Helen is one of North Georgia’s top destinations, well loved for its alpine Bavarian downtown, fantastic dining and great shopping. But if you’ve only visited the town for its well-loved Oktoberfest and German fare, you’re missing out: it’s central to Georgia’s best hiking trails, and makes for a great basecamp for a North Georgia adventure! Hike the Appalachian Trail at nearby Unicoi Gap to Tray Mountain, or explore the beautiful Dukes Creek Falls and Raven Cliff Falls just north of town. Or, chase down an adventure on one of our favorite hikes near Helen:
Explore Smithgall Woods State Park near Helen, hiking to tumbling waterfalls, gold mines, and the rocky, scenic creek bed of Dukes Creek. Follow our favorite hikes at the park: the Martin’s Mine Trail, Cathy Ellis Waterfall Trail, Ash Creek Trail, and the Smithgall Wetland Loop.
Hike the scenic Trahlyta Lake Trail at Vogel State Park, following the shore of the beautiful mountain lake to the stunning cascades of Trahlyta Falls and iconic views of Blood Mountain.
Hike the Bear Hair Gap Trail through a scenic stream-filled forest to beautiful views of Lake Trahlyta at Vogel State Park.
Hike the Arkaquah Trail from Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest summit, and descend to Track Rock Gap to view ancient Native American petroglyphs on this difficult 11-mile round trip hike.
Hike the two mile Desoto Falls Trail near Helen to a pair of waterfalls where, legend holds, a piece of armor was found from DeSoto’s expedition in the mid-1500s.
Hike to multiple waterfalls and through a lush, green forest on the moderate, kid and dog-friendly Dukes Creek Falls Trail near Helen, Georgia.
Hike a paved trail to Anna Ruby Falls, a rare tumbling pair of beautiful double waterfalls near Helen, Georgia. It’s a fantastic kid-friendly, stroller-friendly and dog-friendly hike!
Hike to High Shoals Falls and Blue Hole Falls, two stunning waterfalls set in a lush, green forest near Helen, Georgia.
Hike a six mile loop to Georgia’s highest Appalachian Trail summit, climbing the AT and Byron Reece Trails to beautiful views at the Blood Mountain summit before looping back through a fern-filled forest on the Freeman Trail.
Hike the Raven Cliff Falls Trail through a waterfall-filled valley to one of Georgia’s most popular and beautiful waterfalls.
