Anna Ruby Falls
Reachable by a half-mile-long paved path in the Chattahoochee National Forest, this pair of waterfalls delivers a thunderous payoff without a lot of sweat. From the waterfalls, take the interpretive Lion’s Eye Trail to learn about the park’s ecosystem (the path is fully accessible, with signs also in braille), or try the more challenging Smith Creek Trail (9 miles roundtrip). Parking is limited near the entry to the falls, so try to arrive by the park’s opening at 10 a.m. during the peak season.
Chattahoochee River
From May to September, floating down the river in an inner tube (aka “shooting the Hooch”) is a peak Helen experience. Local outfitters rent inner tubes and offer pickup and dropoff services for a float that lasts 1 to 2.5 hours.
Sautee Nacoochee Center
This 8.5-acre cultural center gives you a full picture of Helen’s past, with galleries and sites dedicated to local Native and African American history, folk pottery, and gold mining. Or take a deep, restorative breath in the Native Peace garden.