Best things to do in Helen

Formed from two separate streams merging into the twin waterfall, Anna Ruby Falls provides hikers with a quiet respite in the center of a national forest. The falls are accessible via a 0.8 km (0.5 mi) paved trail from the parking lot and features benches along the way. Winding along Smith Creek, the trail gives information on the local environment; you can admire the waters merging into Smith Creek from the viewing point. The Lion's Eye trail is a specially designed route for the visually impaired, providing handrails and braille signs. Head to the visitor center for tickets. A gift shop sells local crafts and paintings next door. Remember to pack good walking shoes, as the paths can be slippery and wet.

Hike, bike, swim, fish, and camp among the verdant mountains of Unicoi State Park. Full of fresh mountain water and boasting a clean swimming beach, Unicoi Lake represents the main attraction of the the 4,067 hectare, (1,050 acre) park. Rent a canoe or paddle boat from one of the shops along the lake and take it out on the water. Choose from 19 km (12 mi) of easy to strenuous hiking trails that lead to Anna Ruby Falls and satisfy your hunger afterward with fresh trout in the park's restaurant. If you visit outside of winter, don't forget your bug spray.

At an elevation of 2,025 m (6,643 ft or 1.25 mi), Clingmans Dome is both the tallest mountain of the Great Smokies and the highest point along the Appalachian Trail. Park your car near the summit and embark on 0.8 km (0.5 mi) walk to the observation tower atop the mountain. Note that while the trail is short and paved, it is very steep. Benches along the way provide a place to rest and catch your breath. The tower's observation platform provides panoramic views of the surrounding area, and handy signs help you identify points of interest. Bring a jacket with you; cold temperatures and rain are common here.

Welcome to Helen Arts & Heritage Center, a local non-profit art gallery, pottery studio, history museum and art educational facility, located in the Alpine Bavarian Village of Helen, Georgia, tucked away in the far northeast mountainous region of our great state. The center is responsible for serving area artists and others through art educational programs, annual gallery exhibits and competitions, marketing, publicity and stands as a pillar of the community in cultural outreach. The gallery serves many area artists through its sale of art and is in itself, a base location for artists desiring a quiet and relaxed place to master their skills and share interests and ideas with fellow working artisans.



The History & Heritage Museum is housed within the Arts Center and serves not only locals, but visitors from all over the world. The local history is rich and embedded deep here and it is our goal, as an organization whose membership consists of authorized historians, to do everything possible to carefully preserve the historic heritage and keep alive the valued past for our future generations.

In 2007, a handful of determined local area women had an idea that eventually turned into a reality. Their vision was of a place for artists to come together, share creative talents with each other and a place to display and sell their art; but more importantly, a place of fellowship among women, a "common ground" where they all shared an interest. After only a few frantic weeks of planning, much hard work and brainstorming, the Helen Arts & Heritage Center was born.

The Arts Center is now a growing community cultural outreach and support system for area artists, equipped with a working pottery studio where potters can create their wares from raw clay to finished glazed product. Located above the pottery studio is the Painter's Guild Loft where painters gather each week to paint and share their talents and skill, while inspiring others in the process. The center's gallery is home to a remarkable display of art in a wide range of media from some incredibly talented artists. The organization is base to a membership of over 200 and growing; many of whom are talented, experienced artists frequently utilizing the facility to share and teach various artistic techniques. An assortment of art classes are held at the center throughout the year in various media interests.

Overall, we are a group of hard working volunteers from a vast range of backgrounds who have now come together as one. We 'have' families and we 'are' family. Some of us are artists and some are not. Some just want to be involved in the organization because they believe in what we represent. When there is a need, we step up to the plate to help, because we care about our community and its people. We are a strong group of caring, unselfish and giving people whose hope and belief is that we shall forever impact the arts and the lives of others in a favorable manner by encouraging, supporting and inspiring.

Habersham Winery has been producing award winning Georgia wines since 1983 and is one of Georgia's oldest and largest wineries.

Located one half-mile from Alpine Helen in the Nacoochee Village. Open daily for tastings!

Nestled among Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains, Cades Cove offers opportunities to explore historical areas and untamed wilderness. Drive the 17.7 km (11 mi), one-way road circling the lush valley at an easy pace. Stop to view the mills, churches, barns, and houses dating as far back as 1818, when the first European settlers arrived in the cove. Keep an eye out for the region's resident deer, wild turkeys, and black bears. At the visitor center, pick up an informational booklet, available for a small fee, so you can enjoy a self-guided tour of the area.