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26 Fun Things to Do in Helen, Georgia

ByPaige Watts

Helen feels like a little Bavarian village tucked into the North Georgia Mountains, but there’s a lot more to do here than admire the German-style buildings and eat pretzels.

I’ve taken many trips and weekend cabin stays in Helen and spent plenty of time hiking to waterfalls, ziplining through the trees, sipping wine with a mountain view, and enjoying the town’s German food and festive atmosphere.

These are my favorite things to do in Helen, Georgia and the experiences I think are most worth adding to your visit.

Parts of my visit were hosted by Alpine Helen / White County Convention & Visitors Bureau. As always, all opinions are my own!

Bavarian style village storefronts in Helen, Georgia with steep red roofs, half timber details, and a tall decorative tower line the street beneath a cloudy sky. Blue "Paulaner" umbrellas, festival banners, and people walking between the buildings make the area feel like a lively alpine themed shopping and dining district.

Best Things to Do in Helen

1. Ride the Georgia Mountain Coaster

An orange alpine coaster cart sits on the track in front of a wooden station with a sign reading "GEORGIA MOUNTAIN COASTER" in Helen, Georgia. Forested hills and the curving metal track rise behind the station on a sunny day.

The Georgia Mountain Coaster is the first and only mountain coaster in the state. You get to control the speed of your ride.

A mountain coaster like this is gravity driven, so it’s basically like a giant slide on tracks. It’s a single car ride that seats 1-2 people. You use hand breaks to adjust your speed.

The Georgia Mountain Coaster is walkable from downtown Helen, and they’re open daily (weather permitting). The ride is fun, but over quick. Luckily, they offer half off your second ride on the same day!

2. Visit Unicoi State Park

A calm mountain lake reflects dense green forest and large white clouds beneath a bright blue sky at Unicoi State Park in Helen, Georgia. Tree covered hills rise beyond the water on a clear sunny day.

Unicoi State Park is a 1,050-acre state park located just north of Helen. There’s a 53-acre lake where you can go kayaking and fishing or play on the lake beach.

They also have 12 miles of hiking trails. Here are a few of my favorite hikes:

  • Lake Loop Trail — 2.5 mile loop around Unicoi Lake that has some of the best views in the park
  • Unicoi to Helen Trail — 5.2 mile out-and-back trail from the lodge to Unicoi Hill City Park in Helen

The park also has archery, an air gun range, hatchet-throwing, mountain biking, and a zipline tour (which you can learn all about below!).

3. Go Ziplining in Unicoi State Park with Screaming Eagle Adventures

A forested lake sits below rolling green mountains beneath a cloudy sky at Unicoi State Park in Helen, Georgia. Tall pine and deciduous trees frame the water from a high overlook.

Screaming Eagle Adventures at Unicoi State Park is an exciting way to experience the state park.

This adventure takes you up into the trees where you’ll find views you can’t get anywhere else in the park, exciting ziplines up to 2,600 feet long, and fun suspension bridges for an extra challenge.

I’ve done their Level 1 basic Zipline Canopy Tour with 6 ziplines up to 300 feet and 4 suspension bridges. Levels 2 and 3 add even more ziplines, up to 2,600 feet, even more wooden and cable suspension bridges, and take you higher into the canopy.

4. Go Tubing on the Chattahoochee River

A rocky portion of the Chattahoochee River runs through a tree lined mountain town beside Cafe International, a large chalet style building with red roofs and wooden balconies, in Helen, Georgia. The riverside deck overlooks rushing water beneath an overcast sky.

Tubing on the Chattahoochee River is a popular Helen activity. There are a few different outfitters who can supply you with tubes and transportation so you don’t have to worry about anything yourself:

  • Cool River Tubing — 1 hour or 2 hour options that take you right through downtown Helen
  • Helen Tubing — 2 hour float that takes you through the middle of Helen

I typically shoot the ‘Hooch closer to Atlanta; the difference between the river in Helen and in Atlanta is that there are a lot more rapids on the section of the Chattahoochee in Helen. It certainly makes for a more fun and exciting ride rather than the relaxing float you get just north of Atlanta.

