The Perfect One-Day Itinerary for Helen, Georgia

Ashley Fraboni

As a Corporate Communications Manager at Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Ashley has the opportunity to work on a lot of exciting projects and announcements, but her favorite part of the role is when she can visit our resorts and experience these fantastic destinations first-hand. A proud Orlando resident, Ashley currently spends most of her free time exploring everything Central Florida has to offer—from its world-famous attractions to local favorites. Ashley also enjoys traveling across the U.S. with her better half and is currently on a mission to visit all the country’s national parks.

Helen is a charming Bavarian town that brings German flavor to Northern Georgia. While the area is small and quaint, there are plenty of fun activities for couples, friends and the entire family, making it a great day trip destination or even a road trip stop.

My fiancé, Nicholas, and I visited Helen most recently in the summer of 2020, and our friend, Xanthe, joined us from Atlanta for part of the trip. We did so many fun things, like hiking, tubing, eating and more.

A man (left) and two women stand in front of the Anna Ruby Falls waterfall surrounded by lush green woods.
^{My fiancé, Nicholas, myself and my friend, Xanthe, at Anna Ruby Falls}

As a Holiday Inn Club Vacations^® team member, we stayed at our Appleton Mountain Resort, which is just a 30-minute drive from Helen. Situated on the edge of Chattahoochee National Forest, it’s an incredible place to call “home” while exploring the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

If you’re looking to get the entire experience, but only have a day to visit, check out my one-day itinerary for Helen, Georgia.

Go Hiking in the Morning

There are few better ways to start a day than with some fresh air and a scenic hike, especially when you’re in a gorgeous mountain destination.

Located just outside of Helen, Anna Ruby Falls is one nearby hiking trail that provides a beautiful view of twin waterfalls. The paved trail is only 0.4 miles each way, making it great for most fitness levels and families with kids.

Seeking a more challenging hike? The base of Anna Ruby Falls also offers a longer trail for advanced hikers.

The Anna Ruby Falls waterfall surrounded by lush green woods.
^{Anna Ruby Falls}

Refuel with an Authentic German Lunch

From restaurants and cafés to grills and steakhouses, there are numerous dining options available in Helen, many serving authentic and delicious German cuisine.

With dishes like schnitzel, pretzels and sausages, be sure to bring a hearty appetite when you visit.

We highly recommend going to Hofbräuhaus Restaurant & Pub. The food is incredible, and it’s located right on the Chattahoochee River, so you can take in a great view while you eat.

Not a fan of German food? There are plenty of other restaurants in town serving all types of cuisine. We’ve enjoyed some awesome burgers at Bigg Daddy’s Restaurant & Tavern.

And don’t forget to save room for dessert! Helen is home to ice cream parlors, candy shops and bakeries that’ll satisfy any sweet tooth.

Left: The Hofbräuhaus Restaurant & Pub German Apple Strudel is placed on a white plate. Right: A Bigg Daddy burger is placed on a white plate.
^{Apple Strudel from Hofbräuhaus Restaurant & Pub (left) and a Bigg Daddy’s burger (right)}

Shop ‘til You Drop

Helen’s Main Street is lined with shops, making it the perfect spot to spend an afternoon with a little retail therapy.

There’s something about the town’s charm and nearby mountains that remind me of Christmas, even when I’m visiting during the summer. We always make a point to check out one (or both) of Helen’s Christmas shops while we’re in town.

Whether you’re treating yourself or shopping for others, you’ll find something for everyone on your list. And, if you’re a fan of window shopping, there are plenty of unique stores to check out.

Bavarian-inspired architecture in Downtown Helen, Georgia. ^{Downtown Helen, Georgia}

Enjoy a Wine Tasting at Habersham or Craft Beer at a German Pub

When you think about German culture, you likely think about beer or bier. Unsurprisingly, Helen offers many pubs and taverns that have a variety of German craft beer.

If you’re like me and prefer lighter beers, be sure to try a grapefruit hefeweizen.

If you prefer wine, you’re in the right place, too! One of Georgia’s oldest and largest wineries, Habersham Winery, is located right on Main Street.

There are tons of great wines to try — our favorite was the Cabernet Sauvignon. And you even get a free wine glass with each tasting.

A caucasian man (right) and a caucasian woman (left) stand in front of a white building with red tin roof with a sign that reads, ' Habersham Winery.'

Want more unique mountain getaway ideas?

Tube Down the Chattahoochee River

If you’re visiting over the summer and want to swap out hiking for a different adventurous activity, one of the best things to do in Helen is tubing down the Chattahoochee River.

The river runs right through the town and its stream does all the work for you. All you have to do is sit back, relax and soak in all the sunshine and beautiful scenery.

I’ve been tubing in Helen a couple times before. Not only is it a great way to beat the heat, but it’s also a fun way to see the town from a new perspective.

During our visit in 2020, we booked with Cool River Tubing. The tubing costs are very affordable at about $12-16, depending on the day of the week.

You can even book additional activities, like ziplining and adventure courses, through the same company.

A man (front) and two women tube down the Chattahoochee River.

If you decide to go, here are a few pro tips I’ve picked up from my tubing adventures in Helen:

Check the tubing company’s website before arriving. There are a few different companies in the area that offer rentals on all the necessary items, like tubes, push-sticks and lockers. Review the company’s website for info on the ride’s start/end points, rental pricing and opening/closing dates. Tubing usually goes from Memorial Day through Labor Day, so you might need to plan accordingly.
Bring water shoes. While the water level stays relatively shallow throughout most of the tube ride, the bottom of the river is mostly rocks.
Pack light. The ride itself is pretty smooth, but there’s always a chance of accidentally dropping things in the river. Try to leave behind non-waterproof cameras and phones for the float trip. You can also buy a little dry bag if you want to bring anything valuable.
Use two cars to avoid the shuttle. If you’re visiting in a group with more than one vehicle, you can skip the shuttle ride by parking one car at the ride entrance and the other car at the outpost where it ends.
Don’t forget sunscreen!

Stacks of bright green inner tubes are placed behind netting near a shack entrance with signage that reads, 'Tube & Jackets, Enter Here'.
^{Photo courtesy of Cool River Tubing}

Where to Stay Near Helen, Georgia

A day trip to Helen is just the beginning of the outdoor family fun near Clarkesville, where Apple Mountain Resort is located.

Even just in terms of resort activities, you can:

Go horseback riding
Golf on the 18-hole championship course
Play basketball, tennis and volleyball
Swim in the outdoor pools
Enjoy a few games of mini golf or disc golf

A tour guide on horseback leading four other riders near Apple Mountain Resort.

I hope my one-day itinerary for Helen, Georgia, helps you plan your day trip to this beautiful Bavarian town!

If you’re staying at Apple Mountain Resort, be sure to make a stop in Helen. Between all the things to do, places to see and awesome food and drinks to enjoy, this little town will make a big impression on you and your family!

Original story published on 8/25/2021 | Updated on 10/18/2022

All information is subject to change. This article is a curated guide and is neither sponsored nor considered an official endorsement. Please be sure to check information directly with any/all tours, guides or companies for the most up-to-date and direct details.

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