Anna Ruby Falls to Helen with optional lunch

Would you like a nice hike in the mountains without having to hike 12 miles and climb 3000 feet at 3 mph? If so, this hike is for you.

We will meet at Unicoi Hill Park in Helen, then shuttle up to the parking area for Anna Ruby Falls. After walking up to the beautiful falls (hopefully avoiding the large crowds on weekends), we will begin our hike on the Smith Creek trail to the Unicoi campground and lodge. Finally, we will pick up the Unicoi to Helen trail.

In Helen hikers have the option of going to lunch in one of the restaurants there (or having a picnic lunch in the lovely park). You may also want to walk around Helen, which will be decorated for the holidays.

The hike is approximately 8 miles and 1100 feet  elevation gain. There are a few stream crossings and rocky sections. As of the beginning of this month, there are still several blowdowns from the September storm. Reviews indicate they are all passable, but you've been warned. Consequently, all of this put this hike on the higher end of a D3. Our pace will be a truly moderate 2.3-2.5 mph. This will be a relaxed hike; we are not looking to break any speed records.

We will meet in Unicoi Hill Park in downtown Helen.  We will form 2 or 3 carpools to shuttle up to Anna Ruby Falls. After the hike, a volunteer will need to return the morning drivers to their cars at Anna Ruby.

I have done the Smith Creek trail many times and the Unicoi to Helen trail once (and driven the road through the campground many times), but have not put all of these parts together before. Hence, it is an Exploratory hike.

Unicoi Hill Park map

In Helen turn onto White Strausse, the road runs between the park (right) and Hofer's (left).

The parking lot is at the top of the hill on the right. Last time I was there, parking was free. This parking area is the end point/trailhead for the Unicoi to Helen trail.

PLEASE NOTE: State park passes are not valid at Anna Ruby Falls. BUT the National Park pass is. I have one and hopefully, a couple of other attendees will also have one. Otherwise, it's $5 for the day pass.

There are public restrooms in the park as well as in Helen.

This event does not have an official carpool from Atlanta, but feel free to form your own with other attendees that live in your area.