5. Hike to Anna Ruby Falls

Anna Ruby Falls, a wide waterfall in Helen, Georgia, cascades down several rocky tiers through a dense green forest and into a rushing stream. Visitors stand on a wooden viewing platform beside the falls surrounded by lush trees and moss covered rocks.

Anna Ruby Falls is a beautiful double waterfall that’s a super popular hike near Helen. Located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, you’ll access the falls through Unicoi State Park (though it isn’t part of the park and has a separate entrance fee).

The hiking trail to the falls is paved and only has a slight incline. It’s a pretty easy 0.5 mile hike to the wooden viewing platforms at the base of the falls. The entire hike is just under 1 mile in total.

If you happen to be visiting after a heavy rainfall, I highly recommend visiting because the rain will make the waterfalls fuller and even more spectacular.

6. Celebrate Oktoberfest

Two clear plastic cups of beer sit on a counter inside a casual restaurant with the word "lite" printed on both cups at Oktoberfest in Helen, Georgia. A small bright blue gelatin cup rests between them while diners and hanging lights blur into the background.

Helen Oktoberfest is the longest running Oktoberfest celebration in the country.

The original Oktoberfest started in 1810 in Munich, Germany, but if you can’t make it all the way there, then Helen Oktoberfest is the next best thing!

Just head over to Helen Festhalle to experience the celebration, complete with a dance floor, stage with live performances, beer garden, and long tables for family-style seating. There will be wurst, sauerkraut, cabbage, schnitzel, leberkase, and of course plenty of beer. Plus, restaurants and shops around town have specials for the event.

Helen Oktoberfest takes place from mid-September to November.

7. Go on a Mystery Picnic Date

A couple enjoys a cozy outdoor picnic on a striped blanket with leaves scattered around during an AmazingCo Mystery Picnic Date. They have red wine, cheese, olives, and charcuterie.

Enjoy a romantic day out in Helen with a fun Mystery Picnic! This Mystery Picnic Date in Helen puts you on a scavenger hunt to collect picnic items and unlock your perfect picnic location.

You’ll solve clues and riddles that lead you to local restaurants and shops where you’ll pick up items for your picnic (explore the colorful town square and enjoy a European escape without the flying time). Then, you’ll unlock your mystery picnic destination.

This is a great way to get off the beaten track and uncover hidden gems. You’ll be able to enjoy a unique day out and support local small businesses in the process.

Book your Helen Mystery Picnic Date here.

8. Visit BabyLand General Hospital

A Cabbage Patch Kids display features baby dolls nestled among oversized cabbage leaves with stuffed rabbits and a large animal figure surrounded by lit evergreen trees at BabyLand General Hospital in Cleveland, Georgia.

BabyLand General Hospital is the birthplace of the Cabbage Patch Kids. Admission is free to visit, but be forewarned — this is a giant toy store, so you bring the kiddos at your own risk.

This unique attraction is presented as a hospital, nursery, and adoption center where you can adopt your own Cabbage Patch Kids doll. The store has tons of different types of Cabbage Patch Kids, exclusive dolls that you can only find here, clothes and accessories for the dolls, and plenty of other stuffed animals and toys.

Cabbage Patch Kids were created by artist Xavier Roberts, who was a native to White County. When he started selling his popular dolls, it was only natural that he opened up his store in his hometown of Cleveland, GA.

9. Do a wine tasting at Habersham Winery

A white two story building with a red metal roof displays a sign reading "HABERSHAM WINERY" in Helen, Georgia. An American flag hangs beside the entrance while landscaped flowers outdoor tables and a lamppost sit beneath a bright blue sky.

Habersham Winery & Vineyards is one of Georgia’s oldest and largest wineries. They’ve been making award-winning Georgia wines since 1983.

The locally and family owned winery is open daily for wine tastings. I’m a fan of their Southern Harvest label with their sweet Muscadine wines like their Bubbly White and Belle Blush.

They also have a gift shop full of fun wine gifts, gourmet foods, imported cheeses, and more.

10. Tour Hardman Farm State Historic Site

Hardman Farm State Historic Site in Helen, Georgia, a large historic white house with green shutters red metal roofing and a wraparound porch, stands behind a brick walkway and neatly trimmed shrubs. Tall evergreen trees frame the ornate home beneath an overcast sky.

Hardman Farm State Historic Site is a beautiful Italianate mansion and historic dairy farm.

