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Anna Ruby Falls: A Short Waterfall Hike With a Big Payoff

ByMorgan Middleton

Looking for a short, scenic hike in North Georgia that ends with a breathtaking double waterfall? Anna Ruby Falls might just be your new favorite stop. It’s definitely one of ours.

As locals who’ve explored this area in every season (even when the falls were frozen and looked like something out of a movie), we keep coming back for the beautiful views and ease of the hike to Anna Ruby Falls.

Twin streams of Anna Ruby Falls cascade down a rocky cliff surrounded by winter foliage and patches of ice, with a wooden observation deck in the foreground offering a close-up view of the frozen waterfall scene.

We’ve completed this trail solo, with friends who needed to take their time, and with kids who turned it into a race. No matter the group, this destination always delivers.

Whether you’re exploring the many things to do in North Georgia or just want a low-effort hike with a big payoff, this guide covers what you need to know before you go. We’ll walk you through trail details, fees, the best time to visit, and what to expect along the way.

Why Anna Ruby Falls Is Always a Win

Anna Ruby Falls is usually one of the first trails we recommend to friends and family.

A paved trail winds gently uphill through a forest with mossy rocks and scattered autumn leaves, leading to Anna Ruby Falls in Georgia's Chattahoochee National Forest.

The path is fully paved and just 0.4 miles to the top, but it is definitely not completely flat.

There are a few sections that will get your heart rate up, especially if you are wrangling kids or hiking with someone with mobility issues.

Over the years, we have shared the Anna Ruby Falls trail with a variety of hiking buddies.

My best friend, who proudly claims her 4’11.5″ height (yes, that half inch matters), needed a few extra pauses on the steeper parts. On another visit, my niece and nephew turned it into a sprint. At least for the first section… and then I ended up carrying my nephew the final stretch after he wore himself out.

A man in a dark long-sleeve shirt, jeans, and a baseball cap leans against a wooden railing on a viewing platform above a rocky creek, surrounded by dense forest near Anna Ruby Falls. Bare trees and evergreen shrubs line the stream in a peaceful late autumn setting.
A carefully stacked tower of flat stones rests on a mossy, weathered log above a shallow forest stream, surrounded by fallen leaves, rocks, and leafy undergrowth near Anna Ruby Falls.
A smiling woman in a teal shirt takes a selfie on a wooden bridge with a rocky forest stream and small waterfall flowing behind her near Anna Ruby Falls. Moss-covered boulders and bare trees add to the late autumn scenery.

The trail follows a rushing creek through the woods, with benches spaced out along the way.

A rustic stone bench sits beside a wooden fence along the paved trail to Anna Ruby Falls, surrounded by fallen leaves and bare trees in a quiet forest setting.

At the top, two waterfalls tumble down the rock face where Curtis and York creeks meet. Wooden viewing platforms give you a close-up look at the falls and offer a great place to catch your breath.

A bright winter view of Anna Ruby Falls shows twin streams of water cascading down a rocky cliff into a rushing creek, framed by evergreen and leafless trees under a clear blue sky. A wooden observation deck on the left provides visitors a closer look at the scenic waterfalls.
A natural view of Anna Ruby Falls shows twin waterfalls flowing down dark, rocky cliffs surrounded by dense forest and moss-covered boulders. The cascading water creates small streams and pools as it moves over layered rocks in a peaceful woodland setting.

It is a beautiful, easy hike that always delivers and pairs well with other waterfall hikes in North Georgia if you want to make a day of it.

What to Know Before Visiting Anna Ruby Falls

Getting to Anna Ruby Falls feels like part of the adventure.

You will drive through the winding roads of Unicoi State Park, surrounded by trees that burst into color in the fall and stay beautifully green in the spring and summer. It is the kind of drive that makes you want to roll the windows down and take your time.

At the end, you will reach the entrance gate where the road narrows and the mountains get closer. That is when you know you are in the right place.

Admission is $5 per person for anyone 16 and older. Kids 15 and under are free. You can pay with cash or card at the gate.

Unfortunately, if you are like us and have an America the Beautiful pass, it does not work here since Anna Ruby Falls is managed by GoFindOutdoors, not the National Park Service.

The parking lot is paved and easy to navigate, even for larger vehicles. It sits right next to the visitor center and gift shop. This is also where you will find the only bathrooms on site, so plan accordingly before you hit the trail.

A posted sign along the Anna Ruby Falls trail reads “Area closes at 5 PM. For your convenience please plan your departure prior to the closure of the entrance gate.” Additional smaller signs below advise visitors to keep pets on a leash and to stay on the trail for safety and environmental protection.

The recreation area is open daily from 9am to 5pm, with the last entry allowed at 4pm.

Anna Ruby Falls is closed on Thanksgiving Day, the day before Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

For the most up-to-date info, you can always check the USDA Forest Service site.

If you want a little more breathing room on the trail, plan your visit on a weekday morning or during the off-season. It is a popular spot for good reason.

Do You Need Gear to Hike Anna Ruby Falls? Not Really, But…

Since the trail is paved and under a mile round trip, you really do not need much to enjoy this hike. That said, a few small things can make it more comfortable, especially if you are visiting in the warmer months.

I usually wear my Oboz hiking shoes, even on easy trails like this one. The grip helps on the steeper sections, and I would rather be a little overprepared than uncomfortable.

A lightweight water bottle or Camelbak is a good idea too, particularly if you are walking during the heat of the day. You probably will not need snacks, but bug spray or mosquito repellant bands are worth bringing if you are visiting in late spring or summer.

Last minute stop and didn’t plan ahead? That’s ok! You could absolutely walk this trail in casual clothes and regular sneakers.

We have even seen women in dresses and heels walking up to the falls to get the perfect photo! Seriously… Personally, I would carry the heels and wear something more practical for the walk, but it goes to show how doable this trail really is.

And if you are hiking with kids, bring water… just trust me on this one.

Why We Keep Recommending Anna Ruby Falls

After all our visits, we still find ourselves coming back to Anna Ruby Falls. It is easy to reach, easy to hike, and always leaves an impression. Whether we are introducing someone to North Georgia for the first time or just want a quick nature escape, this trail checks all the boxes.

A peaceful forest stream winds through moss-covered rocks and fallen leaves, surrounded by dense greenery and tall, bare trees in late autumn near the Anna Ruby Falls trail. Soft light filters through the overcast sky, highlighting the quiet, natural beauty of the landscape.

You get a beautiful drive through the forest, a peaceful walk along the water, and a stunning double waterfall at the end. It is a classic for a reason, and one of the few hikes we feel good recommending to just about everyone.

If you are planning a trip to Helen or exploring the North Georgia mountains, this one deserves a spot on your list.

Morgan is the author behind Middletons on the Move, where she shares practical RV travel tips, campground reviews, and real-world advice for life on the road. She and her husband travel full-time in a 44' fifth wheel with their dog, Coco, and have camped in everything from pop-up to a 31' Class C. With a planner’s mindset and a love for exploring, Morgan helps fellow RVers hit the road with confidence and curiosity.