The Most Incredible Waterfalls in Helen, GA (With Family-Friendly Tips)
If you are looking for a picture perfect opportunity or just want to experience a breathtaking view, you need to check out some of these incredible waterfalls in Helen, GA. Some of the best waterfalls in the state of Georgia are located in this cute little Alpine village.
Most of these waterfalls in Helen offer family-friendly hikes that are easy to navigate, short or average length, and have one or more waterfalls along the way (to keep the kids from getting restless).
What are the falls near Helen, GA? We have broken our list down into waterfalls in Helen, GA and waterfalls near Helen, GA so visitors can know what to expect in terms of travel time. Keep reading or check otu the table of contents if you are looking for a specific waterfall.
Are you hiking with toddlers? Be sure to check out our recommendations for toddler hiking boots and shoes!
Top Waterfalls in Helen, GA
There are a ton of waterfalls in Georgia, almost all of which are in the north Georgia mountains. Hiking waterfalls (as opposed to roadside waterfalls in Georgia) are some of my favorites because you have to work to get to those views. However, I also want the hike to be easy-moderate because I travel with kids.
The waterfalls in Helen, GA do not disappoint in the view category plus they are relatively easy hikes! All of the listed waterfalls in Helen are within 10 minutes of downtown Helen. See our list below, as well as our Georgia waterfalls map, before planning to your trip to the Alpine village of Georgia.
Anna Ruby Falls
Anna Ruby Falls in Georgia is one of the most popular waterfalls to visit. It includes a completely paved trail with a variety of different views of the falls as you climb. You also have the chance to explore wildlife, investigate caves, and listen to the falls the whole way.
This is by far our favorite of all of the waterfalls in Helen, GA. You can park right next to the entrance to the trail, it is pet friendly, and it is less than a mile in and out.
How much is parking at Anna Ruby Falls? / How much does it cost to see Anna Ruby Falls?
The Anna Ruby Falls Visitor Center & Gift Shop (as well as the actual Anna Ruby Falls trail) is located behind a gated entrance that does require a fee to enter. The fee is $5 per person over the age of 16. So we paid $10 to enter for our family of four that consists of two toddlers.
Basically, kids are free!
Is Anna Ruby Falls an easy hike?
We hiked the Anna Ruby Falls trail with a 3 year old and a 1 year old (in a jogging stroller) and we survived! However, I caution parents with little kids. This is an incredibly steep climb. My husband and I are both relatively fit and hike/walk/jog regularly, but we struggled with this hike.
How long of a hike is Anna Ruby Falls?
The Anna Ruby Falls trail is listed as 0.4 miles in (uphill) and 0.4 miles out (down hill). That’s a total hike of 0.8 miles. The 0.4 miles uphill is rough if you are carrying a baby/toddler or pushing a stroller. However, we did it (by taking turns) and lived to tell the tale. Just be prepared!
Here are some more frequently asked questions that we get a lot! Remember: you can always check their Facebook page for up to date information on closings or modified times.
Why is Anna Ruby Falls closed sometimes? / Is Anna Ruby Falls open now?
As a general rule, the Anna Ruby Falls trail is open 9:00AM-5:00PM with the last admission at 4:00PM. They are closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas, as well as inclement weather days. The visitor’s center and gift shop follow Anna Ruby Falls hours, so they are also closed anytime the trail is closed.
What attractions are near Anna Ruby Falls?
There are a lot of attractions near Anna Ruby Falls in Helen, GA, including downtown Helen! If you are looking for other waterfall attractions, keep reading! If you are looking for less outdoorsy things, you could check out BabyLand General Hospital (the birth place of the Cabbage Patch Kid), the Georgia Mountain Coaster, or an awesome local coffee shop like Yonah Coffee.
Need some other ideas while you’re in the area? Check out our post on top family-friendly things to do in Helen, GA!
Address: 3455 Anna Ruby Falls Road Helen, GA 30545
Dukes Creek Falls
Dukes Creek Falls has a rich (no pun intended) history that dates back to the gold mining days! The creek is about 8 miles long and was found to have gold in it during the 1820s.