You can tour the mansion and learn about the Nichols, Hunnicutt, and Hardman families who lived there and helped shape the Helen area. There are guided tours of the home, and you can explore the estate and outer buildings on your own.

11. Go Ziplining at Nacoochee Adventures

Paige and Kevin wearing blue safety helmets and sunglasses pose for a selfie on an outdoor ropes course at Nacoochee Adventures in Helen, Georgia. Kevin has a small action camera mounted on his helmet while cables wooden platforms and green forest stretch behind them under a bright blue sky.

Nacoochee Adventures is an outdoor outfitter that offers zipline adventures, a giant swing, bicycle rentals, camping, and a challenge ropes course.

We did their Big Zip Intimidator, which is a nearly 0.5-mile-long duel zipline that lets you race your friends on the way down.

If you have more time, you can take their longer canopy tours that include platforms 70 feet high, a tour of an authentic 1800s goldmine, and a nature hike past a bear cave.

Book your Big Zip Intimidator zipline ride here.

12. Photograph the Nacoochee Indian Mound

A massive tree trunk and dark leafy branches frame a view across a grassy field and white fence toward the Nacoochee Indian Mound topped with a small white gazebo with a red roof in Helen, Georgia. The distant structure sits on a green hillside beneath an overcast sky.

The Nacoochee Indian Mound is one of Helen’s most photographed spots. It’s technically part of the Hardman Farm State Historic Site, but you can’t access the mound directly.

Instead, you can use the pull-off near the mound on SR-17, which has a historical marker, to get a better look.

The mound was built by the South Appalachian Mississippian people. In the 1870s, Captain Nichols, who owned the farmland at the time, built a gazebo on top. In 1915, a formal excavation of the mound revealed 75 human burials within the mound.

13. Visit the Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia

A museum display at the Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia in Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia showcases handmade folk pottery including face jugs animal figures a chicken shaped vessel and grape decorated ceramics in earthy brown blue and cream glazes. A large brown face jug with wide eyes a long nose and red lips stands prominently at the center of the collection.

The Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia is a free museum that details the history of pottery-making in the Helen area.

The museum takes you through how pottery is made, the historical importance of pottery in Southern life, and the changing role of folk pottery. It also details the prominent pottery families in White County who are continuing the traditional methods of making pottery.

The museum is located at the Sautee-Nacoochee Cultural Center, which has a lot more great stuff to see!

14. Explore the Sautee Nacoochee Cultural Center

A gallery wall at the Sautee Nacoochee Cultural Center in Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia displays small quilted textile artworks in blues browns creams and purples alongside framed reference photographs and labels. Several pieces interpret beach landscapes geometric patterns and abstract scenes using layered fabric and stitched textures.

The Sautee Nacoochee Cultural Center is a community arts center that has an 8-acre campus with year-round programing, museums, art galleries, and gardens and trails.

In addition to the Folk Pottery Museum, there is also the Sautee Nacoochee History Museum and an African American Heritage Site.

There are three art galleries showcasing paintings, photography, pottery, fiber arts, jewelry, and ceramics. They also offer some art and craft classes. Plus, they have a theater with various performing arts from plays to dance to musical performances.

15. Do a wine tasting at Creekstone Winery

A glass of red wine labeled "CREEKSTONE Vineyards & Winery" sits on a black metal patio table at Creekstone Winery in Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia. Green hills and a hazy mountain rise in the background beneath a cloudy sky.

Creekstone Winery in Sautee Nacoochee is part of the Habersham Winery family — Habersham has given their popular Creekstone label its own winery just 3 minutes from away.

This winery is set in a gorgeous French-style mansion situated on a mountaintop with some of the best views. I’m a fan of their Chateau Red and Straight Up Berry wines. Plus, they give nice, big pours for a great price.

Creekstone Winery offers wine tastings, wine by the glass or bottle, and wine slushies. You can enjoy your drink inside or outside on their covered front and back patios with incredible mountain views.

16. Attend the Helen Songwriters Festival

Visitors sit on green benches in the small Bavarian-style town of Helen, Georgia while musicians perform beneath a red trimmed pavilion for the Helen Songwriters Festival. Alpine inspired shops and forested hills surround the plaza under a cloudy sky.

