Upcoming Events › Helen

The South’s oldest balloon event and the United States’ only long distance hot air balloon race will begin (weather permitting) with a mass ascension of around 20 bright and colorful hot air balloons, in North Georgia’s Alpine Village – Helen. Race competitors and local flyers will take to the sky at 7:00 am, Thursday, June 1, 2023. If the weather conditions are too windy or storms are forecast, the take off will be postponed until conditions are acceptable.The people of Helen believe that Helen, Georgia is the center of their world and in Columbus’ day the Atlantic Ocean was the “edge of the Earth”. Thus, Pete Hodkinson came up with the concept for the Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race. The race begins in Helen and the finish line is I-95 (anywhere between Maine and Miami). The shortest distance is 225 miles and the race usually takes two days. It has been done in one day, while some races have taken as many as four days. Several balloons will be competing in the cross country race. It is a race where both the pilot’s and crew’s skills are challenged. A balloon can only go the same speed and direction as the wind. The pilot must find the altitude which gives him/her the best speed as well as direction towards the finish line. The race becomes a crew event as well, since the balloons are limited to 40 gallons of fuel (propane). Forty gallons is approximately enough fuel to last 4 hours, so the balloons have to land for refueling. If the crew is not there immediately with fresh tanks, valuable time is lost while the pilot and crew try to find each other. The winner is the first person to cross I-95, or whoever is ahead at sunset on Friday, June 2, 2023. While the competition to the Atlantic continues, other balloonist compete in local events beginning Thursday evening around 6:00 pm. Local flying events will take place also on Friday and Saturday. The balloons will fly around 7:30 am and 6:00 pm each day (weather permitting). The balloons will only fly for around 1 to 2 hours. There will be many opportunities available to the public; assisting with the inflations, being a part of a chase crew or taking a tethered ride in a balloon. There will be approximately 20 balloons flying locally helenballoon.com

1st Saturday of Month 10 AM - 11 AM from May 6, 2023 - Smithgall Woods State Park - Helen, GA - Want a guided tour of Georgia's premiere conservation park? Join volunteers to learn more about Smithgall Woods via a van tour of the park. See the covered bridge, the famous Dukes Creek, and our renowned cottages. There is no charge for the tour, but donations are welcomed. Reservations are required.

Saturday, Jun 10, 2023 10 AM to 12:30 PM - Smithgall Woods State Park - Helen, GA - Come on a guided hike on Ash Creek Trail. This is a slightly more challenging trail that is perfect for the summer months! this hike will be around 3.5 miles with some moderately challenging terrain, and two creeks that will be forded (no bridges). This trail is a wonderful opportunity to experience everything that Smithgall Woods has to offer.Remember to bring water and dress for the hike! $5 parking pass. Reservations only. please call the visitor's center at 706-878-3087 for more information or to make your reservation. There is a 15 person limit for this hike.

It’s time for the Shriner’s from Yaarab Temple to assemble in Helen for the initiation of new members into their parade tradition. On Saturday afternoon the Shriner’s will entertain spectators with the fun and frolic of the Shriner’s parade through downtown Helen. Be sure and support this most worthy organization with your patronage and cheers as they perform their very best. The parade will begin at the Helen Festhalle adjacent to the Helendorf, then cross over the lower bridge turning left onto Chattahoochee Street then turning right onto Main Street and ending at Betty’s Country Store. So please join the Yaarab Shriner’s and enjoy the excitement of a parade for all ages.

Saturday, Jun 17, 2023 8 AM to 10 AM - Smithgall Woods State Park - Helen, GA - Learn about identifying sounds, calls, and knowing the different bird habitats during a PowerPoint portion of the program before heading out on a trail and putting these new skills to the test.Reservations are required. Please call the visitor’s center at 706-878-3087 for more information or to make your reservation. $5 per person plus $5 parking pass. please note that this is an EARLY program.

1st Saturday of Month 10 AM - 11 AM from May 6, 2023 - Smithgall Woods State Park - Helen, GA - Want a guided tour of Georgia's premiere conservation park? Join volunteers to learn more about Smithgall Woods via a van tour of the park. See the covered bridge, the famous Dukes Creek, and our renowned cottages. There is no charge for the tour, but donations are welcomed. Reservations are required.

Join us for our annual display of beautiful fireworks. The fireworks will be held at dusk (between 9PM & 9:30PM) behind the Alpine Village Shoppes and Helen Welcome Center.Call 706-878-2181 for more information.