Georgia’s Favorite Autumn Destination – Unusual Places

The fall in Georgia is really magical, and there is always something to do outdoors to enjoy the beauty of this season. From exciting fall festivals to the vibrant display of golden and red foliage, there is a lot to experience. One of the best places to enjoy these brilliant colors is Anna Ruby Falls, just outside Helen, Georgia. This beautiful waterfall is sure amazing the whole year but gets even more striking in autumn. If you like fall foliage in the Peach State, Anna Ruby Falls should definitely be number one on your to-see list. Let’s delve a little deeper into exactly what makes this one of Georgia’s most treasured fall adventures.

Anna Ruby Falls is a short, sweet, rewarding hike. This is an area of striking scenery in the vivid fall colors. And with such easy access to a gorgeous waterfall framed by autumn leaves, it’s little wonder this is a favorite for both locals and visitors alike.

Anna Ruby Falls are actually twin waterfalls formed from the confluence of Curtis Creek and York Creek into Smith Creek. The upper cascade falls 153 feet; it’s quite a sight to behold. Deep in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, this sightseeing place has grown to become one of North Georgia’s favorite vacation spots. The two falls were named after the only daughter of James H. “Captain” Nichols, a retired Colonel of the Civil War, who settled in the Nacoochee Valley back in 1870. One day while horseback riding, Nichols came upon the falls and afterwards named them after his daughter, Anna Ruby.

Hiking Trails

Anna Ruby Falls Trail: Paved, 0.4-mile trail leading along Smith Creek to observation decks at the base of the waterfalls. Although there are some short, steep sections, benches are available for rest.

Most visitors can easily make the round trip. Note: This trail is not wheelchair accessible due to the steep inclines.

Lion’s Eye Foot Trail

This is a 0.1 mile paved trail for the visually impaired that has a cable handrail and interpretive signs in regular text and braille. The trail is fully wheelchair accessible.

Smith Creek Foot Trail
A more moderate 4.6-mile route which, when combined, connects Anna Ruby Falls to Unicoi State Park. The trail leaves from the upper bridge of the Anna Ruby Falls Trail and breaks off to the right, heading down to the Unicoi Park campground. Sceneries and Landscapes