Things To Do
Anna Ruby Falls
Anna Ruby Falls is a pair of some of the most stellar waterfalls in the region, cascading in tandem. These falls are located in the heart of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest and only 15 minutes from Helen. The trail to the falls is paved and just 0.9 miles roundtrip! After sunset, during the months of May and June, you'll likely be able to catch a glimpse of the glowing bioluminescent fungi growing on the rocks and trees of the area known as foxfire. The fungi emit a glowing light that is stunning to see!
Tallulah Gorge State Park
One of the most spectacular canyons in the eastern U.S! There is a trail all along the rim with lots of scenic views and picture opportunities, including Tallulah Falls. You have to get a permit to hike down into the Gorge, but if you can handle 575 stairs and some real perilous river crossing, then the views are incredible from the bottom! At the bottom you can find mini waterfalls cascading down the walls, and if it's warm enough for swimming there is a sliding rock into a natural pool.
The Hall Creek Waterfall
Just at the back of our valley! Doesn’t get more convenient than that! *This one is off the books*
Hightower Creek Vineyards
Hightower Creek Vineyards is a small, family-operated winery located in scenic North Georgia surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. Relax with a glass of locally made wine on their covered deck overlooking vineyards and ponds with a beautiful view of the Blue Ridge mountains! Located only 7 minutes from our venue!
Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens
This 33 acre woodland botanical garden paradise has the largest collection of rhododendrons in the southeast! The garden is home to more than 1,500 rhododendrons and native azaleas. Bloom season is from mid-April to mid-May, so they should still be flowering the week of our wedding! If you're in town a week early, the last weekend of The Rhododendron Festival (and the Hiawassee Highlands Wine Festival) will be going on May 10-12th!
Helen
This Alpine-inspired village is tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains alongside the Chattahoochee River. Get some food and beer and enjoy the scenery of the Chattahoochee River! There are lots to do in town. Cool artsy stores, restaurants, fudge stores, adventure parks, breweries, and more. Just go down Main Street and stop when you see something cool! Helen is a fun option for lodging and only 40 minutes from the venue.
Tubing in Helen
Relax and enjoy the natural beauties of Georgia as you float down the Chattahoochee River! Tubing is one of the top activities in the area during the warmer months. (We linked Cool River Tubing but there are other options available in town)
The Foxfire Museum
Ol’-timey Appalachian heritage village and museum made up of over 20 historic log structures, each home to various artifacts representative of life in the mountains.
Brasstown Bald Visitors Center
The Brasstown Bald Visitors Center sits atop Georgia's highest mountain at 4,784 feet above sea level. Surrounded by the Chattahoochee - Oconee National Forest, its cloud-level observation deck offers stunning 360-degree views of the Southern Appalachian Mountains and valleys. The summit can be accessed from the parking lot by shuttle service or hiking the steep half-mile Summit Trail. You can also find a museum and hiking trails there!
High Shoals Falls
Just a 2.4 mile hike round-trip to see High Shoals Falls, one of the largest and most beautiful in North Georgia. The waterfall drops 50 feet in a series of cascades to a deep pool.
Hiawassee Brew
Conveniently located in the town of Hiawassee. There you can find board games, darts, live music, and other events. It's a great place to relax and grab some local brews!