Hiking Anna Ruby Falls in Helen, GA
Anna Ruby Falls in Helen, Georgia is one of the state’s most popular hikes, and when you make it to the immensely gorgeous twin waterfalls, it’s easy to see why! Check out this quick and easy hike to Anna Ruby Falls.
The short 1 mile out-and-back trail to Anna Ruby Falls is considered one of the best waterfall hikes in Georgia.
We’ve hiked Anna Ruby Falls a couple times, and it’s always such a nice hike. Here are my tips for your visit!
About Anna Ruby Falls
Anna Ruby Falls is double waterfall formed by two creeks, Curtis Creek and York Creek, coming together to form Smith Creek at the base. Both creeks begin on Tray Mountain, another great Georgia hiking spot.
The tallest of the two waterfalls is the Curtis Creek falls with a drop of 153 feet. The smaller York Creek falls have a drop of 50 feet.
Anna Ruby Falls is named for the daughter of John H. Nichols, a wealthy White County resident who owned much of the land nearby (you can visit his Italianate mansion at the Hardman Farm Historic Site).
Nichols found these twin waterfalls while riding horseback through the mountains and found the falls as beautiful as his daughter, so he named them for her.
Hiking at Anna Ruby Falls
There are three trails at Anna Ruby Falls: the popular Anna Ruby Falls Trail, the long Smith Creek Trail, and the short Lion’s Eye Trail. Here’s what you need to know about hiking each trail.
Hiking the Anna Ruby Falls Trail
The entire hiking path to Anna Ruby Falls is paved and is just under half a mile to the falls. Since it’s such a short hike, and it’s really close to Helen, it’s easy to see why this is such a popular Helen activity.
The hike departs from the Anna Ruby Falls Visitor Center at the Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area. The paved path follows along Smith Creek, crossing a bridge at 0.15 miles.
Along the trail, you’ll find informational plaques that tell you about the plants and history of the area, as well as some fun facts. They’re great for an excuse to stop and catch your breath if you need it. There are also a few stone benches along the way.
The trail reaches the first wooden viewing platform at about 0.4 miles and a second viewing platform less than 0.1 miles further. So the entire hike from the Visitor Center to the waterfalls is less than 0.5 miles in total.
From here, you have the perfect view of the twin waterfall’s cascading waters.q
Typically, the Anna Ruby Falls hike is most crowded during the summer months. If you’re visiting during the summer on a weekend or a holiday, expect a large crowd and a busy viewing platform.
If you want to avoid the crowds, try hiking in late winter or early spring.
And if you can do the hike after a large rainfall, I highly recommend it! The waterfalls will be absolutely rushing with the extra flow of water! Our last visit was after a large rain the night before, and we had a beautiful roaring waterfall on the day of our hike.
The hike back follows the same paved path, but this time with an easier downhill. You’ll complete your hike at about 1 mile total round-trip.
Smith Creek Trail
If you’re up for a challenge, try out the Smith Creek Trail. This 4.6 mile one-way hiking trail leads from the base of Anna Ruby Falls, near the lower viewing platform, to Unicoi State Park.
Lion’s Eye Trail
The Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area also has a short trail for the visually impaired. The Lion’s Eye Trail is a very short 0.1 mile paved walking trail along Smith Creek, departing from the Visitor Center, that has interpretive signs in Braille highlighting features of the area.
Hiking Essentials
Come prepared for your hike by making sure you pack the essentials. Check out this must-have hiking gear before you set off on the trails:
Visiting Anna Ruby Falls
Anna Ruby Falls is located at the Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area just a few miles north of the cute little town of Alpine Helen.
To get to the falls, you’ll have to drive through Unicoi State Park, though the falls aren’t part of the state park. It’s free to drive through Unicoi as long as you’re going to Anna Ruby Falls. You’ll simply inform them at the Unicoi entry station that you’re on your way to Anna Ruby Falls, and then you can be on your way.
