Enjoying Fall Colors and Waterfalls at Anna Ruby Falls
During our recent visit to Helen, GA our family planned a stop at Anna Ruby Falls. This family-friendly trail is located in the Chattahoochee National Forest and features not one, but two beautiful waterfalls.
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Enjoying Fall Colors at Anna Ruby Falls
On our recent visit to Helen, Georgia we spotted a sign for Anna Ruby Falls. With the leaves starting to change their beautiful fall colors we decided to stop to see what Anna Ruby Falls had to offer, and I’m so glad we did.
This is one of those places that I can see us easily spending the day if we had more time. You have access to restrooms and picnic tables. The kids (and pets) have room to run around and play before or after the hike. I’m always amazed at how much energy the kids can have even after some of our longest hikes.
The waterfalls at Anna Ruby Falls are created by two creeks. The Curtis Creek falls drop 153 feet and the York Creek falls on the right are much shorter at 50 feet, but still spectacular. Where the creeks join are considered to be part of Smith Creek which flows into Unicoi State Park and forms Smith Lake.
The trail that leads up to the actual falls is a wide paved trailed and is definitely stroller-friendly. It is uphill most of the way, but they do have rest stops along the path that are equipped with benches for those that need to take a little rest. We did have to use one on the way up. Not for the kids, but for the dog. She decided that uphill was a lot for her little short legs.
Once you reach the top of the trail, there’s a viewing platform to get a better look at the falls which are absolutely gorgeous. We spent quit a while just taking in the beauty of the falls before we headed back down.
This is definitely a place we recommend visiting if you’re ever in the Helen, GA area.
Things to know when visiting Anna Ruby Falls
• $3 entrance fee per person ages 16+
• This trail is kid-friendly, dog-friendly and stroller friendly
• Hike to the falls is 1/2 mile one way on a paved trail.
• There are picnic tables and restrooms
Additional hiking available at Anna Ruby Falls
Smith Creek Trail: The Smith Creek Trail is 4.6 miles and connects the base of Anna Ruby Falls to Unicoi State Park.
The Lion’s Eye Trail: Begins at visitor center and runs along Smith Creek. This trail is designed to provide visually impaired individuals the opportunity to visit the creek. This trail offers hand rails as well as braille signs.
