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30 Things to Do in Helen, GA, Ranked by Distance From Valhalla

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30 Things to Do in Helen, GA, Ranked by Distance From Valhalla

The full list, from five-minute drives to day trips, with what each costs and who it suits.

In short

The top things to do in Helen, GA are Anna Ruby Falls, Unicoi State Park, tubing the Chattahoochee River, browsing the Alpine village shops, Oktoberfest in the fall, tasting at Habersham Winery and hiking to Raven Cliff or Dukes Creek Falls. Most are within about 20 minutes of Valhalla Resort.

By Valhalla Resort · Updated October 2026 · 8-minute read

At the resort (no driving)

ActivityNotes
Valhalla Golf Club18 holes, par 72; from $55 with cart
Solasta SpaTue–Sun, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; day pass $35
Tennis, pickleball & bocceOnsite courts
Virtual golfYear-round simulators
Little Chapel Art StudioPainting classes for every level
Valhalla Trail¾-mile walk from the front door
Sky BarRooftop-style views, 4–9 p.m.
Adults-only poolSeasonal; no children under 14

Within 10 minutes

PlaceFrom ValhallaCost
Tubing the Chattahoochee0.7 mi · ~2 minFrom $14 weekdays
Downtown Helen shops & riverwalk1.4 mi · ~4 minFree
Helen Arts & Heritage Center1.2 mi · ~4 minVaries
Habersham Winery1.4 mi · ~4 minTasting fee
Nora Mill Granary1.2 mi · ~4 minFree to browse
Nacoochee Mound1.7 mi · ~4 minFree (roadside view)
Hardman Farm Historic Site1.7 mi · ~5 minAdmission
Helen Festhalle (Oktoberfest)1.2 mi · ~4 min$10–$15
Unicoi State Park2.2 mi · ~10 min$5 parking
Sautee Nacoochee Center3.3 mi · ~10 minMuseum free
Old Sautee Store3.9 mi · ~10 minFree

Within 25 minutes

PlaceFrom ValhallaCost
Smithgall Woods State Park5.4 mi · ~10 minParking fee
Babyland General Hospital (Cabbage Patch Kids)7.9 mi · ~15 minFree
Dukes Creek Falls6.9 mi · ~15 min$5 day use
Raven Cliff Falls7.9 mi · ~20 minFree
Mount Yonah trailhead7.2 mi · ~20 minFree
Unicoi Gap (Appalachian Trail)10.7 mi · ~20 minFree
Yonah Mountain Vineyards9.3 mi · ~20 minTasting fee
Anna Ruby Falls6.0 mi · ~20 min$6 ages 16+
CeNita Vineyards11.8 mi · ~25 minTasting fee
Mark of the Potter13.5 mi · ~25 minFree

Worth the drive

PlaceFrom ValhallaWhy go
The Cottage Vineyard14.6 mi · ~25 min360° mountain views
Hogpen Gap overlook12.1 mi · ~30 minAppalachian Trail views on the Russell Scenic Highway
DeSoto Falls21.6 mi · ~30 minTwo waterfalls on one trail
Brasstown Bald20.9 mi · ~40 minGeorgia’s highest point, 4,784 ft
Dahlonega27.1 mi · ~40 minGold Rush town square
Lake Burton21.9 mi · ~45 minBoating and lake views
Tallulah Gorge State Park30.4 mi · ~65 min1,000-ft-deep gorge and suspension bridge

Drive estimates are measured from Valhalla’s front door (688 Bahn Innsbruck) using OpenStreetMap routing data. Expect longer drives on Oktoberfest and peak-foliage weekends.

Sources & official links

FAQ

Questions travelers ask

What is Helen, GA known for?

Helen is known for its Alpine village look, adopted in 1969, its Oktoberfest, the longest-running in the U.S., tubing on the Chattahoochee and nearby waterfalls including Anna Ruby Falls.

What is there to do in Helen, GA at night?

Oktoberfest at the Festhalle in season, live music and beer gardens downtown, and sunset cocktails and dinner at Valhalla’s Sky Bar and Caledonia.

What is there to do at Valhalla Resort?

Golf, Solasta Spa, tennis, pickleball, bocce, virtual golf, painting classes, a walking trail, an adults-only pool and four places to eat and drink.

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