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Found in the picturesque mountain landscape of northeastern Georgia, Helen is a well-kept secret for vacationers wanting to experience the great outdoors with friends and family. An easy drive from Atlanta, Georgia, and within an hour’s drive of the Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina borders, this tiny mountain town is a retreat for travelers year-round. At just over two square miles with less than 600 residents, you’ll feel as though you’ve walked into a storybook when you arrive.
Previously home to various groups of inhabitants, the region housed Cherokee villages, miners during the Great Georgia Gold Rush that began in 1828, and boomed when the Matthews Lumber Company came to town. After getting its name from the daughter of one of the surveyors of the Northwestern Railroad, the town became deserted in the 1960s once all the timber had been cut, and workers moved on to other opportunities elsewhere.
The idea of the alpine village was dreamed up by local business owners, artists, and craftsmen, giving the entire town a makeover to create the Bavarian feel that it has today. Completely created to be an escape for tourists, Helen, Georgia, continues to exude charm and capture the hearts of visitors year after year.
Helen is known to have plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and explore, but let’s start with what you’ll find downtown. North Main Street comes alive as you walk down cobblestone streets, pass by painted murals, and marvel at the amazing, colorful architecture.
Walking through the downtown is a must, especially once you catch a whiff of hearty German fare or sweet caramel in the air. Follow your nose to any of the wonderful eateries of Helen, where you’ll find not only traditional German cuisine, but pizza parlors, burger joints, and other cafes and restaurants offering an array of items. For those with a sweet tooth, stop by the Creperie, candy shop, or Granny’s for funnel cakes. You’ll find various coffee, ice cream, and gelato shops that are perfect for a pick-me-up regardless if the weather is hot or cold. And in true Bavarian style, you’ll find a Biergarten that offers refreshing beer and huge, salty pretzels. Foodies are definitely taken care of in this town!
Along your walk, you’ll also find plenty of shops filled with locally made goods. From pottery, jewelry, toys, and cuckoo clocks, to fashionable clothing and hats, the boutiques and emporiums of Helen boast beautiful and unique treasures that’ll remind you of your time in town.
Helen is also known for their vineyards since the region has the perfect climate for growing grapes. Those of age will want to make a pit stop in one or more of the wineries around town and in the surrounding area.
Helen is an outdoor escape perfect for all ages and is especially great for families. The Blue Ridge Mountains become an outdoor playground for those wanting to get outside and enjoy the fresh mountain air. Regardless if you’re staying for only the weekend or a week or more, there will always be plenty to do!
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the generous amount of hiking and walking trails surrounding Helen. Trails like Andrew’s Cove, Mt. Yonah, and even a piece of the Appalachian trail offer a wide variety of difficulty and lookout points. Helen has immediate access to both the Smithgall Woods State Park as well as the Unicoi State Park. Visitors are always amazed by the beautiful waterfalls along various trails. Some are easier to reach than others, but if visitors want to see a waterfall there’s always a way. The most popular waterfall to visit is called Anna Ruby Falls, which is only a fifteen-minute drive from the heart of town. With a great visitor center and an easier trail than others, Anna Ruby is a spectacular site and a great way for families to stress or legs stretch their legs and take a perfect family photo you might want to put on that year’s Christmas card.
For those feeling a bit more adventurous, take a ride on the Georgia Mountain Coaster. Both fun and thrilling, this coaster is conveniently located in downtown Helen, so you don’t have to go far! Those unafraid of heights should visit the aerial adventure park, Cool River Adventures, where ziplines will take you across the Chattahoochee River. Try your hand at the climbing wall or one of the three aerial adventure courses while you’re there! And speaking of the Chattahoochee, another popular activity in warmer weather is going tubing down the river which runs right through downtown!
Helen is known for having one of the oldest Oktoberfests in the United States. Stretching for over almost two months, this Oktoberfest brings in visitors looking to join in on the festivities in an environment with an authentic feel. It’s also during this time that you’re going to see peak fall foliage in this area. The weather gets cooler and more temperate, and even though it might be a little too chilly to go down the Chattahoochee River on a tube, you’ll be able to enjoy all of the other outdoor adventure adventures that you could during the summer.
Often said to be the best place to go for Christmas, Helen’s Bavarian charm only heightens during the holiday season. With lights and other festive displays, you’ll find holiday cheer wherever you go. During the winter months, the temperatures drop to highs in the low to mid-fifties, and lows in the low thirties. It sure does feel chilly for that region, but beats negative temperatures, that’s for sure!
There are numerous types of accommodations to be found in Helen, Georgia. From lodges to cabins and cozy inns, you’ll be able to find the right spot for you and your travel group at a great price. Since fall and the holiday season are popular times to visit, you might find cheaper accommodations in late winter and spring. Summer is also an affordable and fun time for families to enjoy the area. Palmera Vacation Club members have access to the quality inventory on the RCI exchange, where you’ll be able to use your points on great getaways. Take a look at the following options in and around Helen:
