Helen, GA

From Atlanta, GA 88 mi From Chattanooga, TN 133mi From Asheville, NC 121 mi From Greenville, SC 98 mi Come visit the beautiful Alpine town of Helen in the heart of the Northeast Georgia Mountains. Experience walking through a fairytale of dreams from the villages of Germany with Bavarian style food, and fun for everyone. Many businesses go beyond the German brews, bratwurst, schnitzel and goulash to greet you in lederhosen and dirndl dress to welcome you with hospitality. Lighting of the Village kicking the festivities off is in late November. The charming, colorful pitched roofs drip with twinkling Christmas lights, and when lucky enough to get a rare touch of snow, the town looks like a Bavarian winter wonderland. Throughout the first two weekends of December, a traditional German market, Christkindlmarkt, has booths where visitors can shop for gifts, decorations, and sweet treats. Explore all Helen has to offer including some of these highlighted attractions in town or visit www.HelenChamber.com FESTHALLE Year Round Festivals held to celebrate seasonal events. Longest Oktoberfest in the South with authentic German music, dancing, costumes, food, & Beergarten! Trout Tournament in March, Springbierfest in April, Bavarianfest in May and Bingo March - September. CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER  Headwaters of this historic 430 mile river that brings water to Georgia, Alabama, & Florida.  Tubing, kayaking, and fishing is popular for visitors that come to Helen. Picnic by the river in City Park, walking trails along the river, or enjoy the views from many restaurants and lodging facilities. UNICOI STATE PARK & LODGE Facilities in the park include a Conference Center and Lodge, which can accommodate up to 200 people; cottages & campsites are also available. Enjoy the mountain views, large stone fireplace, and dine at the Unicoi Restaurant for fresh mountain trout. Many activities include concerts, art & craft shows, Festival of Trees, plus other events. ANNA RUBY FALLS & SMITH LAKE  This short hike leads to water cascading over the drop offs is created by two creeks. The Curtis Creek falls drop 153 feet and the York Creek falls are much shorter but still spectacular 50 feet.  Enjoy Hiking, Mountain Biking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Picnic, & Bird watching. Hikers can also walk the 4.6 mile Smith Creek Trail. NORA MILL GRANARY & GRIST MILL Established in 1870, this Historic Mill overlooks the Chattahoochee River and produces corn and wheat based products such as grits, cornmeal, pancake mixes, flours, biscuit & bread mixes. THE HARDMAN FARM Built in 1876 this Historic Farm is directly located across from the Nacoochee Indian Mound.   House & Farm tours with History about the region and Hardman Heritage Trail walk along the Chattahoochee River to downtown Helen.