While hiking the Swiss Alpine Trails may not be a possibility for you right now, there are hiking areas closer to home that you can enjoy, and one such location is Helen, Georgia. Helen allows you to experience a little of the German culture without being in Germany, and it provides the hiking enthusiast with numerous hiking trails to choose from. Trails in this area include the Appalachian Trail, Dukes Creek Falls Trails and Raven Cliff.
Significance
Helen is located in northeastern Georgia, close to the Chattahoochee River, in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is within driving distance from Charlotte, North Carolina, and the Metro Atlanta area. The town is similar to an alpine village in Germany, with cobblestone walkways along with towers. The town draws thousands of visitors annually, especially during its Oktoberfest celebration.
Hiking Season
Helen has mild spring and summer seasons due to its elevation of 1,500 feet. Its summer temperatures average in the 80s F, but history shows it has had summer temperatures up to 100 degrees F. Winter temperatures in Helen are a little bit more challenging than in other Georgia towns. Although the temperature is mild in Helen, it is more feasible to hike mid-March to May and again in mid-September until the middle of November, to avoid dealing with extreme temperatures.
Appalachian Trail
Close to Helen is the Appalachian Trail, a popular hiking trail. The Appalachian Trail begins approximately 47 miles west of Helen in Springer Mountain, and it has a distance of approximately 2,175 miles, eventually leading to Mount Katahdin, Maine. The Appalachian Trail is accessible via State Roads 17 and 75. There are an abundance of road signs, which makes it easy to find the trail.
Unicoi State Park
Unicoi State Park is available for hikers year-round. It is approximately 1,050 acres, and is located northeast of Helen, Georgia. In the park, there are five hiking trails, including short interpretive trails that average approximately a third of a mile with strenuous-rated trail hiking to Anna Ruby Falls. The focal point of the park is the Unicoi Lake at Smith Creek, a useful attraction for a picnic or place to rest after the hike.
Dukes Creek Falls Trail
On the Russell Scenic Highway, you will notice two hiking trails, including the Dukes Creek Falls Trail. The Duke Creek Falls trail provides a short hike with a series of switchbacks with some drops approximately 400 feet down. It is a popular location and is wheelchair accessible.
Raven Cliff Falls
Another short trail in the Helen area is the Raven Cliffs Falls Trail. Its rugged path leads you to Raven Cliffs, which is a wilderness site. The trail passes along creeks and a rocky bluff just before you reach the cascading waterfalls. Look out for wildlife that resides in the area including birds, turkeys and different plant varieties such as geraniums and trout lilies.
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