Anna Ruby Falls & Helen tour: Waterfalls and shopping

Twin waterfalls, a German village, and a morning hike in the Appalachian foothills

A small-group tour from Atlanta to Anna Ruby Falls in North Georgia, where you hike an easy paved trail under a mile round trip to see two waterfalls (Curtis Creek's 150-foot drop and York Creek's 50-foot cascade), then spend a couple of hours in the alpine village of Helen for lunch and shopping. The group stays under nine people for a personalized pace.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit waterfalls and explore Helen

• Travel north of Atlanta to Anna Ruby Falls
• Hike easy paved trail to twin waterfalls
• Shop at park gift shop
• Explore and shop in Helen village
• Have lunch in Helen at own expense

The experience

The drive north takes you into the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains to Anna Ruby Falls, where the hike itself is straightforward: a paved trail just under a mile round trip that leads to the two waterfalls. Curtis Creek's waterfall towers at 150 feet, and York Creek falls 50 feet beside it: a rare pair in one spot. The trail is graded for all skill levels, so the walking is manageable even if you're not a regular hiker. Once you've reached the falls and taken the photos, there's a gift shop at the trailhead where you can pick up a souvenir of the morning.

After the hike, you're transported to Helen, a village built to look like a Bavarian town tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains. The cobblestone streets and alpine architecture are the draw here, but the real time is yours: you'll have a couple of hours to explore the shops, walk around, and eat lunch from whatever restaurants appeal to you. Your guide will suggest options, but the choice and the cost are entirely up to you. It's the kind of stop where some people browse for an hour and others settle in for a long lunch.

The tour runs 6.5 hours total, with an air-conditioned vehicle for the drive and bottled water provided. Your guide speaks English and travels with the group throughout the day. Because the group caps at nine people, the pace stays unhurried and the experience feels less like a cattle-call tour and more like a small outing.

What’s included

• Entrance fee to Anna Ruby Falls.
• round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• bottled water throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesSaturday and SundayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (5 and older) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 9

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Waterfalls w/Lester

Is this one for you?The hike is easy and paved, so it suits anyone with moderate fitness who wants to see waterfalls without scrambling or steep climbing. The day splits evenly between the falls and Helen's shops and restaurants, so it works well if you want nature and a town visit in one outing rather than a full day of either.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How difficult is the hike to Anna Ruby Falls?

The trail to Anna Ruby Falls is an easy paved path just under a mile round trip, suitable for all skill levels. You'll reach two waterfalls (Curtis Creek at 150 feet and York Creek at 50 feet) without technical climbing or scrambling.

What do I do during the time in Helen?

Helen gives you a couple of hours to explore the Bavarian-style village on your own. You can shop the local stores, walk the cobblestone streets, and eat lunch at any restaurant you choose. Your guide will offer suggestions, but the meals and their cost are your decision.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch is not included and is at your own expense. You'll have time to eat at one of Helen's restaurants during the village portion of the day, and your guide can recommend options.

How many people travel on this tour?

The group size is capped at nine people maximum, keeping the experience personalized and the pace comfortable for everyone.

What's included in the tour cost?

The tour includes your entrance fee to Anna Ruby Falls, round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and bottled water throughout the day. Lunch and any shopping or souvenirs are separate.