12+ Amazing Waterfalls in Helen, Georgia
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The waterfalls in Helen, Georgia, are just the beginning of the fun things to do in the area! But it’s such a plus that this charming mountain town is surrounded by cascading beauty, with plenty of falls to explore right in town and even more within an hour’s drive.
The best part is there’s a little something for everyone! Whether you’re up for a quick stroll to a gentle cascade or ready to tackle a longer hike for a breathtaking reward. Each waterfall has its own personality, offering unique views and experiences that will leave you in awe of nature’s artistry!
Epic Waterfalls in Helen, GA
1. Anna Ruby Falls
Distance from Helen: 16 minutes
Trail length: 0.9 miles
Trail difficulty: Easy
Cost: $5 per person 16 and older
Anna Ruby Falls is a must-see waterfall near Sautee Nacoochee, and it’s hands-down one of the best things to do in Helen! The short and sweet 0.9-mile round-trip trail is paved, making it perfect for adventurers of all ages. As you wander along the path, you’ll be wrapped in a cozy hug of lush greenery.
The real magic happens at the trail’s end when Anna Ruby Falls steals the show! Here, two streams—Curtis Creek and York Creek—team up to create a breathtaking double waterfall that tumbles over 150 feet. The observation deck offers front-row seats to soak it all in—trust me, it’s a sight you won’t forget.
Plan your visit any day of the week between 9 AM and 5 PM to catch this natural wonder in action!
2. Dukes Creek Falls
Distance from Helen: 10 minutes
Trail length: 2 miles
Trail difficulty: Moderate
Cost: Parking is $4
Dukes Creek Falls is a go-to trail for anyone craving adventure without too much effort—it’s a relatively short hike with just the right touch of moderate elevation to keep things interesting. Winding through a dreamy, forested landscape, the trail teases you with glimpses of nature’s beauty before delivering the grand finale: the breathtaking Dukes Creek Falls!
This stunning waterfall in Helen tumbles down a rocky cliff in a graceful cascade, creating a peaceful escape right in the heart of the woods. Standing at an impressive 150 feet tall, it’s the kind of view that stops you in your tracks. The observation deck is the perfect spot to soak up the falls’ full glory and snap that Instagram-worthy shot to seal the memory!
3. Horse Trough Falls
Distance from Helen: 15 minutes
Trail length: 1 mile
Trail difficulty: Easy
Cost: Parking is $2
Horse Trough Falls is your ticket to a peaceful escape in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest. With an easy trail that takes just about 25 minutes to complete, it’s the perfect outing for hikers of all ages and energy levels—no sweat required (okay, maybe just a little).
When you reach Horse Trough Falls, you’re greeted by a charming cascade tumbling gracefully over the rocks, creating a picture-perfect moment that feels straight out of a postcard. While these falls may be smaller than some of their towering neighbors, their natural beauty and tranquil vibes more than make up for it.
Just a heads-up: the campground and road to the falls close during the winter, so be sure to plan your visit when everything’s open and ready for exploring!
4. Raven Cliff Falls
Distance from Helen: 12 minutes
Trail length: 4.9 miles
Trail difficulty: Moderate
Cost: Parking is $5 cash only
Raven Cliff Falls is one of the waterfalls in Helen that gets you excited from the moment you step onto the trail! This moderate hike weaves through lush woods and runs alongside a babbling creek, giving you all the serene nature vibes as you make your way to the main event. The anticipation builds with every step, and when you finally arrive—wow, just wow.
The falls cascade down a rocky cliff, dropping about 40 feet into a dreamy pool below. It’s one of those sights that makes you stop in your tracks and say, “Okay, nature, I see you!” The trail is a little rooty and rocky, but it’s all part of the fun, with shady spots and jaw-dropping views to keep you motivated.
This spot is super popular for hiking, camping, and backpacking, so you’ll probably make a few trail friends along the way. It’s open all year, but heads-up: winter road closures can happen, so plan accordingly.
And trust me on this—the parking lot fills up FAST, so get there early to lock down your spot and enjoy this unforgettable hike without the stress!
Waterfalls Near Helen, GA (About 30 Minutes Drive)
5. High Shoals & Blue Hole Falls
Distance from Helen: 26 minutes
Trail length: 2.6 miles
Trail difficulty: Moderate
Cost: Free
High Shoals Falls kicks off with peaceful creek sounds and, if you’re lucky, some seasonal wildflowers popping up to say hello. As you make your way deeper into the woods, things get a little more rugged, but hey, that’s part of the charm, right?
When you finally reach the falls, prepare to be blown away! The water tumbles down in stunning tiers, with the main cascade plunging an impressive 80 feet into a crystal-clear pool below. It’s the kind of view that makes you stop and soak it all in (and, of course, snap a photo or ten).
But wait—there’s more! If you keep going just a bit further past High Shoals Falls, you’ll stumble upon the lesser-known but equally enchanting Blue Hole Falls. This hidden gem is perfect if you’re looking for a quieter, more secluded spot to enjoy the magic of the woods. Trust me, both of these waterfalls near Helen are well worth the trek!
6. Desoto Falls
Distance from Helen: 29 minutes
Trail length: 1.9 miles
Trail difficulty: Easy
Cost: $5 per vehicle
Desoto Falls is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of experience, perfect for hikers who love options! If you’re in the mood for a quicker trek, the Upper Falls Trail is just 2 miles round-trip, but if you’re feeling up for more, the Lower Falls Trail stretches about 3 miles round-trip. Both promise plenty of nature magic along the way!