Before reaching the Visitor Center, you’ll reach an entry gate for the Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area where you’ll pay the entry fee of $5 per person 16 years and older.
The Visitor Center, gift shop, and recreation area are open daily year-round from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The last admission is at 4 p.m. All facilities are closed on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, on Thanksgiving, on Christmas Eve, and on Christmas Day.
Anna Ruby Falls Trail Info
Hike length: less than 1 mile round-trip
Difficulty: Easy
Is it pet-friendly?: Yes, leashed dogs are allowed on this trail.
Location: 3455 Anna Ruby Falls Rd, Helen, GA 30545
Parking: Parking is available at the Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area. There is an entry fee per person for the falls, but no additional fee for parking.
Fees: $5 per person ages 16 and older
Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with last admission at 4 p.m.
Accessibility: The Anna Ruby Falls Trail is a fully paved trail with a slight incline and wooden viewing platforms with steps.
Anna Ruby Falls FAQ
How long does it take to hike Anna Ruby Falls?
The Anna Ruby Falls Trail is only about a 1 mile hike round-trip. You can expect the hike to take about 30 minutes.
Is Anna Ruby Falls worth visiting?
Anna Ruby Falls is definitely worth visiting! It’s a beautiful twin waterfall that is easily accessible and is a great family-friendly hike.
What is the story behind Anna Ruby Falls?
Anna Ruby Falls is named for the daughter of John H. Nichols. The story goes that that Nichols found these twin falls while riding through the mountains.
How do I get to Anna Ruby Falls?
Anna Ruby Falls Directions: From Helen, GA, head west on GA-17 N/GA-75 N/N Main St/Unicoi Turnpike. Turn right onto GA-356 E. Slight left onto Anna Ruby Falls Rd. Turn left to stay on Anna Ruby Falls Rd. Slight left.
To get to Anna Ruby Falls, you’ll drive through Unicoi State Park. You don’t have to pay for Unicoi State Park admission as long as you’re going to Anna Ruby Falls. Once you’re in the state park, you can easily follow signs to the falls.
How much does it cost to hike Anna Ruby Falls?
It costs $5 per person 16+ to hike Anna Ruby Falls.
Where to Stay Near Anna Ruby Falls
Find the best hotels near Anna Ruby Falls and cabin rentals that will make for the perfect North Georgia getaway.
- Top Cabin Rental: Serenity Ridge Cabin
- Top Hotel: Valhalla Resort
- For Small Groups: Helen Duplex
- Unique Stay: Alpine Village Inn
Things to Do Near Anna Ruby Falls
Looking for more to do in and around Helen, Georgia? Check out these great itineraries and travel tips:
- 25 Fun Things to Do in Helen, GA
- 3 Days in Helen, GA: Weekend Itinerary for First-Timers
- Top North Georgia Wineries for a Weekend Getaway
- Unicoi State Park: Tips for Your Perfect Visit
- Unicoi to Helen Trail at Unicoi State Park
- Things To Do on a Day Trip to the North Georgia Mountains
- 12 Best Restaurants in Helen (That Aren’t Just German Food)
- Unicoi Lake Loop Trail at Unicoi State Park
- Walking the Helen to Hardman Heritage Trail in Helen, GA
Ready to visit Helen, Georgia? Plan your trip with these tips.
- Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
- Find Accommodation: You can find top cabin rentals in Helen using VRBO.
- Start Packing: Check out my packing list resources so you’re prepared for your trip.
- Explore Helen in a New Way: Enjoy a Mystery Picnic Date in Helen to discover more of the town.
Cheers!
Paige
Have you hiked the trail to Anna Ruby Falls in Helen, Georgia? Let me know in the comments below!
I’m very impressed that there is a trail there for the visually impaired. It’s great to try to offer more opportunities for those we don’t normally consider as hikers.
So true! Anna Ruby Falls has done some great work to be inclusive.