop trail and waterfall closed while the lake is drained for dam repairs |
| Panther Creek Recreation Area | Temporarily closed |
| Black Rock Mountain State Park | Ada-Hi Falls Trail closed for stair repairs |
Trail Difficulty Key
Gentle, well-maintained paths suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Mostly flat or with minimal elevation gain.
Some elevation change and uneven terrain. Good fitness level recommended. May include steeper sections or rocky paths.
Challenging trails with significant elevation gain, rough terrain, or long distances. Suitable for experienced hikers.
Trail Guide
Difficulty ratings, distances and fees for the trails people ask about most.
Anna Ruby Falls Trail
A short paved walk beside Smith Creek to twin falls: Curtis Creek drops about 153 feet and York Creek about 50. The path has a few steep pitches, so it isn't wheelchair friendly, but the 0.1-mile paved Lion's Eye Trail at the same site is accessible. Admission is $6 for ages 16 and up, and the Georgia ParkPass isn't accepted here.
Dukes Creek Falls Trail
A Forest Service trail that heads down to the pool below the falls, so the walk back is the climb. Views toward Mount Yonah open up along the way. Parking is $4 per vehicle per day (card, Recreation.gov or an America the Beautiful pass), and it's separate from Smithgall Woods.
Raven Cliff Falls Trail
The longer hike among the close-in waterfalls: 2.6 miles each way into the Raven Cliffs Wilderness to a waterfall that pours through a split in the rock face. A creek crossing can run calf-deep. The gravel lot holds about 30 cars and parking is $5 per vehicle, so arrive early on fall weekends.
Unicoi Lake Trail
An easy loop around 53-acre Unicoi Lake that the park's own trail map calls a great fall hike for viewing leaves. Georgia State Parks charges $10 per vehicle per day (the ParkPass), and the park is open 7 AM to 10 PM.
Smithgall Woods Laurel Ridge Loop
A 1.6-mile loop through hardwoods above Dukes Creek in a 5,844-acre state park. Every visitor registers at the visitor center first, and a ParkPass ($10 per vehicle) is required. The park is open 7 AM to dark.
Mount Yonah
The granite-faced mountain you see from the Nacoochee Valley. Hikers do climb it, but it's a hard, steep trip and current trailhead details change, so read our Yonah page and check with local sources before you go. From the valley roads around Sautee Nacoochee you can enjoy it without the climb.
Helton Creek Falls
A short walk down to two waterfalls on Helton Creek, in the national forest north of Helen. It's a popular quick stop; check current conditions and access with the Forest Service before you go.
Appalachian Trail at Hogpen Gap
Hogpen Gap on GA-348 (the Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway) is where the Appalachian Trail crosses the road beside a small parking area, about 25 minutes from Helen. Walk any stretch of the AT in either direction; the climbs are steep, and color arrives here first in fall.
Chattahoochee River Walk
A flat stroll along the Chattahoochee through the village, with shops and restaurants close by and tubers on the water in summer.
Trail safety tips
