Helen Ga Back to Helen Ga. Things to Do

Helen Georgia Anna Ruby Falls

Anna Ruby Falls is the perfect short hike (less than a half mile long). Curtis Creek (The high falls), and York Creek (The small falls) come together at this one majestic work of nature dumping over 3,500 gallons of water per minute, and over 5 million gallons per day to form what is called Anna Ruby Falls.

The falls were named after the daughter of John H. Nichols a white county resident that owned much of the land in the vicinity of the falls. Anna Ruby Falls flows into Smith Creek. Hikers have the option once they reach the falls to continue a ten mile loop hike, or a five mile hike. Once you reach the falls, you will definitely be taken in by the scenery. You should plan on staying at the falls for at least fifteen minutes relaxing to the sights and sounds as nature immerses you into its alluring beauty.

Smith Creek flows down into Unicoi Lake then into the Chattahoochee River, which flows into the Apalachicola River by way of Lake Seminole all the way to the Gulf of Mexico completing approximately a 550 mile trip.

You will not be disappointed with a visit here. The hike has great scenery the whole way, including crossing a bridge over the river approximately half way up. You will hear running waters on your way up as you hike the whole way along the edge of Smith Creek.

Make sure you step behind the visitor’s center for a chance to feed some of the monster trout swimming around this section of Smiths creek.

The hike up to Anna Ruby Falls is .4 miles uphill, but not too strenuous. It’s a perfect simple hike for all ages. The trail is paved, and there are wooden decks overlooking the falls once you reach the top. At the entrance to the trails are a visitor’s center with a nice gift shop inside, restrooms, a drink machine, and many picnic tables scattered along Smith Creek with grills. You will not find a more inviting spot to have a nice shaded cool picnic than here. The picnic tables are situated right on Smith Creek, allowing you to enjoy a nice cool shaded picnic while listening to the sounds of the rushing waters of Smith creek. If you are visiting Helen Ga., Anna Ruby Falls definitely needs to be on your list of things to do. If you go there for a picnic, and hike up to the falls, the entire visit should take between three and four hours.

The fee to park is $2.00, and if you have paid for a parking fee for Unicoi State Park, this is NOT included because the Anna Ruby Falls is Federal Land, and Unicoi State Park is a state fee.

The main gate closes at 7:00 pm Memorial Day through Labor Day, and at 6:00 pm all other days, so plan your trip accordingly.

Cost: $2.00
Time: with picnic and, hiking the falls 3-4 hours
Getting there: From the main street running thru Helen, Ga. (17/75)
take Hwy 356 (across from the Kwik Sac convenient store) 1.3 miles to and bear left onto
Anna Ruby Falls Rd. (If you cross a nice lake on your left, you just passed Anna ruby Falls Rd.)
Follow Anna Ruby Falls Rd. approximately 4 miles to the visitor’s center and parking area.

Are we there yet? Approximately ten minutes total trip time outside of Helen Ga.

 

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