Anna Ruby Falls - Helen, Georgia
by Rebecca Hollman
updated Oct 23, 2019
Anna Ruby Falls - Helen, Georgia
Anna Ruby Falls is actually two waterfalls side by side that is a super common day activity if you’re in Helen, Georgia. Because of it’s proximity to Helen and Unicoi State Park and also because of it’s wheelchair/stroller/kid/dog accessibility, it is one of the most popular waterfalls in all of Georgia. The hike is relatively easy, as it’s under a half mile and paved the whole way. It leads to impressive views - two waterfalls side by side, one dropping over 150 feet.
About the Trail:
Anna Ruby Falls is actually two waterfalls next to each other, one from Curtis Creek (an 150 ft fall) and the other from York Creek (a 50 ft fall). Together they form Smith Creek from the waterfalls onward. The waterfalls are named for the daughter of John H. Nichols, a wealthy White County resident who owned much of the land in the vicinity. The land was purchased by the US government in the 1920’s and formed into the Chattahoochee National Forest. The trail is an easy trail, with a steady but small incline the whole way up. The trail is paved for it’s entirety and so is wheelchair accessible. There are many benches along the trail as it follows Smith Creek. At the trail’s end, there are some viewing platforms that gives elevated views of the falls.
Trail Info:
The Anna Ruby Falls is a short and quick trail from the visitor center to the viewing platform. In total, the trail is 0.9 miles. It is well maintained and paved the entire way. It has a slight incline for the entirety of the trail so some people would consider it moderate difficulty. It is a very popular trail and so it is almost always busy.
Trail Map:
Getting There:
From the town of Helen, GA, go north 1 mile on Georgia Highway 17 to Robertstown and the intersection of Hwy. 17 and 356. Turn turn right on Hwy. 356 and go 1.3 miles. Turn left on Anna Ruby Falls Road and go to the entrance booth. There is a big parking lot outside the visitor center with plenty of parking, even on peak times and peak days.
Hours of Operation:
Summer:
From Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend
9:00am to 7:00pm, 7 days a week.
No admission after 6:00pm.
From Labor Day Weekend to the end of Daylight Savings Time
9:00am to 6:00pm, 7 days a week
No admission after 5 :00pm
Winter:
From the beginning of Standard Time to Memorial Day Weekend
9:00am to 5:00pm, 7 days a week
No admission after 4:00pm.
ENTRANCE FEES: $3 per person 16 years and older. 15 years and under are admitted free of charge.