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Summary- Things to know before hiking Anna Ruby Falls trail in Georgia

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When visiting North Georgia, the Anna Ruby Falls trail must be on your bucket list! This double waterfall is such a rare gem and still blows my mind every time I see it. This is easily one of the best waterfalls in North Georgia!

In this post, I’m diving into why you need to add this insanely beautiful waterfall to your Georgia bucket list and what to expect when you get there.

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How to Get To Anna Ruby Falls Trail in Georgia

Anna Ruby Falls is located in Helen, Georgia and is 2 hours North of Atlanta. If you are using GPS, the address for Anna Ruby Falls is 3455 Anna Ruby Falls Rd, Helen, GA 30545.

However, if you are one who likes to get places the old fashion way, then to get there from downtown Helen, GA you’ll want to head west on N Main St and turn right onto GA-356 E. From there, drive down for 1.3 miles and make a slight left onto Anna Ruby Falls Rd.

At the second gate attendant you will pay a $5 fee per person for any one over 16 years old. Anyone younger than 15 years old can enter for free. The large parking lot holds about 90 spots and is directly across from the Visitor Center.

Pro Tip: For the best photo opportunities, try to arrive to Anna Ruby Falls trail early in order to avoid the crowds! Once the lot fills up they close the gates and won’t reopen until a decent amount of cars leave.

Best Time to Visit Anna Ruby Falls Trail in Georgia

Anna Ruby Falls is gorgeous year round, but it is stunning to see in the Fall with all of the changing colors, and in the Spring when it’s flowing heavily due to the constant rainfall.

Hours: For majority of the year, the Anna Ruby Falls trail is open 7 days a week except for on popular holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Their regular hours are 9:00am to 6:00pm from March 1st- December 31st, and there is no admission after 5pm. From January 1st- February 28th they are open from 9:00am to 5:00pm, and there is no admission after 4pm.

Camping Near Anna Ruby Falls Trail in Georgia

If you are looking to make this a weekend trip, there are plenty of options to camp at Anna Ruby Falls. One of the closest campgrounds would be at Unicoi State Park. You can also check out the Chattahoochee National Forest for camping options close to the Falls.

The campgrounds at Unicoi State Park offer both tent sites and and RV camp sites, but always check ahead and make reservations because the campgrounds sellout from time to time. There is also the option to rent a cabin in the park if you don’t have the means to camp or have an RV/camper.

The Unicoi State Park camp grounds near Anna Ruby Falls offer great amenities such as water and electric hookups, bathhouses, and restrooms. There are also picnic areas to enjoy, as well as playgrounds and trails to hike around the park.

Hiking Essentials for Anna Ruby Falls in Georgia

As this is a relatively short waterfall hike in North Georgia, there isn’t too much you will need to bring. However, please make sure to always carry the essentials on every hike. Here is my go to list:

Hydroflask waterbottle
Battery Pack
Snacks
Hand Sanitizer
Bug Repellent
Head Lamps
First Aid Kit
Camera
Rain Jacket
All Trails App Pro Version

The Complete Guide to Hiking Anna Ruby Falls Trail in Georgia

Before you start the hike, I recommend checking out the Visitor Center. They have a cute gift shop where you can find apparel, souvenirs, and keep sakes relating to Anna Ruby Falls. You can also ask the staff any questions about the Falls, especially if you’d like to know about the history.

Once you’re ready to see the falls, the Anna Ruby Falls trail (also known as the Lion’s Eye trail) begins to the left of the visitor center. The hike is 0.9 miles round trip and is completely paved which makes it kid friendly and stroller/ wheelchair accessible.

After you walk for about 0.2 miles you will reach a bridge where you can watch the water tumbling over the rocks below. It is such a peaceful spot to take a photo and the hike up to the falls is really quite scenic.

As you continue on, the hike will steadily incline, but there are plenty of benches along the trail, in case you need to take a break.

Once you reach the end, you will see two viewing platforms where you can pull out your cameras and take in the beauty of the falls.

More adventures near Anna Ruby Falls

Helen is packed with beautiful hikes to do in Georgia, and is one of my favorite towns to spend a weekend. Here are some of my favorites close to Anna Ruby Falls:

High Shoals Falls

High Shoals Falls is just 20 minutes North of Anna Ruby Falls is this 3.5 mile hike that leads to 2 waterfalls, with one of them being a swimming hole. Don’t forget your swimsuit for this one!

Yonah Mountain

Yonah Mountain is a 4.5 mile challenging (but rewarding) hike that features 360 degree views on the North Georgia Mountains. It is stunning at sunset and the perfect place to end the day.

Uncoi State Park

Unicoi State Park is a Georgia State Park popular for its Smith Creek trail. There is also a lodge here that offers zip lining, paddle boarding, boat rentals, and mountain biking.