The falls are open from sunrise to sunset and there is a $4 per vehicle charge to park. The first leg of the trail is paved, making it wheelchair accessible. There is even an upper viewing platform that allows visitors to get a glimpse of the falls from this part of the trail.
How long of a hike is Dukes Creek Falls?
Dukes Creek Falls is one of the longer hikes for waterfalls in Helen, GA. It is a 2-mile out and back hike that is rated moderate by Atlanta Trails. With toddlers, I would rate it a little harder than moderate. I actually would not suggest this hike with toddlers unless you are willing to carry them (and that will be quite a task for you).
Can you swim at Dukes Creek Falls?
Yes, although not at the actual falls/end of the trail. If you want a great swimming hole to cool off in during a stagnant Georgia summer, we recommend stopping about halfway into the trail and taking a swim there (you’ll know it when you see it-it is an obvious swimming spot). You will pass it on your way back out as well, if you’d rather not hike 3/4 of the trail while wet.
How tall is Dukes Creek falls?
Dukes Creek Falls is actually home to multiple waterfalls! From heir viewing platforms you can get a great view of all of the cascading falls. At its peak, it is a 150-foot tall waterfall!
Address: Check out their website for directions to the falls!
Raven Cliff Falls
The Raven Cliff Falls trail is one of the most popular trails leading to some of the best waterfalls in Georgia! The entire hike is about 5 miles (out and back) and follows a trout stream (Dodd Creek) all the way to the waterfall.
There are many side trails that include some steep inclines and lead to some of the smaller falls. The final waterfall is a 40 ft. fall that cuts through the center of a giant piece of granite and is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Helen, GA!
Can you get in the water at Raven Cliff Falls?
Less than half of a mile into the hike, there is a side trail that curves sharply to the right and will lead to a very popular swimming hole! So, yea, you can swim at Raven Cliff Falls (and so can your pups).
How hard is Raven Cliff Falls trail?
The actual trailhead itself is not difficult, though it is longer than most hikes we recommend for families, especially those traveling with smaller children. However, to see most of the other falls, you are required to explore steep side trails that veer off of the main path. These paths are not great for small kids.
In general, we would not recommend this hike for families with small children. We hiked in to one of the smaller falls about .75 miles into the trail and felt it was too much of a strain for our 3 and 4 year olds (who are very active and very used to hiking). If you are willing to carry your toddlers up steep inclines, then you be the judge for your family.
Address: Check out Atlanta Trails for specific coordinates and driving directions from your location.
Other Waterfalls in Georgia Near Helen
High Shoals Falls and Blue Hole Falls
About 12 miles from Helen you will find the trail for High Shoals Falls and Blue Hole Falls. To find Blue Hole Falls, visitors will hike down the High Shoals Trail (a very well-maintained trail) and veer to the left instead of staying on the main path. See below for directions on getting to each waterfall.
We did this hike with toddlers and found that it was challenging for them but doable. We took breaks as needed to stop and look at wildlife or drink water. If your kids are not used to hiking, the trail to High Shoals falls might be a long trail for them. However, Blue Hole Falls (the smaller one) is actually one of my personal favorite waterfalls in Helen, GA because of how crystal blue the water is! So, you could always just hike to Blue Hole Falls and make the hike a little more kid-friendly.
How long is the hike to Blue Hole Falls GA?
Blue Hole Falls is along the High Shoals Trail before you reach High Shoals Falls. Hike about one mile down the dirt trail, winding past the campground. Past the campground you will find a trail to your left that will take you to Blue Hole Falls!.
Can you swim in Blue Hole Falls?
Yes! The water at Blue Hole Falls is so pretty and clear. It stays cool, even in the summer months, and is a great place to cool off.
How do I get to High Shoals waterfall? How long of a hike is High Shoals Falls?
When hiking the main trail, instead of taking the trail to the left that leads to Blue Hole Falls, continue straight on the main dirt trail. The hike to High Shoals waterfall is a bit longer than the hike Blue Hole Falls and ends up being about 2.4 miles round trip.
