The town of Helen in northeast Georgia
Helen is a small town located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia, known for its Bavarian-style architecture, outdoor activities, and local arts and culture.
Located in White County, Helen is surrounded by the Chattahoochee National Forest, providing visitors with ample opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities.
The town's main attractions include the Anna Ruby Falls, Unicoi State Park, and the Helen Arts & Heritage Center.
Formerly a mining and logging town, it reinvented itself in 1969 with a Bavarian alpine town theme. This transformation was part of a collaborative effort by local businessmen to revitalize the town's economy.
Helen is located in northeast Georgia in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The town is situated in White County and is approximately 60 miles north of Athens and 95 miles north of Atlanta.
The population of Helen is estimated to be around 530 permanent residents.
Helen lies at just over 1440ft in elevation (440 meters).
The town of Helen was named after the daughter of a railroad surveyor.
The nearest major airport is Atlanta International Airport, about two hours' drive to the south. Driving to Helen from the Atlanta direction is easiest either on the I-85 or US-19N.
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Bear Creek has nine cabins sleeping from two to 13 people. The cabins are located within walking distance of downtown Helen on nine acres next to the Chattahoochee river.
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Hearthstone Cabins offers three cabins sleeping from two to eight people as well as RV spots and camping pitches. The grounds are located near the river and a short walk from the restaurants and shops of downtown Helen.
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Georgia's first alpine coaster is located just off Main Street in downtown Helen. It is open seven days a week and the second ride on the self-controlled rollercoaster is half-price.
Helen Water Park is located just off Main Street close to the Chattahoochee river as it runs through the town. It offers a pool, water slides and the opportunity to go tubing on the river.
One of the most popular areas near Helen is Unicoi State Park. Just two miles to the northeast of the town, the park offers hiking trails, fly fishing, paddle boarding and boat rentals.
One of the top walks from the park is to the lovely Anna Ruby Falls (entrance fee, open seven days a week in summer). These twin falls drop 150 feet and are accessible on a paved trail from the visitor centre.
The Anna Ruby Falls in North Georgia near Helen.
Brasstown Bald is just a little further north. The highest mountain in Georgia dominates its surroundings, reaching an impressive 4,784 feet. The valleys of four states below sprawl a half-mile beneath its peak.
When Autumn descends in late September and October, the air clears to reveal a distant view that few expect. On a good day, Atlanta’s skyline becomes visible.
Hardman Farm is a State Historic Site around two miles southeast of Helen. It can be reached on foot from the town on the Hardman Heritage walking trail. Visitors can take a guided tour of the grand house that dates back to the 1800s and many will want to see the Sautee Nacoochee Indian Burial Ground. Excavations have revealed that the distinctive mound, in the middle of a cow pasture and with an incongruous gazebo perched on top, was a burial mound from a civilisation around 700 years ago.
The Helen Arts and Heritage Center is housed in a Bavarian-style building and features an art gallery and a pottery studio with classes. Visitors can also explore the History Museum, which provides information about Helen and the surrounding area.
The center offers a variety of activities to the public, including fully equipped pottery studio, art classes, and workshops. The center also hosts several events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Art Off The Wall Fundraiser Event.
North Georgia, particularly the region around Helen, is renowned for its flourishing wine industry. This is largely thanks to the area's mild climate, high elevation, and fertile soil, conditions that are ideal for growing a variety of grape types. There are over 20 vineyards and wineries throughout the region, contributing significantly to Georgia's annual wine production.
Popular vineyards include Habersham Winery, one of Georgia’s oldest and largest wineries, and Yonah Mountain Vineyards, known for its handcrafted wines from grapes grown in its own estate vineyards. The region is notable for the production of European-style wines, especially those based on Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay grape varieties.
Annual events like the Wine Highway Week, usually held in March, offer visitors the chance to tour multiple wineries, taste local wines, and learn more about the region's wine-making process.
