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Anna Ruby Falls, Helen, GA

Photo: Jsnimtz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sport & OutdoorOutdoor AdventureFamily Favorite

Anna Ruby Falls

3455 Anna Ruby Falls Rd · Helen, GA

Why you should go…

Anna Ruby Falls is a pair of waterfalls in the Chattahoochee National Forest near Helen, where Curtis Creek drops 153 feet and York Creek drops 50 feet side by side. The two join at the base to form Smith Creek. A paved trail, about 0.8 miles round trip, leads from the visitor center to upper and lower observation decks facing the falls. The recreation area, next to Unicoi State Park, also has a gift shop and picnic areas.

  • #waterfall
  • #paved trail
  • #national forest
  • #picnic area

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Anna Ruby Falls, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    Quirky Fun

    Helen

    Free

    A Blue Ridge Mountain town built as a Bavarian-style alpine village, promoted by its convention and visitors bureau.

    4.1 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Attractions
    Quirky Fun

    Babyland General Hospital

    Free

    Tour the Cabbage Patch Kids hospital, watch a doll's birth at Mother Cabbage and adopt one to take home.

    9.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Brasstown Bald

    Under $25

    Ride the shuttle or hike a paved half-mile trail to the observation deck on Georgia's highest summit.

    9.9 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Project Chimps

    $25–$50

    Guided tours of a chimpanzee sanctuary in the north Georgia mountains, home to retired research chimps.

    31 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Amicalola Falls State Park

    Under $25

    Hike to a 729-foot cascading waterfall, ride the zip lines and stay at the lodge in this north Georgia state park.

    33 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Family Favorite

    Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

    $25–$50

    Heritage train excursion from downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia to McCaysville and Copperhill along the Toccoa River.

    36 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing