Adventure-focused travelers will find exciting options for outdoor fun in Alpine Helen-White County, a Bavarian beauty set in the Northeast Georgia Mountains, about an hour and a half north of Atlanta.
Grab your hiking boots and snatch a slice of the great outdoors at Adventure Lodges of Georgia-Unicoi State Park encompassing some 1,063 acres of natural beauty between the Chattahoochee National Forest and Alpine Helen. The ultimate in secluded retreats, Adventure Lodges of Georgia offers ropes courses, canopy ziplines and bridges, a GPS scavenger hunt, archery, fly fishing, guided nature hikes, paddle boarding and more!
Seasoned hikers looking for more than a slow-paced nature walk might consider the 4.6-mile Smith Creek Trail stretching from the base of Anna Ruby Falls (in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest) to Unicoi State Park. The dramatic twin waterfalls are about a 30-minute, easy-to-moderate walk from the parking lot should you choose to drive over rather than hike. No worries if you tire easily, there are benches all along the pathway between the parking lot and Anna Ruby Falls.
Add a historical element to outdoor adventure and embark on a two-mile out-and-back guided hike along the brand new Helen to Hardman Heritage Trail. Learn about the history of White County and the Chattahoochee River.
Mountain biking is a great way to explore outdoor Alpine Helen and Woody’s Mountain Bikes can hook you up with bikes, helmets and shuttle rides. Please note that riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Nacoochee Adventures, just outside the city of Helen, is the perfect place for adrenaline-rush activities like zipline canopies, the Thriller Giant Swing and the challenging three-level, 27 element climbing apparatus known as Yonah Quest Adventure Park.
No trip to Alpine Helen is complete without some time spent mining for rare gems and gold, of course! Pay Dirt Buckets from Outpost Gold & Gem Panning offer a family-friendly mining activity with folks on hand to help identify your finds. Gold ‘N Gem Grubbin’ in nearby Cleveland is a genuine operating Gold Mine where visitors love to pan for treasures in the styles of yesteryear: sluices and in the creek! And, one more option for gem mining is Dukes Creek Mines where the hunt for rare gems is real. Visitors are hopeful to take home rubies, sapphires, emeralds, amethyst and other gems.
Alpine Mini Golf Village on Main Street is great for family competitions. The 18-hole mini golf course is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, March -November, and weekends in the other months as weather permits.
Head on over to Chattahoochee Stables and kick up some dust on a guided trail ride. Family-friendly Chattahoochee Stables accommodates all age riders allowing the under-five kiddos to ride with an adult.
Bring your sticks and play a round at Innsbruck Golf Club where you’ll also find a driving range, putting green, pro shop and more. Guests may also rent premium clubs or take a golf lesson.
With sweeping mountain views, rolling hills and beautiful vineyards, Alpine Helen couldn’t be more picturesque for fall foliage viewing. From leisurely strolls to hiking, biking, views from ziplines or car rides, you’ll enjoy seeing the autumn landscape of this Georgia mountain town.
Hofer’s Bakery & Café is a must when enjoying the great outdoors of Alpine Helen. After all, you must have fuel for the day, right? A Bavarian bakery, Hofer’s is on Main Street serving up delicious European cakes and pastries along with Old World breads. Open for breakfast and lunch, you’ll be happy to start a day of exploring here.
The German-inspired Alpine Village of Helen is idyllic for celebrating Oktoberfest and is by far Helen’s biggest party of the year. Tap your toes to German music, do some dancing and enjoy authentic German food and drinks. Practice your Polka and get ready for the Chicken Dance. . .Oktoberfest is always a blast.
Don’t miss Alpine Helen-White County’s Georgia Mountain Coaster for a thrilling ride.
Alpine Helen offers hotels, cabins, campgrounds and more. Please visit www.HelenGA.org for accommodation details and complimentary assistance planning your getaway.