To Do

Discover the Charm of the North Georgia Mountains: Your Adventure Awaits

FIRST THING TO DO VISIT HELEN, GA

The first time we stumbled upon Helen, GA we knew this place was special. A little German village a short distance from Atlanta nestled in the North Georgia mountains. OMG! There is so much to do here. We come here frequently to get away from it all and get back to what counts the most; spending time with friends and family. With its great restaurants, friendly atmosphere, nearby waterfalls, and incredible hiking and biking trails, there is something for everyone in and around Helen.

Do you want to…

Mine for Gold or Gems?

Go Tubing on the Chattahoochee River?

Go Kayaking or Canoeing?

Celebrate Oktoberfest?

Go horseback riding?

Go ATV’ing?

Hike to a waterfall and then go swimming?

Make memories that will last a lifetime!

You can do all that and more in Helen

North Georgia Mountains: A Year-Round Adventure Awaits!

Calling all nature lovers, thrill seekers, and festival enthusiasts! Pack your bags and lace up your hiking boots, because the North Georgia mountains are beckoning with a kaleidoscope of adventures in 2024. From snow-kissed winter wonderlands to vibrant spring blossoms, sun-drenched summer fun to fiery fall foliage. Every season in this breathtaking region promises unforgettable experiences. So, let's dive into a month-by-month (or rather, season-by-season) guide to ensure your North Georgia escapade is bursting with memories.

Here's a list highlighting events in these areas, with an emphasis on adventures, nature, and family-oriented events:

Spring

March

- Sautee Nacoochee Vineyards Wine Tasting: Enjoy local wines amidst scenic views.

April

- Helen Riverside Trout Tournament: A fun family fishing event in Helen.

- Nacoochee Adventures Zip Line Tours: Start the season with thrilling zip line rides.

May

- Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race & Festival: Colorful hot air balloons fill the sky.

- Anna Ruby Falls Family Hike: Guided nature hikes for all ages.

Summer

June

- Helen Tubing and Water Park: Spend a day floating down the Chattahoochee River.

- Sautee Nacoochee Outdoor Concert Series: Enjoy live music in a scenic setting.

July

- Fourth of July Fireworks in Helen: Spectacular fireworks display.

- Helen’s Alpine Village Nights: Experience Bavarian culture with the family.

August

- Unicoi State Park Adventure Day: Hiking, fishing, and nature activities.

- Helen’s Annual Hot Air Balloon Race: Watch or participate in this exciting race.

Fall

September

- Helen Oktoberfest: Celebrate German heritage with music, food, and dance.

- Sautee Nacoochee Indian Mound Visit: Explore the rich history of the area.

October

- Annual Pumpkin Festival: Pumpkin-themed activities and hayrides in Helen.

- Leaf Watching Excursions: Guided tours to view the stunning fall foliage.

November

- Helen’s Thanksgiving Parade: A festive family event.

- Hardman Farm Historic Site Tours: Explore historic Georgia life.

Winter

December

- Helen’s Christmas Parade and Christkindlmarkt: Traditional German Christmas market.

- Winter Hike at Unicoi State Park: Explore the beauty of winter in nature.

January

- Helen Winter Festival: Celebrate the winter season with the family.

- Sautee Nacoochee Center Art Classes: Engage in creative activities indoors.

February

- Romantic Carriage Rides in Helen: Perfect for Valentine’s Day.

- Family Snow Day at Unicoi: Enjoy snow tubing and winter games.

 

 

Bigg Daddy’s Restaurant & Tavern

American-style restaurant and bar.

807 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen

(706) 878-2739

https://biggdaddys.com/helen-ga/

It is always a great choice and is open most nights. indoor and outdoor seating with live music on weekends and special occasions. Everything we have had there was tasty.

Cowboys and Angels

Steak house and American-style

60 Chattahoochee Strasse, Helen, GA 30545

706-878-3733

cowboysangels.net

My favorite is ribeye steak, but everything there is good, with daily specials offering unique dishes.

 

Spice 55 Thai and Sushi restaurant

705 Brucken Strasse, Helen, GA 30545

706-878-1010

 spice-55.net

My Favorite: Everything I have ever ordered. Fresh-tasting vegetables and any of the curry dishes. This is usually the first place I go to whenever I come up.

