Anna Ruby Falls

This was the first trail my fiancé and I went on during our time in Helen. We went on about 6 trails during our stay and Anna Ruby Falls was one of the best! It’s an easier trail for those who cannot walk far or well. It’s a beautiful little paved walk. So relaxing and dog friendly. And of course the waterfall was powerful and awesome!

Anna Ruby is a very pretty place. That much can be said for sure. The «hike» is very casual and easy with a very pleasant view at the end. The $ 3/​person is rather depressing considering what you get, but it’s good to have some sort of fee to keep everything looking pretty and well kept. The trails are paved and it is a quick hike to see some very nice falls. Definitely something that you should check out if you’re near the Unicoi State Park area, but if you’re looking for a longer more actual hike then venture elsewhere.

The .4 mile walk was a beautiful walk and the falls at the top were very impressive. Well worth the very short drive from Helen.
After viewing the falls, we spent some time in the adjoining state park.

Tony, Noël and I enjoyed the little hike from the parking lot to the Waterfall. It was about a mile up and back, not too bad. The walk way was paved and easy travel with some mild grades here and there but nothing to steep… Once you get the the decking area platforms to look at the falls, there are seats and ample areas to sit and take pictures. Read and relax… just to chill in the beauty of God’s Back yard…
I loved this little hike. It was all paved and shaded. There are signs warning you of snakes and such, but like with any hike in the woods on a trail… just keep your eyes open and watch your steps.
Admission to the park was $ 3 each. There is public bathroom and gift shop in the little visitors center near the parking lot. I would go here again and I highly recommend you going if you are in the area.
A great waterfall and a great hike… Great way to exercise !!!

Glorious! Wünderbar!
Let me offer a caveat: You do not need to pay the state park admission at all or even concern yourself with it. If you just want to see the falls, then just drive up Anna Ruby Falls road and pay the attendant at the entrance. He does have change.
The walk up to the falls is a pretty steep walk about .4 miles up from the gift shop, but every second of it is beautiful. You get to walk by the stream the entire time and there are multiple areas of rushing water and stunning nature. It was honestly breathtaking and, at this point in my life, it is the most beautiful waterfall I have ever seen. I have been by Niagara Falls and it didn’t impress me as much as this walk did. It was 82 degrees out in Helen, but the entire walk had a cool breeze next to the water.
It was definitely a slightly strenuous walk up to the falls, but it was a sight to see for me. I am from a fairly flat area and mountains are hours away. I am so glad we made this a part of our trip and pictures can’t measure up the actual experience, but I am so glad I have pictures, too!

Admissions was $ 3 per person. The hike was about a 1 mile long, round trip — a trail to the waterfall and back. If you want to be in a tourist area then this is the place. It will be crowded. The trail was nice as it was under lots of shade. It is an asphalt trail that runs parallel to the waterfall. When you make it to the waterfall source, there will be seats where you can picnic. This area is under shady trees just like throughout the walk so it’s a nice place to chill and take pictures.
Don’t expect to have a signal on the walk btw. There was barely any signal around the gift shop area as well. The shop will also have maps of other trails and points of interests. Oh. And the restrooms close at 5:30 PM so make sure you plan out the hike accordingly.
Parking was pretty plentiful. There will be shady areas and areas with lots of sun.

«Beautiful, picturesque, easy, paved hiking trail to gorgeous falls». It was such a treat to be able to see Anna Ruby Falls. Luckily, we made it there before they closed and before it rained (hard). So, make sure you check open times. Perfect for families that want to go on a quick, easy hike. The trail is paved, so no worries about dirt on you clothes or getting muddy shoes. My 5-​year old daughter enjoyed this scenic hike very much, but there there are some steeper parts to it, so there is a bit of a climb. At the end of the trail, you get to stop and be in awe of the falls. Pictures just don’t do justice for this magnificent scenery. I am not sure how plentiful the falls are when it’s not rainy season, but we were there in the winter, so they were flowing heavily. There is a small fee that you pay at the gift shop, plus there are clean restrooms, too. If you are visiting the charming town of Helen, GA, this is a must-​stop, if you have a couple hours to spare. The walk up to the falls is about 30 minutes.

The climate reminded my husband of northern Germany in the summer. For me, the weather was perfect, which made our visit phenomenal. The temperature was 72 degrees, overcast, no breeze, no mosquitos/​bugs/​bees, no humidity, and no pollen. If you’re going to visit, go early April!

