Next to Unicoi State Park, visitors flock to the legendary twin waterfalls known as Anna Ruby Falls in the Chattahoochee National Forest. From the site’s parking lot a .4-mile, ADA-accessible paved trail leads to two viewing decks, with benches along the way. Avid hikers take the 4.6-mile trail connecting the base of Anna Ruby Falls to Unicoi State Park.
photo by Alpine Helen/White County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Alpine Helen and White County, Georgia, about an hour and a half north of Atlanta, is more than a fairytale Alpine village, river tubing, shopping and intown dining and accommodations.
Many are surprised and delighted to discover that a short drive through the county surrounding the 2.5 square-mile town leads to all levels of outdoor adventure, from sedate to extreme–from camping, hiking, kayaking and fly fishing, to mountain biking, zip lining and more. There’s such an abundance of national forest, wilderness areas, state parks, rivers, scenic highways and trails that the area has been designated by the Legislature as “Georgia’s Official Outdoor Adventure Destination.”
Following are ideas on outdoor activities in Alpine Helen and White County.
The entertaining town of Helen is about five miles from the Chattahoochee National Forest, where you can hike just under five miles round-trip to the double-cascade Raven Cliff Falls. Peruse the Alpine Helen-White County website’s waterfall guide. In nearby Cleveland, the multi-use trail system within Yonah Preserve, a 1,000-acre property near Helen, is open to the public Thursday - Sunday. Access the trailhead from Albert Reid Road and enjoy some 10 acres of walking space and mountain trail biking. Yonah Mountain is one of the top three rock climbing spots in Georgia, and its climbing and trail hikes are challenging enough that the Army Rangers use them for training. Other unique opportunities to explore on foot include a section of the Appalachian Trail. It intersects GA75 and SR348 and offers parking at both locations. For a more leisurely experience, here’s a link to easy and moderate starter hikes around Helen and White County.
The two-mile Andrews Cove Trail is an old logging road from Andrews Cove to the Appalachian Trail and Forest Service Road 283 at Indian Grave Gap. The NFS Andrews Cove Campground offers a scenic trout fishing stream and no-reservation, first come first served sites. (15000 Hwy. 75 N., Helen Georgia 30545) For more camping ideas, including camper rentals and more, go to https://helenga.org/?s=camping
Only enough time for a taste of the wilderness? Take a four-hour immersion, winding through the Chattahoochee National Forest, with some of North Georgia’s most scenic vistas, stream crossings and swimming at the pool of Helton Creek Falls. Wanderlust Adventure Tours offers an exhilarating ride in 4×4 Overland vehicles to the top of Blood Mountain at the historic Neel Gap location of the Appalachian Trail. The stone buildings were a dining/dance hall and inn completed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937, the same year as the Appalachian Trail. The AT runs right through the building, which is now Mountain Crossings, a supplier and provisions shop. Part of the original inn is now run as a historic hiker hostel.
Love water adventures? The Upper Chattahoochee River Water Trail starts at Sautee Creek and the Chattahoochee River in White County and includes Class I - III rapids. Kayaking can be a DIY or guided trip. Wildwood Outfitters takes guests on a Class I to II float down the river to soak in the scenery or a Class III rapids-running adrenaline kick. Overnight camping and other trips can be arranged.
Castles and Mountaintop Luxury
Capture the feeling of being in a castle in Germany, high on a mountain just two miles from downtown Alpine Helen. Uhuburg, the Eagle Owl Renaissance castle is a marvel of architecture, lifestyle and philosophy. Tours can be booked to learn about this food producing, naturalistic and celebratory place. General admission tours at the castle can be reserved online at www.Uhuburg.com; walkups are also accepted. Uhuburg is pronounced much like the call of an owl: Ooo-Hoo-burg and is German for Eagle Owl Castle. Special events and overnight chamber guest rooms are also available; check the website for dates. (571 Ridge Road, Helen, Georgia 30545; check the website for accurate driving directions.)
Helen’s original aerie mountain retreat is reminiscent of an ancient Scottish castle and is also close to downtown. Valhalla Resort Hotel offers sweeping mountain views, a relaxing pool, a rooftop sky bar and the area’s true fine-dining restaurant, all within the Innsbruck Golf Community. Upscale amenities include golf packages, concierge, valet and full spa services and three dining options. Packages can be arranged for hiking, fly fishing and winery tours (688 Bahn Innsbruck, Helen, Georgia 30545; 706-878-2200).
More Accommodations
Stay at the heart of the action in downtown Alpine Helen or escape to the quiet of a scenic mountain retreat. Take your pick of charming bed and breakfasts, alpine-themed motels, cozy cabins, a vibrant collection of vacation rentals or a luxury boutique hotel. https://helenga.org/lodging
More Outdoor Ideas
Here’s a link to Outdoor Helen, Part 1, which includes state parks and other adventures. https://www.travelmediapressroom.com/2021/11/23/alpine-helen-white-county-georgia-outdoor-adventure-off-the-beaten-trail/
For outdoor ideas geared to families, go to https://www.travelmediapressroom.com/2022/04/22/alpine-helen-white-county-for-families-lively-bavarian-village-leads-to-outdoor-adventure/
The official website of the Alpine Helen/White County Convention and Visitors Bureau is www.HelenGA.org