Experience the Magic of Fall at Anna Ruby Falls: Georgia’s Favorite Autumn Destination

The fall in Georgia is really magical, and there is always something to do outdoors to enjoy the beauty of this season. From exciting fall festivals to the vibrant display of golden and red foliage, there is a lot to experience. One of the best places to enjoy these brilliant colors is Anna Ruby Falls, just outside Helen, Georgia. This beautiful waterfall is sure amazing the whole year but gets even more striking in autumn. If you like fall foliage in the Peach State, Anna Ruby Falls should definitely be number one on your to-see list. Let’s delve a little deeper into exactly what makes this one of Georgia’s most treasured fall adventures.

Anna Ruby Falls is a short, sweet, rewarding hike. This is an area of striking scenery in the vivid fall colors. And with such easy access to a gorgeous waterfall framed by autumn leaves, it’s little wonder this is a favorite for both locals and visitors alike.

Anna Ruby Falls are actually twin waterfalls formed from the confluence of Curtis Creek and York Creek into Smith Creek. The upper cascade falls 153 feet; it’s quite a sight to behold. Deep in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, this sightseeing place has grown to become one of North Georgia’s favorite vacation spots. The two falls were named after the only daughter of James H. “Captain” Nichols, a retired Colonel of the Civil War, who settled in the Nacoochee Valley back in 1870. One day while horseback riding, Nichols came upon the falls and afterwards named them after his daughter, Anna Ruby.

Hiking Trails

Anna Ruby Falls Trail: Paved, 0.4-mile trail leading along Smith Creek to observation decks at the base of the waterfalls. Although there are some short, steep sections, benches are available for rest.

Most visitors can easily make the round trip. Note: This trail is not wheelchair accessible due to the steep inclines.

Lion’s Eye Foot Trail

This is a 0.1 mile paved trail for the visually impaired that has a cable handrail and interpretive signs in regular text and braille. The trail is fully wheelchair accessible.

Smith Creek Foot Trail
A more moderate 4.6-mile route which, when combined, connects Anna Ruby Falls to Unicoi State Park. The trail leaves from the upper bridge of the Anna Ruby Falls Trail and breaks off to the right, heading down to the Unicoi Park campground. Sceneries and Landscapes

The Anna Ruby Falls Scenic Area offers an outstanding opportunity to experience the beauty of the forest from a mountain stream. The most outstanding element of your visit is going to be the view from the upper observation deck at the foot of the twin waterfalls. Interpretive signs along the paved trail provide interesting information on the surrounding vegetation.

Visiting Information

Anna Ruby Falls is open year round during regular hours of operation. Check usda.gov for current information.

Hours:

Open daily 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Admission closes at 4.00 pm
Closed the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Admission Fees:

$5 per person, age 16 and over
Free admission for children 15 and under
Annual Pass: $40 per person
Friends and Family Pass: $50 (admits the pass holder plus two adults)
Interagency Senior Pass and Access Pass accepted

Address:

Anna Ruby Falls Rd., 3455, Helen, GA
Google Maps location

Many visitors have praised the falls as well-maintained and beautiful, relatively accessible via a paved path that is about a mile round-trip. It is an easily managed hike for seasoned hikers, while for beginners or older adults, some of the inclines can be considered moderate to difficult. For those with issues involving joint pain or knees, there is a nice nature trail near the parking lot-one that offers smaller and easier walks along the creek, with several places to sit. Added to that, there is also an overlook near the gift shop and picnic areas so one can sit and enjoy the scenery. Whether a person hikes or just wants to take in the beautiful drive, Anna Ruby Falls provides an amazing avenue for taking in the splendor of Georgia during the autumn season. As you explore this gem, don’t miss out on the nearby town of Helen, Georgia, a charming Bavarian-style village nestled in the mountains, full of unique culture and outdoor adventures—find out more about Helen here.