Just a couple miles away from Helen, GA, Anna Ruby Falls is a great place to go with a significant other, family, or friends. Depending on your walking pace, you can get to the falls within 10 – 20 minutes. Don’t forget to enjoy the beautiful scenery while walking through the trail. If you’re like me and you run out of breath easily, make sure to take small breaks (there are little rock benches where you can rest for a couple minutes).
Cons: Little to no cellular reception

$ 3.00 to get in. Very beautiful waterfall. Might be a bit steep for some people. It takes 0.4 miles to hike to the falls.

Always people there it’s visually exquisite. Beautiful flowers and a small bridge crosses the creek. Waterfalls are beautiful.

I’m so shocked that it took me so long to get to Anna Ruby. When I first made the right around half mile walk to the falls, I wasn’t expecting much at all. Not only did I see a really NICE waterfall, about 150 feet high, but it had a little brother of a fall, that was about a 50 foot drop. Pretty nice!
The trail is very clean, paved all the way to the fall outlook area and it’s not at all strenuous (it only took about 10 minutes at a casual pace to reach the falls). If you’re adventurous, the smith trail can be accessed either at the parking lot or as the main paved trail opens up to reveal the falls. Unfortunately I haven’t done it yet so that’ll be an updated review for another time.
The only annoying thing is unlike other state parks (and in truth, this is a federally funded, not state funded park), it costs $ 3 per person per car, instead of simply a flat fee per car, so bring cash.
Bathrooms are fairly clean, welcome area has some clever merchandise and maps of all of the falls within miles of Helen, GA.
Very cool easy going hike. I’ll be back

A classic waterfall with a short, yet fairly steep paved hiking trail. I was surprised at the scale of the waterfall because it looked a lot smaller in pictures I’ve seen.
Who was Anna Ruby? Local folklore says she was the daughter of Captain J. H. Nichols who purchased land in the Nacoochee Valley after the Civil War. It is said James H. Nichols reached the rank of Colonel, but it was common custom to address him as Captain. Sadly, his wife and another child died and the waterfall was dedicated to his remaining child — Anna Ruby.
It was difficult to find information on the Captain, however, in a different document I found it said his wife actually outlived him with three children. She move to New York as a Freemason. I’m not sure which is correct though.
TRAILS
* There is a trail that begins at the Visitor’s Center called the Lion’s Eye Trail. It runs along Smith Creek and gives visually impaired visitor’s opportunity to learn about the local environment by providing braille signs.
* The main trail to the falls (less than half a mile long) is paved all the way to a wooden observation deck.
* Another option is Smith Creek Trail. It’s available for the hiker looking for more of a challenge with a length of 4.8 miles and also ends at the falls.
STATISTICS
Elevation Gain: 170 feet
Distance: Less than 1 mile round trip (.8 to be exact)
Time to hike in & out: 45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Entrance fee: $ 3 per person
Left waterfall height: 153 feet (Curtis Creek)
Right waterfall height: 50 feet (York Creek)
Map to falls:

WHAT TO BRING
A bottle of your favorite beverage, a map from the gift shop (although you won’t really need it), flashlight (late evening hikers), whistle and a good camera! Three short blasts on a whistle are known as a call for help. You may also want to bring your wallet because there are some fun things to buy in the gift shop!
HOW TO GET THERE
From The Mall of Georgia
Take I-​985 North to GA-​384 (Duncan Bridge Road) approximately 37.7 miles
Turn LEFT on GA-​384 towards Helen
Turn RIGHT on GA-​75N (Helen Hwy)
Drive approximately 4.3 miles
Turn RIGHT on GA-​356E for approx. 1.3 miles
Turn LEFT on Anna Ruby Falls Road (just before Unicoi Lake)
Drive approximately 1.4 miles on Anna Ruby Falls Road to trailhead parking.
FINAL THOUGHTS
This is a gorgeous twin waterfall created by two separate streams converging at the same location. If you find yourself in the Alpine Village of Helen Georgia or camping @ nearby Unicoi State Park, make plans to visit. It is easily one of the best and most beautiful natural areas in all of Georgia and definitely one of the easiest waterfall hikes around.

This place is beautiful and the drive was very senic as well. The trail is 0.4 miles so very short however there a pretty steep hills that I ran up and that made up for the distance part… in my mind anyways ;). Once getting to the top I was blown away at how beautiful and peaceful it was! Definitely will be back often.

Beautiful and totally worth it. Easy to access — you can drive within half a mile and the walk up to the falls is relatively flat, wide, and well-​paved. $ 3 per adult.