The Upper Falls is a showstopper with water cascading down a rocky ledge, perfectly framed by the lush forest. The Lower Falls, though, takes it up a notch with a grander, more powerful display as water rushes over the rocks in a breathtaking scene.
If there hasn’t been a lot of recent rainfall, you may want to enjoy one of the other stunning waterfalls near Helen.
7. Dick’s Creek Falls
Distance from Helen: 32 minutes
Trail length: 1.2 miles
Trail difficulty: Easy
Cost: Free
Dick’s Creek Falls is another waterfall tucked away in the Chattahoochee National Forest. The trail is a short and sweet adventure, making it perfect for hikers of all levels who want a quick escape into nature.
The best part is this is one of the few waterfalls near Helen where you can take a dip! So be sure to pack your bathing suit and enjoy cooling off and being surrounded by the serene beauty of the forest.
But a word to the wise—this hidden gem can be a little tricky to find. Save yourself some frustration and download the trail map on AllTrails before you head out. Trust me, it’s worth the effort!
8. Hemlock Falls
Distance from Helen: 32 minutes
Trail length: 1.9 miles
Trail difficulty: Easy
Cost: $5 per vehicle parking fee
Hemlock Falls is tucked away in Moccasin Creek State Park. The trail takes you through enchanting, tree-lined forests, over charming streams, and even across a picture-perfect bridge (yes, there’s a waterfall under it!).
But the fun doesn’t stop there! Along the way, you’ll pass a few smaller waterfalls, like nature’s little sneak peeks before the grand finale: the stunning Hemlock Falls. Don’t forget the bug spray for this one. The mosquitos here are relentless, and they don’t care if you’re the main character on your waterfall quest!
Waterfalls Near Helen, GA (35-45 Minute Drive)
9. Trahlyta Falls
Distance from Helen: 41 minutes
Trail length: 1.1 miles
Trail difficulty: Easy
Cost: $5 parking fee per vehicle
Trahlyta Falls at Vogel State Park is the perfect spot for a little nature escape, and it’s family-friendly! The paved trail is a breeze—taking just around 25 minutes—so even the tiniest adventurers can make it to the falls without a sweat.
What makes this waterfall even more special is the Lake Trahlyta Trail, which is a loop! So, you get to see the falls from multiple angles as you meander through the woods. The falls themselves are like a natural work of art, with cascades flowing gracefully over the rocks, and the whole place has a peaceful vibe that’ll make you feel like you’re in your own little nature bubble.
Plus, the falls are named after Trahlyta, a Cherokee princess, which adds a little extra touch of history to the beauty. The trail is open year-round, but is especially a sight to see in the fall!
10. Helton Creek Falls
Distance from Helen: 35 minutes
Trail length: 0.3 miles
Trail difficulty: Easy
Cost: Free
Helton Creek Falls is a total hidden gem tucked away in the Chattahoochee National Forest, and it’s totally worth the short trek! This easy hike takes you straight to a stunning double waterfall, where two streams join forces and tumble down the rocks in a beautiful cascade.
The sight of the water flowing through vibrant foliage is pure magic, and it’s an absolute must-see! Since the hike is so short and sweet, it’s a heavily trafficked waterfall near Helen, GA, so if you want a little peace and quiet, try to get there early.
While the trail is a breeze, there are a few steeper spots, so just be careful while you’re enjoying the view. And if you’re feeling adventurous, this waterfall has a fantastic swimming hole waiting for you—so don’t forget your suit! It’s the perfect spot to splash around and soak up nature’s beauty.
11. Panther Falls and Angel Falls
Distance from Helen: 37 minutes
Trail length: 2.3 miles
Trail difficulty: Moderate
Cost: Free. If you can’t find free parking at the trailhead you can pay $5 to park inside of the campground.
On this hike, you’ll encounter three stunning waterfalls along the way! First, there’s an unnamed waterfall that’s a hidden gem, followed by Panther Falls about 0.5 miles in, and then the grand finale,Angel Falls.
The trail is well-maintained, with multiple bridge crossings and streams adding extra charm to the journey. While it’s the third longest hike on this list, taking just over an hour to complete, the multiple waterfalls make every step worth it!
12. Minnehaha Falls
Distance from Helen: 40 minutes
Trail length: 0.4 miles
Trail difficulty: Easy
Cost: Free
Minnehaha Falls is tucked away in the lush woods of North Georgia, offering the perfect escape into nature. The trail takes you through vibrant wildflowers and thick greenery, making every step a beautiful experience.
While you’ll have to navigate a few tree roots and planks along the way, the sight of the stunning falls at the end is totally worth it! The peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty make Minnehaha Falls a popular spot for locals and visitors.
Since parking is limited and this waterfall is a fan favorite, be sure to arrive early to snag a spot and make the most of your visit!
Which of these waterfalls near Helen are you visiting first?!
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a fun outdoor adventure, the waterfalls in Helen, Georgia are an absolute must-see! From hidden gems like Minnehaha Falls to the breathtaking sights of Angel Falls, each waterfall offers its own unique charm and beauty. So lace up your hiking boots, pack some snacks, and get ready to explore these natural wonders!
Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other posts from our 2-week Southeast USA road trip:
