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

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If you’re looking for one of the best beginner-friendly hikes in North Georgia, Anna Ruby Falls should be at the top of your list. Known for its twin cascading waterfalls, Anna Ruby Falls is the perfect addition to your itinerary when visiting Helen, GA. This beginner-friendly hike is perfect for all skill levels, offering an easy yet rewarding trek through the scenic Chattahoochee National Forest.

In this blog post, I’ll break down everything you need to know about hiking Anna Ruby Falls, from trail tips to what to expect along the way. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re planning to revisit this iconic spot, I’ve got you covered for an unforgettable experience.

Table of Contents

Key Trail Details:

Trail Name: Anna Ruby Falls Trail
Location: Chattahoochee National Forest, near Helen, Georgia
Distance: 0.9 miles (round-trip)
Difficulty Level: Easy
Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes

Directions from Downtown Atlanta:

Head north on I-85 N.
Take exit 129 to merge onto I-985 N toward Gainesville.
Continue on I-985 N for about 25 miles.
Take the US-23 N/US-441 N exit toward Clarkesville/Helen.
Follow US-441 N to the entrance for Anna Ruby Falls (approximately 15 miles from the highway).
Look for signs directing you to the falls and the parking area.

Arriving at Anna Ruby Falls

When you arrive at the Anna Ruby Falls parking area, you’ll likely be greeted by an attendant at the entrance kiosk to collect the parking fee. The cost is $5 per person for ages 16 and up, while visitors under 16 get in free. If you don’t have cash, no worries—the attendant will direct you to the Welcome Center, where you can pay by card.

The parking lot is paved and well-maintained, with a decent number of spots available. However, during peak seasons (spring and summer) and weekends, it can fill up quickly. To avoid the crowds and secure a spot, plan to arrive early.

Before hitting the trail, be sure to stop by the Welcome Center! It’s a great place to grab last-minute hiking essentials, snacks, souvenirs, and learn more about the park. Whether you need a quick energy boost or forgot something at home, this spot probably has what you need.

Terrain and Features:

One of the best things about this trail is that it’s mostly paved. This makes it wheelchair accessible and suitable for all skill levels. The path is relatively flat, though you’ll encounter a few gentle inclines that might add a slight challenge.

Along the way, you’ll cross a few small bridges over trickling streams, with the sound of flowing water following you the entire hike. The peaceful atmosphere and shaded forest make it an enjoyable and relaxing walk. At the end of the trail, you’ll find an observation platform that offers the perfect view of Anna Ruby Falls.

These stunning twin waterfalls drop 150 feet where Curtis Creek and York Creek meet. No matter the season, Anna Ruby Falls is a sight to see year-round. You can be surrounded by lush greenery in the summer, colorful foliage in the fall, or a peaceful mist in the winter.

Pro Tip: Be sure to check weather conditions in the winter months, just incase recent snow or ice accumulation make the paved paths more slick.

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.

Places to Grab Food, Coffee, or just Relax

Of course, after a good hike, food is a must, and Helen has plenty of great dining options. If you’re looking for a place to refuel, here are a few top spots I recommend:

Bigg Daddys Restaurant & Tavern – A local favorite for casual dining and American fare.
Cowboys and Angels – A Western-themed steakhouse that offers soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, steaks & seafood, and Southern specialties.
Paul’s Margarita Deck – A pub-style spot right by the river, offering great food, drinks, and a relaxing view where you can enjoy the sounds of the water or watch tubers float by.

Other Places to Visit in the Area:

One of the best things about hiking Anna Ruby Falls is its location. It’s just minutes from Helen, GA, a charming Bavarian-style town packed with great food, unique shops, and fun activities.

I highly recommend checking out the Helen Mountain Coaster—it’s a fun, fast-paced ride through the mountains of Georgia!

Another option for outdoor adventure and just the place to keep the excitement going is Unicoi State Park. You can hit Unicoi Lake, which is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and even swimming when the weather warms up. The park also offers zip-lining, an archery and air rifle range, and even a survivalist training course for those wanting to put their outdoor skills to the test.

Lastly, while visiting in the warmer months, tubing down the river is an absolute must. It’s one of the most popular activities in the area and the perfect way to relax and cool off. Finding a tubing outfitter and hitting the water is easy, allowing you to just sit back, float, and enjoy the ride.

Have you hiked Anna Ruby Falls? Drop a comment below and share your experience! And if you’re planning a trip, tag us in your adventure photos—we’d love to see your journey!