Okay, so waterfalls are made by God, so less than 5 stars would be blasphemy wouldn’t it? Taking fire and brimstone out of the equation, Anna Ruby Falls really is a great stop in a Helen trip. It is the perfect escape from the beer, brats and liederhosen of Helen. I had a van of kids and since I was the only one over 16 we all got in for $ 3. Take that Ruby Falls, Chattanooga! Anna Ruby Falls provides a comfortable, paved hike to a beautiful scenic waterfall right here in Georgia. Plan for about an hour of relaxed sightseeing and hiking. Easy on the feet, easy on the eyes, easy on the wallet Amen.

Very beautiful! Magical. It’s a quick, short, easy hike up to the falls, and you learn little tid bits a long the way. The creeks are pretty, the trees, the nature, just all beautiful. The falls are worth the hike up. a great place to hike to with your loved one, or anyone really. a fun day trip. the gift shop is small, but does offer some snacks and water/​soft drinks. restrooms are located at the bottom, so go before you hike the trail.
It’s 3 dollars per person, if you do not have cash, you can pay with a card at the gift shop. It’s worth it! Unicoi State Park is right near by, try and see both in one day like we did. Great for spending a day outdoors!

Anna Ruby Falls consists of a 0.4 mile hike uphill through the Chattahoochee National Forest to two viewing platforms which allow you to take in the views of two waterfalls. One waterfall is about 150 feet high and the other is 50 feet high.
One thing I like about the hike is the entire path is nicely paved. There are bridges and various benches along the way where you can rest and take in additional views. There are several good photo opportunities.
The paved trail follows the river/​creek at the base of the falls, so you’ll hear the rushing sound of water the entirety of your short journey. The views of the water hitting the rocks are picturesque. There are informational/​educational signs along the way too, so you can read up on stuff like why water flows endlessly down some of the rocks along the path.
Admission to Anna Ruby Falls is $ 3. You can pay in the gift shop with credit card, though I’m not sure if there’s a credit card minimum (I paid for a group). While driving to Anna Ruby Falls, I passed at least one gate/​guardhouse, but it was closed. Not sure if there was supposed to be an additional fee to enter the park there.
The gift shop is also connected to some free public restrooms which seemed clean enough. There were plenty of parking spaces and the parking lot seemed nicely paved.
Out of all the waterfalls in the world, Anna Ruby Falls is OK. It makes for a pleasant, easy, and short day hike (less than a mile).

Anna Ruby Falls is a small hiking trail near Helen, GA. It costs about $ 3 per person to hike, which I think is a rip off. Then again, they have nice roads and bridges so maybe the cost is there to maintain those.
This is an easy trail. So anyone who can walk can complete this. It’s only about .5 miles to the end. Sure, there are some inclines and stuff you have to walk up, but it’s nothing tough.
At the beginning of the trail, there is a gift shop and restrooms for you to use before your long, arduous trek to the waterfall. It’s also the place where you pay $ 3 to get a little sticker to let everyone know you have also paid.
At the end of the trail, you’re rewarded with a decent waterfall. It’s one of the better waterfalls I’ve seen in Georgia.

If you have never been on a hike to see some of nature’s most beautiful sights in Georgia, Anna Ruby Falls should be one of your first stops. The paved trail is only 0.4 miles up to the base of the twin waterfalls and although it’s kind of steep, it’s a relatively easy hike.
Although admission used to cost $ 2 per person, it’s now $ 3 per person if they’re 16 years and older. Therefore, entry is free for those who are 15 and younger. You pay at the entrance booth by the gate, and I suggest bringing cash as I’ve never used credit card and not quite sure if they accept payments other than cash. The booth attendant will give you stickers to wear as proof of payment.
I’ve been to Anna Ruby Falls several times, initially when I was here visiting relatives and a few times with my family after I moved here. Again, the hike is short and fairly easy, and this is coming from someone (me) who is far from athletic. However, there are several benches along the trail for those who may need to take breaks on the way up.
After the short uphill hike, you will be rewarded with the beautiful view of the twin Anna Ruby Falls. It seems like most people reach the falls, take a few pictures, and then go their merry way back down. However, every time I visit, I like to spend a good amount of time taking pictures of twin waterfalls. They’re breathtaking and worth stopping and gazing at for more than just a couple minutes.
There’s a small gift shop near the entrance of the trail along with clean restrooms. Additionally, there’s an observation deck behind the visitor center where you can often see trout and other fish in the mountain stream. You can easily spend more than a couple minutes just looking at the fish swim by.
Overall, Anna Ruby Falls gets 4.5 stars for being a rewarding, reasonably easy hike to see the gorgeous twin waterfalls. The $ 2 admission fee was great, but it’s still worth $ 3 per person to see the falls. I’ll definitely continue to return and would highly recommend the scenic hike to anyone who wants to enjoy nature’s beauty.
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