What’s nearby
Helen, GA & the North Georgia Mountains
Vineyards dot the foothills, trails wind through dense forest, and historic sites and quirky shops fill the surrounding villages.
In short
Valhalla Resort sits in the Nacoochee Valley at the back gate of Unicoi State Park, about 20 minutes from Anna Ruby Falls and minutes from downtown Helen's Bavarian village, Nacoochee Village, Habersham Winery and the Chattahoochee National Forest. Helen is roughly 85 miles (about a 90-minute drive) northeast of Atlanta.
Outdoors
Waterfalls, state parks & summits
6 mi · ~20 min
Anna Ruby Falls
A twin waterfall tumbling from over 150 feet, reached by a 0.4-mile paved (and steadily uphill) trail. $6 ages 16+.
3455 Anna Ruby Falls Rd, Helen
Adjacent
Unicoi State Park
More than 21 miles of trails from a half-mile to five miles, including the Bottoms Loop, Unicoi-Helen, Smith Creek and Lake trails.
At Valhalla’s back gate
6.9 mi · ~15 min
Dukes Creek Falls
A moderate, family-friendly hike of just over 2 miles round trip with cascading waterfalls and forest views.
Chattahoochee National Forest
5.4 mi · ~10 min
Smithgall Woods State Park
5,664 protected acres with 28 miles of trails. The 1.6-mile Laurel Ridge loop summits with views of Mt. Yonah.
61 Tsalaki Trail, Helen
7.9 mi · ~20 min
Raven Cliff Falls
A just-under-5-mile round trip along a trout stream to a waterfall cascading through a 40-foot granite cliff.
Chattahoochee National Forest
7.2 mi · ~20 min
Yonah Mountain
The 4.5-mile round-trip trail to the 3,166-foot summit is moderately strenuous, with the best views in the area.
GA-75, Cleveland
Downtown Helen
The best of Alpine Helen
Modeled after Bavarian towns, Helen is Georgia’s third-largest tourist destination, and remarkably connected to the surrounding area.
Helen
Helen Arts & Heritage Center
Local art, pottery and the story of Helen’s transformation from logging town to Bavarian village.
Helen
Georgia Mountain Coaster
An alpine-style coaster that zips through the woods using natural elevation.
Helen
Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen
A Helen favorite since 1973 for house-made chocolates, fudge and brittle.
Helen
King Ludwig’s Biergarten
Outdoor tavern with German beer and giant soft pretzels with beer cheese.
Helen
Lindenhaus Imports
Black Forest cuckoo clocks, beer steins and nutcrackers from Germany and Scandinavia.
Helen
Mind Escapes Escape Rooms
Escape games for all ages, great for groups and team-building.
History & sightseeing
Nacoochee Valley landmarks
Nacoochee Valley
Hardman Farm
An 1870 Italianate mansion and state historic site with dairy barn, spring house and guided tours.
143 GA-17, Sautee Nacoochee
Nacoochee Valley
Sautee Nacoochee Indian Mound
A gazebo-topped mound listed on the National Register of Historic Places, across the road from Hardman Farm.
GA-17 at GA-75, Sautee
Scenic drive
Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway
A 40.6-mile loop of forests, mountains and valleys, among Georgia’s most beautiful drives.
GA 17/75, 180, 348 and 75 Alt
Half a mile from Helen
Nora Mill Granary
A working gristmill on the Chattahoochee since 1876, home of the grits served at Caledonia.
Nacoochee Village
Wineries
North Georgia wine country
1.5 miles
Habersham Winery
Operating since 1983, about a mile and a half south of Valhalla, with daily tastings.
7025 S Main St, Helen
Cleveland
Yonah Mountain Vineyards
A 200-acre vineyard with the region’s only wine cave. Tours and tastings available.
1717 GA-255, Cleveland
Cleveland
The Cottage Vineyard & Winery
Ranked 21st in the nation by Travel + Leisure, with mountain views.
5050 US-129, Cleveland
Cleveland
Cenita Vineyard
Whites and reds in a friendly, casual tasting room overlooking the vineyard.
591 Dock Dorsey Rd, Cleveland
Planning
Oktoberfest & the seasons
Sept – Nov
Oktoberfest & foliage
Helen’s Oktoberfest runs September 10 – November 1, 2026, as peak color arrives. The busiest season; book early.
Dec – Feb
Fireside season
Holiday buffets, fireplaces in every suite and a quieter pace.
Mar – May
Waterfalls & tee times
Spring flow at the falls, wildflowers and great golf weather.
Jun – Aug
Pool & mountains
Adults-only pool days, Memorial Day and July 4th celebrations with fireworks.
FAQ
Area questions, answered
What is there to do near Helen, GA?
Hike to Anna Ruby Falls (about 20 minutes from Valhalla), Dukes Creek Falls or Raven Cliff Falls, explore Unicoi and Smithgall Woods state parks, summit Yonah Mountain, tour Hardman Farm, taste at Habersham Winery and Yonah Mountain Vineyards, and walk downtown Helen's Bavarian-style shops and biergartens.
What resort is near Unicoi State Park?
Valhalla Resort sits right at Unicoi State Park's back gate in Helen, GA, with more than 21 miles of park trails steps away.
What hotel is closest to Anna Ruby Falls?
Valhalla Resort Hotel is about 6 miles (roughly 20 minutes) from Anna Ruby Falls, offering luxury suites, bungalows, townhomes, a golf course and spa.
Where should I stay for Helen's Oktoberfest?
Valhalla Resort is a short drive from downtown Helen's Oktoberfest, which runs September 10 – November 1, 2026 at the Festhalle about four minutes away, so you're close to the festival but away from the crowds. Book early; fall is the busiest season.
How far is Helen, GA from Atlanta?
Valhalla is about 87 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta, typically a 1 hour 45 minute to 2 hour drive.
What is the best time to visit the North Georgia mountains?
Fall (September through early November) brings Oktoberfest and peak foliage and is the busiest. Spring offers wildflowers, waterfalls and milder crowds; summer is great for the pool and tubing; winter is quiet and cozy, with fireplaces in every suite.
Reserve your stay
Make Valhalla your base camp
Book online in a few clicks, or call the resort and our reservations team will help you plan the stay.