About Helen

What once was a logging town in decline, Helen, Georgia adopted unique zoning laws around 1969 that enabled the city to reinvent itself as a Bavarian alpine town. The town is located along the Chattahoochee River in the Appalachians of northern Georgia. It is mainly a tourist town, with many offerings for visitors to enjoy. The population is just over 500, but this small town is packed with attractions and things to do. Whether you’re traveling solo or with your family, this little town has it all.

Things to do in Helen

If you’re visiting Helen, it’s hard to miss its main attraction, the Bavarian building of the town. Take a stroll up and down Main Street to explore the colorful, replicated architecture of a true Bavarian village. Not only have local shops and restaurants been modeled after Bavarian style, but even the town’s few chain restaurants and shops have, too! Stop in at Bohemian Bakery and Café for a bowl of tomato basil soup with homemade bread or a Nutella and banana crepe. Locals and visitors love this place.

If you’re looking for some outdoor recreation, Helen is the place for you. Situation in the Blue Ridge of Georgia, Anna Ruby Falls lies in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest. For a nice half day hike, try the 4.6-mile Smith Creek Trail which leads from the base of Anna Ruby Falls to Unicoi State Park. For an easier, quicker trek to the falls, take the paved 0.4-mile footpath that goes directly from the parking lot to the base of the waterfalls.

In addition to the falls, Helen offers a number of other outdoor activities. Take the longest dual zipline ride in Georgia from Nacoochee Adventures, or strap yourself into their Thriller Giant Swing and glide 50 feet up in the air as you overlook the Nacoochee Valley. Unicoi State Park also offers zip lining, as well as scavenger hunts, a high ropes course, hiking trails, and 7 mountain biking trails. If that’s not enough, Helen also boasts a water and tubing park, horse drawn carriage rides, and a resort and golf club. This is a great summer vacation hideaway with all the amenities.

Day Trips from Helen

Just an hour and a half drive will transport you out of the Bavarian village and into the capital city of Atlanta. Start at the World of Coca-Cola, the company’s interactive museum where you can try over 100 variations of their drinks. Within a short walking distance of the museum are many attractions for the visiting guest. Across the street is Centennial Olympic Park, originally built for the 1996 Olympics. It is a beautiful gathering place with weekly concerts and water fountains that provide some relief for adults and kids alike on hot, summer days. Next, go on a tour of CNN’s headquarters, which is located just south and across the street from Centennial Olympic Park. Within a few miles of all these attractions are the Georgia Aquarium, which houses over 60 exhibits, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, the College Football Hall of Fame, and much more. Check out Atlanta to get a taste of what it ahs to offer, you’ll definitely be back to experience it again.

Transportation in Helen

Coming from out of state, a flight into Atlanta is the best way to get to Helen. After your flight, rent a car and drive an hour and a half to reach Helen. The town is located northeast of Atlanta, just beyond Lake Lanier.

Getting around Helen is easy to do by foot. You can walk along Main Street and see the Bavarian architecture up close, or drive through the town for those who can’t handle that much walking. Many tours and companies operate out of Helen’s downtown, so they can take you out to the zip lines, ropes courses, and tubing locations. A car is advised for travel between Atlanta and Helen, as there are very few services (other than limos) that will take you to and from these locations.

Helen Accommodations

Tripping.com has over 180 listings for vacation rentals in Helen. We have cabins in the woods or on the golf course, as well as beautiful townhouses in downtown Helen. With over 15 pet-friendly rentals, your pooch can even come along. Customize your needs on our website with the filter options, and you’re sure to find the perfect rental for your vacation.

Dotting Main Street in downtown Helen are many options for dining, shopping, and more. For a hearty breakfast to start your day off right, check out The Meeting Place. Customers love their outdoor patio and breakfast biscuits. For a neat experience, head to Glassblowing Shop. Here, you can grab a souvenir and watch as your custom glass item created before your eyes. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on Rib Country BBQ for some authentic southern smoked meat, live music, and a view overlooking of the Chattahoochee River.

Vacation Rentals in Helen

Looking for a vacation rental in Helen? Tripping.com has 168 vacation rental homes available in Helen. You'll find 0 studios, 86 1-bedroom, 44 2-bedroom and 38 rentals with 3 or more bedrooms ranging from $49 a night. For extra convenience, many of these vacation homes can be booked directly online.

The average price of a nightly rental in Helen is $158 while the average price of a weekly rental is $25. For those looking for more than a short term rental such as corporate rentals, extended stays or long term rentals, the average monthly price of a Helen home is $25.

Wondering if you can bring your dog or cat along with you? There are 30 pet-friendly vacation rentals available in Helen. In addition to accommodating pets, Helen rentals offer a variety of amenities. In particular, 142 rentals have Internet and WiFi, 125 have TV and/or cable and 66 have a pool or hot tub.

Search properties from 7 vacation rental sites in Helen where the top providers in that area are HomeAway, Booking.com, and Expedia. There are 77 HomeAway rentals, 26 Booking.com short term rentals and 25 Expedia vacation rentals.