The annual Helen Songwriters Festival features 3 days of live music from award-winning songwriters from Nashville and Georgia.

Performances take place across different venues, including local Helen restaurants, where you can hear live music and hear behind-the-scenes stories of your favorite country, folk, and indie rock songs.

Songwriters have written for artists like Brad Paisley, John Michael, Montgomery, Garth Brooks, LeAnn Rimes, and more. Plus, the festival also hand-selects righting stars in the industry, so you have a chance to hear some new favorites before the rest of the world.

17. Shop around The Old Sautee Store

A rustic wooden building displays a large sign reading "OLD SAUTEE STORE" above the front porch of the The Old Sautee Store in Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia. American flags barrels rocking chairs vintage signs and garden plants surround the historic storefront beneath leafy green trees.

The Old Sautee Store is the longest-operated store in Georgia. It was established in 1872 as a trading post and general store on a significant stop along the Unicoi Trail.

Inside, the front room is still set up like the old general store. Further back into the store, you’ll find local goods like honey and cheese, souvenirs, clothes, candies, and gifts.

Next door is the Old Sautee Market where you can get classic sandwiches and baked goods. They also have a small stage where they do musical performances.

18. Walk the Hardman Heritage Trail

A stone archway marks the entrance to the wooded Hardman Heritage Trail in Helen, Georgia with a paved path curving into dense green forest. A trail map is mounted on one side of the arch while a river runs through the trees nearby.

The Hardman Heritage Trail (also called the Helen to Hardman Heritage Trail) is 1-mile (2 miles out-and-back) paved ADA accessible trail that follows along the Chattahoochee River from Helen to the Hardman Farm State Historic Site.

There’s parking at both ends of the trail, but we decided to start on the Helen end. The parking lot is near the Visitor Center on Edelweiss Strasse (across from the Days Inn by Wyndham Helen).

It’s a really easy and peaceful walk. They have informational plaques that tell you about Helen’s history and the area’s native plants and animals.

19. Do a wine tasting at Yonah Mountain Vineyards

A hand holds a glass of red wine etched with "Yonah Mountain Vineyards" against a sunny mountain and vineyard view at Yonah Mountain Vineyards in Cleveland, Georgia. Patio seating, parked cars, and green hills fill the background beneath a bright blue sky.

Yonah Mountain Vineyards is set in the valley below Yonah Mountain, an impressive mountain with a rocky top. The drive up to the winery offers a lovely view of the mountains behind rolling hills of vines.

Yonah Mountain Vineyards offers wine tastings, live music, and even wine cave tours. One of my favorite parts of this winery is their bear theme since “yonah” is the Cherokee word for “bear”.

Grab a flight or a glass of their handcrafted wine and enjoy the mountain views out on their patio.

20. Get some grits at Nora Mill Granary

A weathered white wooden building with a red metal awning displays signs reading "NORA MILL S." and "NORA MILL GRANARY Grist Mill and Country Store est. 1876" at the Nora Mill Granary Grist Mill & Country Store in Helen, Georgia. An American flag hangs beside the entrance near a tall yellow antique gas pump.

Nora Mill Granary Grist Mill & Country Store was established in 1876 as a gristmill alongside the Chattahoochee River.

You can visit the old-fashioned country store where you can purchase their famous grits, made with the original 1,500-pound mill stones powered by the river.

The shop also has cornmeal, pancake and waffle mixes, flour, biscuit mixes, candy, jams and jellies, honey, kitchen items, and other gifts.

21. Do a wine tasting at CeNita Vineyards

Two wine glasses, one white and one red, sit on a stone ledge overlooking rows of grapevines at CeNita Vineyards, Winery & Tasting Room in Cleveland, Georgia. A winery building and winding road stretch across the vineyard beneath a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

CeNita Vineyards, Winery & Tasting Room is a relaxing winery with hammocks, games of cornhole, a fire pit, and a shaded canopy of trees.

The vineyard offers wine tastings, live music, and even a vacation rental on the property.

Some of my favorite wines from CeNita includ ehtier Summer Breeze white and their Rouge rosé.

22. Enjoy the views at Sky Bar at Valhalla Resort

A high overlook from the Sky Bar at Valhalla Resort Hotel in Helen, Georgia reveals a wooded mountain valley with buildings and a parking area nestled among dense green trees. Late day sunlight warms the distant hills while rows of lounge chairs and part of a pool area appear in the foreground.