 

Bangkok Haus Restaurant Helen

707 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen, GA 30545

https://www.facebook.com/bangkokhaushelen

Thai and sushi dining with great ambiance. Live music on certain nights. The quality here has been really good and it is one of my favorite places. Great sushi and awesome curry dishes.

 

 

Bodensee

German style

64 Munich Strasse, Helen, GA 30545

706-878-1026

http://www.bodenseerestaurant.com/

My Favorite is a sampler platter for two. What can I say? I love it.

 

Huddle House

Breakfast and American-style diner

8428 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545

706-878-3202

Huddle House Helen

 

Amazing breakfast. A simple diner at its best.

 

 

Hofbrauhaus Restaurant & Pub

9001 N Main St, Helen, GA 30545

706-878-2248

http://www.hofbrauhaushelenga.net/

German-style restaurant with a US military theme. My favorite is the Schweinshaxe, it is a pork dish but oh so good! You have to try it.

 

Hofer's Bakery and Cafe

8758 N Main St, Helen, GA 30545

706-878-8200

http://www.hofers.com/

Hofer's Bakery & Cafe is an authentic Bavarian bakery and cafe in Helen, Georgia, offering European cakes, pastries, and "Old World" breads, along with a delightful breakfast and lunch menu in a relaxing dining atmosphere.

 

Things to do:

 

Black Rock Mountain State Park

3085 Black Rock Mountain Pkwy, Mountain City, GA 30562

Drive to a great view with minimal walking. It’s a fun drive and a high altitude and it usually is several degrees cooler than it is down below so bring a jacket. It’s a good idea to pack a lunch because there are picnic tables where you can sit down and enjoy the view and have lunch. There is also a restroom right there by the parking lot and a small gift shop. There is a fee to park there, and I think it’s like five dollars but well worth it. On the way back down there is a lake at the bottom. It’s also a good place to drive to go see the lake and take photos.

 

AnNa Ruby Falls

Anna Ruby Falls Rd, Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571

706-754-6221

Park at the base and it is a short paved walk. Easiest walk to the waterfalls for most and you can take a stroller. On the way up, there are several areas to sit and rest.

 

Tallulah Falls Visitors Center

Tallulah Falls, GA 30573

Short walk to overlook #3 and #2 from the parking lot (this is an easy walk but do not go further down from there. It turns into steps and coming up is killer. If you are adventurous, you can go to the other overlooks but it will be a really strong leg workout. Amazing view from overlook #2.

 

Georgia Mountain Coaster

8409 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545

Georgiamountaincoaster.com

This is a gravity coaster where you control the brake. Lots of fun and right in downtown Helen.

 

Tubing (weather permitting)

There are two places in Downtown Helen to go tubing: Helen Tubing & Waterpark and Cool River Tubing.

Cool River Adventures in the North Georgia mountains offers an exhilarating array of aerial activities, including ziplining over the Chattahoochee River, diverse aerial adventure courses, and a 24-foot climbing wall, all emphasizing safety and fun​​​​​​​​​​​​​​. Helen Tubing & Waterpark provides a unique water experience with tubing on the Chattahoochee River, featuring a 2-2.5 hour journey, including all necessary equipment and safety measures like life jackets for younger adventurers​​​​​​. Both venues offer distinct adventures, blending the natural beauty of the North Georgia region with thrilling, family-friendly activities for all ages. Bring your own walking sticks or purchase one there.

 

Babyland general hospital

300 NOK Dr, Cleveland, GA 30528

cabbagepatchkids.com

 

Cabbage Patch Kids offers a unique and magical world where you can find the perfect addition to your family from thousands of available Cabbage Patch Kids, ensuring a match for everyone's preference​​. At BabyLand General Hospital in Cleveland, Georgia, the birthplace of these iconic toys, you can explore the largest selection of Cabbage Patch Kids in the world​​. This charming Southern-style home, nestled in the North Georgia Mountains and recognized by the Travel Channel as one of the Top Ten Toylands, offers a family-friendly adventure with free admission, making it an ideal destination for a memorable family outing​​.