6 Helen, Georgia Waterfalls Worth A Visit

You’ll find Helen, Georgia, in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia. Helen is a quirky Alpine-inspired town with picturesque streets lined with Bavarian-style buildings. But beyond the shops, tourists, and city streets, there is a lot of adventure and nature to enjoy. On the outskirts of the Chattahoochee National Forest and Smithgall Woods State Park, Helen is surrounded by lush forests, breathtaking views, and cascading waterfalls. If you’re planning a trip to the North Georgia mountains, here are 6 Helen Georgia waterfalls worth a visit!

Anna Ruby Falls

Prepare to be mesmerized by the stunning dual waterfalls of Anna Ruby Falls. Tucked away in the Chattahoochee National Forest, this gem offers an easy paved trail leading to a spectacular vantage point. At just over 150 feet high, Anna Ruby Falls is an impressive sight!  

Anna Ruby Falls is great for hikers and non-hikers alike. The trail leading to the falls is about half a mile long, making it a perfect adventure for all ages and fitness levels. The paved trail is steep in a few areas, but you’ll find conveniently placed benches along the path if you need a rest. 

Anna Ruby Falls is located on the outskirts of Helen, about 5 miles north near Unicoi State Park. If you want to add a short hike to your Helen visit, then Anna Ruby Falls is the perfect choice!

Dukes Creek Falls

If you’re craving adventure in Helen, Georgia, Duke Creek Falls is the place to be! Nestled in the heart of the Smithgall Woods State Park, Dukes Creek Falls is a scenic hike, so remember your camera! 

The Dukes Creek Trail is a moderate two-mile out-and-back trail. A portion of the hike follows along the creek, so you’ll be treated to the sounds of rushing water and a lush landscape full of native plants, moss, and laurel. When you reach your destination, you’ll be rewarded with views of the one-hundred-and-fifty-foot, multi-tiered drop of Dukes Creek Falls. At the falls, there are several wooden viewing platforms and benches, so you can rest and enjoy the views before hiking back.

Dukes Creek Falls is five miles west of Helen in Smithgall Woods State Park.  

DeSoto Falls

Prepare to be enchanted by the serene beauty of DeSoto Falls, a must-visit for nature lovers. The two-mile out-and-back trail has a moderate elevation change, making Desoto Falls a family-friendly hike for all ages and abilities.  

Desoto Falls has two cascades, a lower and an upper one. As you hike to the upper falls, you’ll pass through a forest filled with native plants, pine, and rhododendrons, which bloom in the spring. The upper falls plummet one hundred feet to a rocky gorge, while the lower falls cascade gently into a serene pool below. Because of its accessibility and beauty, Desoto Falls is one of North Georgia’s most popular waterfall hikes.

Desoto Falls is about twenty miles west of Helen, Georgia, near Dahlonega.

Helton Creek Falls

If you’re looking for a quick nature fix, a scenic stroll, or a place to cool down in the summer, then Helton Creek Falls is for you! Tucked away in the Chattahoochee National Forest, it is located near Vogel State Park and Blood Mountain.  

Helton Creek Falls is a peaceful location, especially if you can time your visit to avoid the crowds. The falls cascade gracefully down a series of rocky ledges, making it a perfect place for a picnic. In the hot summer months, cool off from the heat with a swim at the base of Helton Creek Falls. 

Helton Creek Falls is a .3-mile round-trip hike with two observation decks for viewing. The falls are located about thirty-six miles northwest of Helen. 

Raven Cliff Falls

Raven Cliff Falls is one of the longer waterfall hikes and certainly the most usual. The trail follows Dodd Creek, with scenic views of several waterfalls along the way, but the star of the show is the waterfall at the top. The water flows through a small split in the rock to a drop one hundred feet below.  

Shaded by towering hardwoods, the Raven Cliff Falls Trail is vibrant with patches of beautiful green moss, cascading waterfalls, and a lush forest. This scenic hike spans around 5 miles round trip, offering a moderate challenge that’s well worth the effort. Raven Cliff Falls is a popular North Georgia hike, so arrive early to avoid the crowds. 

Raven Cliff Falls is located seven miles west of Helen. 

High Shoals Falls

Last but certainly not least is High Shoals Falls! Tucked away in the Chattahoochee National Forest, this stunning waterfall offers a rewarding hike through lush woodlands and rocky terrain. 

The trail to High Shoals Falls is about 2.5 miles round trip, offering a moderate hike with plenty of scenic views. Before you reach High Shoals Falls, you will first come across Blue Hole Falls, which gets its name from the deep blue color of the pool at the base of the falls. When you reach your destination, you’ll be treated to views of the beautiful fifty-foot-tall High Shoals Falls. 

High Shoals Falls is twelve miles north of Helen GA in Hiawassee.

Tips for a Great Waterfall Hiking Experience

As with any trip or adventure outing, preparation is essential. I want you to have a great experience after all! So here are a few tips to ensure an excellent waterfall hiking experience:

• Research your hike on AllTrails.com or its app for the latest trail conditions, closures, and entry fees. You want to be in the know!
• Wear proper footwear and clothing. I’ve done most of the hikes in my sneakers, but that’s a personal preference. You don’t have to have hiking boots, but this isn’t the time to wear flip-flops either. Find something that works for you!
• Bring water and snacks! Whether you need a pick-me-up or need to motivate your kids to keep going, snacks are your best friend. And of course, always, at a minimum, bring water with you!  
• Leave no trace. If you’re new to hiking, you might wonder, “What does that mean?” Simply put, leave things as you find them. Do not litter. Do not write your name on a bench or carve it in a tree. And definitely, do not disturb the wildlife. Just remember, you’re a guest in their home.  
• If you’re like me and enjoy avoiding the crowds, then arrive earlier. Parking will be easier and you’ll encounter far less people on the trails.

Helen Georgia Waterfalls – Final Thoughts 

So there you have it—six waterfalls near Helen Georgia, that will leave you speechless and are worth a visit. If you’re looking for North Georgia waterfalls, add these Helen Georgia waterfalls, to your list! For other things to do in North Georgia, check out my blog FUN Things to do in North Georgia.

I think it’s time to go exploring— what Helen Georgia waterfall is first on your list? 

Save to Pinterest: