The 14+ Must See Waterfalls Near Helen, Georgia
Hey y’all! It’s Morgan, author of Middletons on The Move, Georgia native, and lover of all things water, especially waterfalls. Check out my list below of the best waterfalls near Helen, Georgia.
Our Favorite Waterfalls Within 1 Hour of Helen
Don’t go chasing waterfalls…. Wait. No, that’s not right. Do go chasing waterfalls!
Grab your hiking gear and a friend or two and go explore these trails that lead to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Georgia.
1. Dukes Creek Falls
- 5.1 miles from Helen, GA
- Easy trail near Raven Cliff Falls
- 2.3 miles roundtrip
- Dogs welcome on leash
- Daily fee of $4 per vehicle (or annual pass) required for parking
2. Raven Cliff Falls
- 6.4 miles from Helen, GA
- Moderate trail near Dukes Creek Falls
- Less than 5 miles roundtrip
- Dogs welcome on leash
- Daily fee of $5 per vehicle (or annual pass) required for parking
3. Anna Ruby Falls
That picture you saw at the top? That is Anna Ruby Falls when it was frozen in January 2024. Beautiful, right?
- 5.7 miles from Helen, GA
- Moderate trail near Unicoi State Park
- Less than 1 mile roundtrip
- Dogs welcome on leash
- Gates open at 9am-5pm daily
- Fee of $5 per person to park/enter
4. High Shoals Falls & Blue Hole Falls
Yes, you got that right. This a two for the price of one option. HAHA
- 12.4 miles from Helen, GA
- Moderate trail
- Approximately 2.5 miles roundtrip
- Dogs welcome and there are some off leash areas
- Free parking
5. Horse Trough Falls
- 14 miles from Helen, GA
- Easy trail
- Approximately 1 mile roundtrip
- Dogs welcome on leash
- Road does occasionally close during wintery weather and 4WD or AWD may be recommended
- Free Parking
6. Helton Creek Falls
- 16.6 miles from Helen, GA
- Easy trail with a waterfall
- 0.3 miles roundtrip
- Dogs welcome on leash
- Free parking
7. Water’s Creek Falls aka Dick’s Creek Falls
- 19.8 miles from Helen, GA
- Easy trail
- Approximately 1.2 miles roundtrip
- Dogs welcome on leash
- Free Parking
8. Hemlock Falls
- 20.1 miles from Helen, GA
- Easy trail
- Less than 2 miles roundtrip
- Dogs welcome on leash
- Daily fee of $5 per vehicle (or annual pass) required for parking
9. DeSoto Falls
- 20.8 miles from Helen, GA
- Easy trail
- Less than 2 miles roundtrip
- Dogs welcome on leash
- Daily fee of $5 per vehicle (or annual pass) required for parking
10. Trahlyta Falls at Vogel State Park
- 21.2 miles from Helen, GA
- Located within Vogel State Park that has other fun things to do like fishing, kayaking, swimming, and playing miniature golf
- Easy trail
- Approximately 1 mile roundtrip
- Dogs welcome on leash
- Daily fee of $5 per vehicle (or annual pass) required for parking
12. Minnehaha Falls
- 23.8 miles from Helen, GA
- Easy trail
- 0.4 miles round trip
- Dogs welcome and there are some off leash areas
- Free parking but it is extremely limited (5 or 6 spaces)
11. Angel Falls & Panther Falls
- 24 miles from Helen, GA
- Moderate trails
- 2.2 miles roundtrip that take you to multiple waterfalls
- Dogs welcome on leash
- Daily fee of $5 per vehicle (or annual pass) required for parking in the lot or to use the campground facilities. We have heard reports of some free parking along the side of the road but have not experienced this personally.
13. Toccoa Falls & Little Falls
Toccoa Falls and Little Falls are located on the Toccoa Falls College campus approximately 28 miles from Helen, GA. You gain access to the short and easy trail (less than 0.5 miles roundtrip) via the gift shop on campus.
- Free: 6 years and under
- $2 each: Children 7+ and adults
- $1 each: Seniors
- $6 total: 4 or more/Family
- Monday-Friday: 10am – 4pm
- Saturday-Sunday: 12pm – 4pm
- The falls are periodically closed for private events. Recommend calling in advance.
14. Bonus: Amicalola Falls
Amicalola Falls is located just over an hour away from Helen, GA but this waterfall is worth driving a little farther away to see. In Morgan’s opinion, this list of falls would not be complete without mentioning Amicalola.
- 47.8 miles from Helen, GA
- Moderate trail with a LOT of stairs (425 steps in the final portion of the hike alone)
- Dogs welcome on leash
- Daily fee of $5 per vehicle
Hike Safety and Best Practices
Be cautious. Let someone know where you are going and when you should be back. Accidents can happen so it is always better for a friend or loved on to know your location.
Pay attention to posted signs and warnings. They are there for a reason.
Leave no trace. If you pack it in, pack it out. Keep our trails nice for the next visitor.
Bring the right gear. Research your hike location ahead of time. Know the conditions and terrain. Bring water and snacks or meals if appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
We hear these questions all the time so we decided to put them in one place, with the answers, to make your life easier.
What is the easiest waterfall hike in Helen, GA?
The easiest waterfall hikes on this list are: Toccoa Falls, Helton Creek Falls, Horse Trough Falls, Trahlyta Falls, Water’s Creek Falls, and Minnehaha Falls.
How much does it cost to go to Anna Ruby Falls?
It costs $5 per person ages 16 and older to enter Anna Ruby Falls.
How long is the hike to Anna Ruby Falls?
The trail is less than 1 mile roundtrip but it usually takes about 30 minutes.
Is Anna Ruby Falls an easy hike?
Most people would consider this trail “moderate” or average difficulty.
Which Helen waterfalls do not require a lot of hiking?
These trails are less than 0.5 miles roundtrip: Helton Creek Falls, Minnehaha Falls, and Toccoa Falls.
Conclusion: Which Waterfall Near Helen Are You Going to Explore Next?
You cannot go wrong with any of these options. Let us know which waterfall (or trail) is your favorite and why!
Are you looking for other outdoorsy things to do in North Georgia? This list will give you plenty of great ideas.