Sky Bar at the Valhalla Resort Hotel is one of the best places for drinks with a view in Helen.

This semi-open-air rooftop bar overlooks the resort’s golf courses and the sprawling Blue Ridge Mountains.

The restaurant offers dinner and drinks, with a menu of American classics. I recommend the Caesar Salad with Fried Chicken.

23. Shop around Downtown Helen

Alpine style buildings with steep red roofs and decorative timber framing fill the center of Helen Georgia, surrounded by flowers, trees, and pedestrians. A street banner reads "Alpine Helen", reinforcing the Bavarian themed character of the downtown area beneath a bright blue sky with large white clouds.

There are around 200 shops in Helen, so there’s plenty to do here for shopaholics! Downtown Helen is the best place to go shopping for unique souvenirs and German-inspired gifts.

Here are a few of Helen’s most popular shops:

  • Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen — fudge, brittle, and other delicious sweet treats
  • The Glassblowing Shop — unique hand-blown glass gifts and art
  • Bavarian Clockworks — the largest display of authentic Black Forest Cuckoo clocks in North America, handcrafted German cuckoo clocks, and authentic German beer steins
  • Christmas Shoppe — local artisan ornaments, German- and European-made ornaments, nutcrackers, snow globes, and other Christmas decorations

24. Do a wine tasting at The Cottage Vineyard

A hand holds a glass of red wine labeled "The Cottage Vineyard and Winery" against a sunny mountain landscape at The Cottage Vineyard & Winery in Cleveland, Georgia. A wooden swing and green hills sit in the background beneath a clear blue sky.

The Cottage Vineyard & Winery has some amazing panoramic views of Yonah Mountain and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.

The winery has one of the best picturesque settings with picnic tables, cozy chairs, and a swing where you can take in the views. This is a great spot to bring a picnic blanket and lay out on the sloping hills.

The Cottage Vineyard & Winery offers wine tastings, a wine club, and live music. You can also try their craft beers, wine slushies, and snacks.

25. Eat delicious German food

A plate of breaded weiner schnitzel is served with green beans and buttery spaetzle on an outdoor metal table at HofbrauHaus Restaurant & Pub in Helen, Georgia. A glass mug of dark red drink and other beverages sit behind the meal.

Eat your way around Helen and have some of the best German food in Georgia. It’s what Helen is known for, after all! Here are a few of my favorites:

Find more places to eat in Helen here.

26. Grab some tea at Chatt. Street Tea Co.

An iced drink in a clear plastic cup shows dark amber liquid blending into a thick white cream layer near the top. The cup sits on a black counter in front of a wood paneled wall and a partially visible sign at Chatt Street Tea Co in Helen, Georgia.

If you’re in need of a little pick-me-up while you’re exploring Helen, Chatt. Street Tea Co. is a cute little tea shop serving handcrafted tea blends, refreshing tea-based drinks, and milk teas with boba.

I visited in the fall and tried their seasonal Caramel Apple Refresher with their apple cider tea blend topped with a caramel cold foam.

They have both hot and cold teas, so it’s the perfect place to stop to get something to cool you off in the summer and warm you up in the winter.

Alpine Helen Things to Do Map

Ready for a fun adventure in Alpine Helen? Use the map below to find all these fun Helen activities.

I hope you have a great time visiting Alpine Helen, Georgia!

Top Helen Tours

Where to Stay in Helen

Find the perfect place to rest your head on your visit to Helen, from the top rated accommodations to unique stays you can’t get anywhere else.

More Helen Travel Tips

Make the most of your trip to Helen, Georgia with these helpful posts:

Ready to visit Helen, Georgia? Plan your trip with these tips.

Cheers!

Paige

25 Fun Things to Do in Helen, Georgia

What are your favorite things to do in Helen, Georgia? Let me know in the comments below!

Paige Watts is a travel expert and author of What's With Atlanta?, a guide to the quirks and charm of the ATL. A life-long traveler, Paige is dedicated to helping you discover the best things to do in the Southern USA and around the world. Her work has been featured in The Culture Trip, Matador, Newsbreak, MSN, NPR, and countless other interviews and podcasts.

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