After leaving Georgia to set up camp in South Carolina, we decided to drive back over to explore the Helen Georgia area, and one of the places we wanted to see was Anna Ruby Falls, nestled deep in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. We spent the day exploring the area, including another water fall, but this one we really enjoyed.
What is it?
Anna Ruby Falls is a pair of waterfalls, cascading in tandem through a beautiful slice of North Georgia forest. The twin waterfalls spill over a towering cliff, splashing and pooling over mossy rocks. The larger Curtis Creek waterfall is 150 feet and York Creek is 50 feet.
The paved trail on this relatively easy hike climbs above Smith Creek under cover of the trees and is very scenic. The trail is about a half mile long, and ends with 2 viewing decks allowing you to some incredible views and photographs.
Good to know:
*Directions from Helen, GA: go north 1 mile on GA Hwy 17 to Robertstown and at the intersection of Hwy 17 and 356. Turn right on Hwy 356 and go 1.3 miles. Turn left on Anna Ruby Falls Road.
*You must drive through Unicoi State Park, and although you may drive through to the Anna Ruby Falls visitor’s center free of charge, admission fees do not overlap. So if you want to visit both, you must pay admission to both. If you only want to visit Anna Ruby Falls you only pay for the falls.
*Admission to Anna Ruby Falls is $3 for anyone over the age of 16
*Interagency Annual Pass, Senior Pass, and Access Pass Accepted
*Parking is free
*Restrooms are available at the visitor’s center
*The facilities open at 9am, and closing times vary by season
*The site is fully accessible and designed for people in wheelchairs and those with visual disabilities
*The hike is kid, stroller and dog friendly
*Round trip, it’s a .9 miles hike
*The hike is mostly uphill to the falls and down back to the parking lot
*Several other hikes are available, including the Smith Creek Trail which is a 4.6 mile hike to Unicoi State Park.
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There are picnic tables and BBQ grilles available on site
While Anna Ruby Falls only requires a couple hours to explore its beauty, the area surrounding it is full of spectacular views, and several other outdoor and tourist attractions. Our only regret is that we only spent a day exploring this beautiful area, and not more time. But there is always next time!
Check it out here: http://www.unicoistatepark.org/anna-ruby-falls.html
