An Outdoorsy Weekend Itinerary for Helen, Georgia
If you’re looking for a fun and outdoorsy weekend getaway, Helen, Georgia, is the perfect spot. It’s in the heart of the North Georgia mountains, surrounded by great hikes, state parks, and with a river running right through town.
Helen had been on my list for a while, and I was finally able to spend a few days in town checking out the outdoor opportunities and exploring the Alpine Village.
If you’re planning a weekend in Helen, GA, you won’t want to miss these fun stops!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through this link, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for keeping Stuck On The Go going! I was hosted by Alpine Helen / White County Convention & Visitors Bureau during my time in Helen. All opinions are my own.
Friday
Ride Georgia’s Only Alpine Coaster
After you arrive and check into your hotel or rental, kick off your weekend with a ride on the Georgia Mountain Coaster. This gravity-driven coaster is located within walking distance of the Alpine Village and has lots of parking.
If you’ve never been on an alpine coaster, there is a lever on your right-hand side that allows you to control your speed. The first time I rode one was in Banner Elk, so I knew what to expect this time and went as fast as I could!
Those who are a little nervous about it may want to get a second ride since they are half off on the same day. That way you can test it out the first time, then really let go the second. And girls with long hair—don’t forget a ponytail holder! They require you to put it up.
Dinner at Bodensee Bavarian Restaurant
After your adrenaline rush, head to Bodensee Restaurant for an authentic taste of Germany. It’s right across the street from Georgia’s Mountain Coaster, so it’s super convenient.
This spot serves up hearty Bavarian dishes like schnitzel, bratwurst, and pretzels with beer cheese. Pair your meal with a German beer for the full experience!
I went with the sausage platter and loved trying the various sausages. They have indoor seating, but I enjoyed eating in their beer garden with the large picnic tables.
Saturday
Breakfast at Betty’s Country Store
Start your day with breakfast at Betty’s Country Store, a local favorite known for its hearty breakfast sandwiches and hot coffee. You’ll want to grab a seat on their porch and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.
I visited during the transition time from breakfast to lunch and chose to go with lunch instead. Their chicken salad sandwich was delicious!
Go Ziplining OR Tube the Chattahoochee
I’ve listed these together because if you visit outside the summer months, tubing won’t be an option. If you are visiting during the summer and want to do both, you could always do one on Saturday and shift the other to this afternoon or Sunday. It’s your itinerary, you can do whatever you want.
If you go with ziplining, you’ll head to Nacoochee Adventures, where they have one of the longest dual zip lines in the country. Their outpost is a renovated house and once you’re checked in, they help you get all your gear, then drive you up to the top of the zip line.
Since it’s a dual zip line, you get to go alongside one other person and the line is 1/2 a mile long. You really feel like you’re flying through the trees!
Once you’ve made it to the other side, you head back to their outpost. There are picnic tables outside and they serve beer, wine, and slushies if you want to hang out for a bit.
Your other option is tubing down the Chattahoochee River if you visit between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. Some tubing companies are open outside of those dates, especially on weekends when the weather is still warm, so just check the calendars.
Tubing typically takes a couple of hours, but Cool River Tubing does have a shorter option that takes between an hour to an hour and a half.
I visited just outside of the tubing season, so I definitely want to go back and try this!
Lunch at Café International
After your morning adventure, refuel at Café International, which has beautiful riverside views and a large menu. The Reuben Sandwich is a local favorite, but I had to go with the schnitzel.
This is a popular spot, so there may be a wait but it’s worth it. Try to get a table by the deck railing so you can look out over the river during your meal.
Explore the Alpine Village
While some may say that the Alpine Village is cheesy, I loved exploring the quirky stops and cute boutiques here. A few of the stores that I loved were The Wildwood Shop, The Glassblowing Shop, and the Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen (I’m a sucker for some sweets).