Address: Indian Grave Gap Rd, Hiawassee, GA 30546
Horse Trough Falls
Horse Trough falls is located about 35-40 minutes north of Helen. This is one of the lesser traveled trails (and you will agree once you see it). That also means it is one of the more difficult trailheads to find. The trailhead can be found in the Upper Chattahoochee River Campground at the very back.
The road that leads to the trailhead is a gravel road, full of potholes, and is very long. We felt like it was a single lane road, although we did not have to test that theory because we did not pass anybody on the way in or out. DRIVE SLOWLY! We travel in 2WD SUV and my husband recommends future travelers use a 4WD SUV to navigate this road.
At the end of the campground road (which has recently reopened from storm damage), you will see a green trailhead marker for the Horse Trough Trail.
After you begin the trail, you will come to a bridge that splits the trail. If you keep to the left, you will find Horse Trough Falls. If you keep to the right, you will find Chute Falls just a short distance down the trail. The trail, in total, to see Horse Trough Falls is a 1-mile out and back trail. Very manageable for smaller children to hike!
Address: Upper Chattahoochee River Campground, 48 Forest Service Road 44, Helen GA 30545
Helton Creek Falls
Helton Creek Falls is a short drive from Helen and is super family-friendly! The trail begins just below the Vogel State Park Entrance and ends at the double falls called Helton Creek Falls. The trail is open year-round and is dog-friendly as long as the dog is on a leash.
Note: there are stairs in this hike to see the lower falls!
The trail is very well-maintained and very short at only .6 miles round trip. Our kids navigated this trail and the stairs very easily, but be warned that the rocks near the falls are very slippery. Over the rocks, there is a nice sized swimming hole that you can cool off in during the summer months.
When you are finished, we highly recommend you make a pit-stop at Vogel State Park! The views are gorgeous!
Address: Check out All Trails for specific directions to find the trail!
Dick’s Creek Falls
Dick’s Creek Falls is one of the waterfalls in Georgia located between Dahlonega and Helen. By following the Bartram trail, hikers can find one of the most beautiful set of shoals and falls in North Georgia!
The hike to Dick’s Creek Falls is 1.2 miles round trip and is an easy to moderate hike. The trail is mostly downhill to reach the base of the falls, which means your hike back out is uphill. Our toddlers did really well on the way down but had to be carried for most of the way back up. So be warned!
Begin Georgia natives we have the opportunity to experience some gorgeous fall colors on a lot of our hikes. We highly recommend you do the same! Try this hike out in the fall and you can see some beautiful fall foliage lining the Chattooga River and this beautiful Georgia waterfall.
Fall colors *usually* begin in mid October, peak by late October/early November, and begin to fall around mid-November. However, it does depend on the weather so check before you plan your hike.
Address: Check out Atlanta Trails for driving Directions to the trailhead!
DeSoto Falls
DeSoto Falls is one of the coolest sets of waterfalls near Helen, GA (it technically has a Dahlonega address)! The trail includes views of two waterfalls that are divided into lower and upper falls. The cascades range from 20 feet to 200 feet, depending on which of the falls you are viewing.
The falls are named for Hernando DeSoto who explored the area in the 1500s. A piece of armor was found near the falls that is believed to be his!
The main trail is about 2.2 miles in and out and gives you views of the lower falls and massive upper falls. DeSoto Falls is one of the most kid-friendly waterfalls in Helen, GA and the surrounding area. The elevation changes are not drastic but you still get to see beautiful views. This is truly one of the best hiking waterfalls in Georgia for all ages!
Address: Check out Atlanta Trails for driving directions to the trailhead.
Helen, Georgia Waterfalls Map
If you know which part of the mountains you are staying in then you can use our map of waterfalls in Georgia to help plan your hiking excursions. The map shows you generally where each of the waterfalls in our post are and their proximity to local towns.
This map of waterfalls in Georgia, specifically those near Helen, gives you a rough estimate of how many waterfalls you can see within 30 minutes of Helen, GA! Are you planning to explore some of the most beautiful hiking trails with waterfalls in Georgia? We hope this map give you some ideas of where to start!
