Quaint Helen offers cozy cabins and hidden flavors
ALPINE HELEN-WHITE COUNTY, GEORGIA—JANUARY 2026—Winter takes on new meaning in the quaint mountain town of Helen, only 95 miles from the bustling city of Atlanta. The mild climate of the northeast Georgia mountains means fun winter destinations, cozy lodgings and delicious culinary offerings without the harsh weather that winter can bring in more northern climates. If you’re searching for the perfect winter getaway, Helen has it all, from cottages, cabins and lodges with roaring fireplaces to a wide variety of restaurants, cafes and breweries, including those serving up German specialties that mirror the town’s alpine flavor. It’s the perfect basecamp to the numerous attractions in town and neighboring countryside offering outdoor adventures.
Romantic mountain escapes
Visitors will find a wide variety of accommodations both within the alpine town of Helen and throughout the region. Choose between rustic river views or a cozy cabin at the Riverbend Motel and Cabins (134 River Street, Helen, Georgia 30545; 706-878-2155) which overlooks the beautiful Chattahoochee River.
There’s so much to love at Unicoi State Park (1788 GA-356, Helen, Georgia 30545; 706-878-2201), only a short drive from the heart of Helen. Visitors may enjoy all that the town offers and then retreat to the mountain lodge with its massive stone fireplace and exquisite view or one of the state park’s many cabins nestled in woods. Unicoi offers a lake, restaurant serving local cuisine and lots of outdoor adventures, including hikes to the breathtaking twin falls at Anna Ruby Falls.
A short drive from Helen, Smithgall Woods State Park (61 Tsalaki Trail, Helen, Georgia 30545; 800-864-7275) offers cottages within the pristine Dukes Creek Valley in the middle of a Southern Appalachian wilderness. Accommodations range from individual one-bedroom cabins with wood-burning stoves and hot tubs to accommodating groups for all six cottages for a total of 17 bedrooms, all snug by rushing creeks outside the door where visitors may fly fish and hike the one mile to Dukes Creek Falls.
Visitors may prefer something unique to add to their mountain experience, such as the Yonah Mountain Vineyards’ Dogwood Cottage in nearby Cleveland (1717 Highway 255 South, Cleveland, Georgia; 706-878-5522). For RV lovers, the peaceful Chattahoochee National Forest surrounds the 18 acres of Creekwood Resort RV Park & Cabins (5730 Highway 356, Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia 30571; 706-878-2164).
There are numerous motels in the vicinity, such as Helen’s Holiday Inn Express and Suites within walking distance to the town’s Festhalle, village shops, restaurants and many local attractions (8100 South Main Street, Helen, Georgia 30545; 706-878-1084). The hotel also features the largest conference center in town.
Boutique stays
It’s easy for visitors to feel like they’ve been transported to Europe when traveling to Helen, with its unique Alpine flavor and German festivals such as the annual Oktoberfest. Equally transporting is Valhalla Resort Hotel (688 Bahn Innsbruck, Helen, Georgia 30545; 706-878-2200), reminiscent of an ancient Scottish castle. The hotel rests on a hill so there’s sweeping mountain views to enjoy with a craft cocktail on the rooftop sky bar or a romantic meal in the fine-dining restaurant. Valhalla is located within the Innsbruck Golf Community and offers golf packages in addition to arranged hiking, fly fishing and winery tours.
For more lodging options in Alpine Helen, including charming bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals, click here.
Culinary trails
Helen offers a wide variety of dining options, from the Bavarian-flavored Hofbrauhaus Restaurant and G.I. Germany Pub with views of the Chattahoochee River that flows right through town, to more casual offerings such as food trucks, ice cream parlors, a pizza garden and candy stores. Don’t miss a chance to visit Betty’s Store in the heart of Helen, a grocery-deli-bar chock full of everything you can think of, from fresh bakery and deli treats to gifts and the largest German beer selection in Georgia. Betty’s is a perfect stocking-up stop for those residing in cabins.
Helen’s taverns and pubs let you hoist a glass or two and the region teems with wineries open for tastings. Because the North Georgia Mountains are ripe for grape production, producing some of the country’s finest wines, Helen tour operators will transport visitors for an exploration of the area wineries—and you don’t have to drive! Learn more about wine, breweries and vineyard tours here.
Sidebar – Plan Early for Helen 2026
Helen remains a top destination anytime of the year, including spring events such as the 53rd Annual Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race & Festival in June, the South’s oldest balloon event and the country’s longest distance hot air balloon race. The fall brings the immensely popular Oktoberfest—one of the largest in the world!—followed by a brilliant alpine winter spectacular that continues into the New Year.
Ongoing events happen throughout town and at nearby Smithgall Woods State Park, Unicoi State Park, Hardman Farm State Historic Site and within the neighboring quaint town of Sautee Nacoochee and its unique Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia.
This year offers special incentives to visit the North Georgia Mountain town with the 2026 FIFA World Cup coming to Atlanta this summer. Helen is only 95 miles from the city so an ideal destination to add to World Cup travel. Do book early, however, for metro Atlanta (and Helen) will fill up fast with arriving World Cup international and national visitors.