I really wanted to stop by Honey on the Hill, but sadly they weren’t open the day I was exploring. Other than the shops, they have some great photo opportunities in the Alpine Village.
Willie the Wildwood Bear is a good one and you can’t miss the Bigfoot Statue. Across the road from the Bigfoot Statue is the Love Tree, which is actually a balloon sculpture where people can place their love locks.
If you need an afternoon pick-me-up, head to Yonah Coffee Company, where you can grab coffee and a pastry. If you prefer a different kind of sweet treat, The Mason Jar serves amazing gelato and they also have coffee.
Parking can be a little tricky when visiting the Alpine Village as the roads around here get very busy. Here is a city parking map that I would recommend checking out before you visit.
Dinner at Cowboys & Angels
End the day with dinner at Cowboys & Angels, a steakhouse with a great outdoor space. They are known for their steaks of course, but they also serve seafood, pasta, burgers, and more.
I had to go with the filet topped with mushrooms, a side salad, and mac & cheese. The salad was fresh and served with thick and creamy ranch, the steak was perfectly cooked, and the mac & cheese was made with Gouda (my favorite).
Their patio really is the perfect place to enjoy a beer or cocktail after a long day of adventures.
Sunday
Hike Anna Ruby Falls
This really is a must-do hike when you’re visiting Helen. It’s short, scenic, and leads to a stunning double waterfall with a platform at the base offering great views.
The trail is a bit steep, but totally doable even if you need to take breaks. It’s paved all the way up to the top and you’ll follow Smith Creek on the way to the falls.
There is a $5/adult entrance fee (children are free) and the last entrance is at 4 p.m. If you have an Interagency Pass (like America the Beautiful) then that covers your entrance fee.
Lunch at Muller’s Famous Fried Cheese Café
Back in town, head to Muller’s Famous Fried Cheese to grab a quick lunch. The fried cheese kebob appetizer and sharp cheddar stuffed with ham are typically fan favorites.
I didn’t have a chance to go here, but I LOVE cheese so I kept starting longingly at it every time I passed by. Definitely on my list for next time.
Visit Smithgall Woods State Park
Wrap up your weekend with a visit to Smithgall Woods State Park. This is really just a peaceful place where you can relax before heading back home. The Laurel Ridge Trail is only a little over a mile and a half with just over 300ft of elevation gain.
The trail starts by the Visitor Center where you’ll also need to pay the $5/vehicle fee. There’s also a very short loop at the Visitor Center that takes you by the creek and has benches where you can sit and enjoy.
Other Things to Do Nearby
If you have extra time, consider checking out some other nearby attractions:
- Hike Yonah Mountain – This is a tough hike but worth it for the views!
- Hardman Farm Historic Site – You can walk here on the Helen to Hardman Heritage Trail.
- Visit Local Wineries – There are multiple wineries near Helen, one of the easiest to get to is Habersham Winery.
- Celebrate the Festivals – Helen does a great job putting on fun festivals and I was able to visit for the popular Oktoberfest. Christmas is another fun time to visit!
Where to Stay
I absolutely loved staying at Unicoi State Park, where they have options to stay in the main lodge, unique Barrel Cabins, and various campsites and glamping tents. This is a convenient place to stay within easy driving distance of town and all the attractions, but it’s tucked away in a beautiful setting.
I stayed in the main lodge and had a gorgeous view of the mountains from my room. One night, as I was driving back, I was also treated to a stunning sunset over the lake and had to pull over to get some photos.
Another bonus to staying at the lodge—breakfast is included and it is huge! I was able to order off their menu one morning, but the following morning it was a breakfast buffet.
Wrap Up: Weekend in Helen, GA
I spent a couple days exploring Helen and have wanted to go back ever since. The Alpine Village is so quirky, there are tons of outdoor opportunities nearby, and plenty of great restaurants when you work up an appetite.
The weather is relatively mild year-round, so no matter what time of year you plan to visit, you’ll have a great time!
