10 Best Things to Do in Helen

Anna Ruby Falls is a set of twin waterfalls that you can see in all their splendor by traveling a short hiking trail parallel to the tranquil Smith Creek. The waterfalls themselves are notably impressive, as one reaches a height of 150 feet and the other stands at 50 feet.

As you traverse the half-mile interpretive trail to reach the base of the falls, you'll find yourself surrounded by natural beauty on all sides, but you'll also find a 0.15-mile interpretive trail that's much easier to travel. You'll find these waterfalls about 15 minutes north of downtown Helen.

Unicoi State Park is a vast protected natural area oriented around Lake Unicoi and offers hiking trails, rivers, and an array of exciting outdoor activities. Within this park, you can find stunning sights like Anna Ruby Falls along with the Chattahoochee River's tributary.

While you're here, you can enjoy a bit of fishing, or you can choose to explore more high-adrenaline activities like archery, target shooting, or zip-lining. The park is easily accessible, being just a few miles north of downtown Helen.

Habersham Vineyards and Winery is a popular destination that offers tastings of delicious wines along with tours of breathtaking environments. As one of the oldest vineyards in the state, it has a long history of success that you can see for yourself.

You'll find displayed medals and awards throughout, but nothing shows off that success quite like the wine itself. Made with locally grown grapes and oak barrels, their premium Creekstone wines are some of the best you'll find not only in Helen but the entire American Southeast. You can find the winery on the east side of town off Main Street.

The Mount Yonah Trail is a rocky and moderately difficult 4.4-mile round-trip trail that takes travelers through scenic vistas to picturesque summit views at its peak. Keep in mind that this trail is best suited for experienced hikers because the mountain is asymmetrical and the trail can get quite rocky.

It's not too rocky for dogs, however, which is why the trail is also pet friendly. The Mount Yonah Trailhead can be found about 15 minutes south of Helen's downtown.

The Georgia Mountain Coaster is a thrilling alpine coaster that will take riders on exciting twists and turns throughout stunning mountain views and towering trees. This roller coaster doesn't exactly work like normal coasters, as you're free to adjust the speed as you like.

You can maximize your speed for an absolute thrill, or you can take things a little slower to take in the picturesque views. Nothing's stopping you from doing a bit of both, either. You'll find this coaster within walking distance of downtown, just across the Chattahoochee to the east.

Charlemagne's Kingdom is a model railroad museum that showcases not only scale models of railroads and trains but little villages for them to run through as well. When you visit, you'll find a unique example of alpine art and imagination with intricate craftsmanship that's sure to impress.

The architecture of the model villages is largely German, but the most impressive aspect of the models is that they're multileveled, depicting rocky and mountainous terrain. You'll find this museum located off the main road right in downtown.

The Nacoochee Village Antique Mall features more than 50 dealers throughout 7,000 square feet and is one of the best places in Helen to find unique antiques. Whether you're looking for items to become family heirlooms, to be given as gifts, or to simply add to your collection, you're sure to find something to your liking.

The antique shop itself is housed within the 1876 Martin House, so you'll be able to enjoy a historical atmosphere throughout your entire time there. You'll find this antique mall across from Nora Mill, about a mile from downtown.

The Helen Arts & Heritage Center offers a diverse selection of artworks by artists who hail from northeast Georgia, showcasing the variety of voices in the local area. When you visit this art center, you'll not only find impressive artworks to explore but a fully equipped pottery studio and studio access to create some art of your own.

Art classes are held at the center and cover just about every medium you can imagine. They also regularly host art festivals. You can enjoy it all by heading to the center, located right next to Unicoi Hill Park.

Glass Mountain Gallery & Studio is a popular glass shop that not only offers an extensive selection of blown-glass artworks but also shows visitors the process. When you visit this shop, you'll often see the artist working with the furnace and using impressive techniques to craft expert designs from glass.

Once the pieces are formed and cooled, they're then painted to add any extra details the artist might want. You can even purchase freshly made works if you like. You'll find this studio a few minutes northwest of town, near Scorpion Hollow.

Bavarian Mountain Miniature Golf lets visitors play a German-themed game of miniature golf across a fun yet challenging course that's surrounded by vibrant trees and alpine splendor. The course is specifically designed to be relaxing, and you'll find waterfall features and streams throughout.

Plus, its elevated position allows for some fairly impressive viewpoints of Helen throughout the course. You can also find an arcade here where you can play retro video games. The course is located just a short walk to the east on Main Street from downtown.