Information
Landmark: Anna Ruby FallsCity: Atlanta
Country: USA Georgia
Continent: North America
Anna Ruby Falls, Atlanta, USA Georgia, North America
Overview
Tucked inside the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest near Helen, Georgia, Anna Ruby Falls cascades in a stunning twin stream you can hear long before you see it.Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, this beloved waterfall draws thousands each year with its twin streams tumbling over smooth rock, easy access, and breathtaking views.Anna Ruby Falls comes to life where two mountain streams-Curtis Creek and York Creek-merge, both flowing down from Tray Mountain, Georgia’s sixth-highest peak, where cold water spills over mossy rock.Two creeks tumble down on their own before meeting at the bottom, where Curtis Creek spills in a silver ribbon over a 153‑foot cliff.York Creek tumbles nearly fifty feet, churning white foam over dark, mossy rock.The twin waterfalls crash into the valley below, mist rising as they’re framed by green forest and jagged rock.Anna Ruby Falls takes its name from Anna Ruby Nichols, daughter of a local power company executive who helped bring hydroelectric power to the region, where the rush of water once fed the humming turbines.You can reach the falls by following a smooth, paved path-just under half a mile each way, lined with maple leaves crunching underfoot.The trail climbs about 200 feet, winding upward at a steady, easy pace that’s perfect for families or anyone out for a relaxed walk.The trail’s paved, but in spots the slope climbs as steep as 18%, which can make it tough for anyone with limited mobility-especially on a warm afternoon.Hiking the trail takes you through a lush forest alive with native plants-bright rhododendrons, pale mountain laurels, and wildflowers nodding in the breeze.Interpretive signs share insights into the area’s ecology and geology, from the scent of pine on the breeze to the layers of rock beneath your feet.The trail ends at two observation decks, where you can take in sweeping views of both waterfalls-mist curling up from the rocks below-and see them from more than one vantage point.If you’re looking for an easy stroll, the Lion’s Eye Trail offers a smooth, 0.1‑mile paved loop created for visitors with visual or physical impairments, where you might catch the scent of pine as you walk.Braille and tactile signs line the trail, letting everyone experience the rush and shimmer of Anna Ruby Falls.Right at the entrance to Anna Ruby Falls, the Visitor Center makes an ideal place to kick off your trip-grab a map, breathe in the pine-scented air, and set out.It’s got restroom facilities-clean, well-kept stalls with fresh paper and a faint scent of soap-open for anyone to use.Gift Shop: A cozy little spot stocked with handmade pottery, colorful postcards, snacks, and cold drinks-perfect for picking up a keepsake before you leave.Picnic Area: Visitors can relax at sturdy tables and fire up the grills for a meal, with pine-scented air all around, before or after their hike.Educational displays feature panels and exhibits that bring the area’s natural history, plants, and wildlife to life-like the flash of a hummingbird’s wings-making each visit richer.Around Anna Ruby Falls, the southern Appalachian forest bursts with life, from fluttering warblers to carpets of spring blooms like Vasey’s trillium, Jack-in-the-pulpit, mayapple, bloodroot, foamflower, and fire pink.In spring, delicate wildflowers burst into bloom, splashing the forest floor with bright, lively color.Visitors might catch sight of white-tailed deer stepping through the trees, wild turkeys strutting across a clearing, and-if they’re lucky-an elusive black bear.Warblers flit between branches while woodpeckers drum against the bark, all adding to the area’s vibrant, living atmosphere.Beyond the main path to the falls, you can wander into other nearby adventures, like the Smith Creek Trail-a tougher 4.6-mile stretch that winds from Anna Ruby Falls all the way to Unicoi State Park, with pine needles crunching underfoot.The trail twists deeper into the Chattahoochee National Forest, where pine needles crunch underfoot and the wilderness feels all around you.Tubing and fishing are easy to enjoy on the nearby Chattahoochee River-you can float downstream on a sunny summer afternoon or cast a line in its cool waters any time of year.The falls and the forest around them offer prime spots for birdwatching and nature photography, especially when the soft gold of early morning or the warm glow of late afternoon lights the scene.The falls welcome visitors every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., starting March 1 and running through December 31, when the air turns crisp and the water roars.In January and February, they open Thursday through Sunday, keeping the same hours-doors creak open right at noon.Adults 16 and up pay $5 to get in-just enough for a cup of coffee at the café by the gate.Kids under sixteen get in free-no ticket needed.Frequent visitors can pick up an annual pass, while Interagency Access Pass holders walk in free-no ticket, no fuss.You’ll find Anna Ruby Falls at 3455 Anna Ruby Falls Road in Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia, only a short drive from Helen, where the sound of rushing water greets you before you see it.You can get there easily by taking Georgia Highways 75 and 356, where pine trees line the roadside.Anna Ruby Falls delivers an easy-to-reach, jaw‑dropping view in Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, where twin streams tumble side by side into a misty pool.Twin waterfalls, a winding network of trails, and welcoming spots to rest make this place perfect for families, hikers, photographers, and anyone who loves the outdoors.Towering trees, well-marked signs, and a quiet, winding trail come together to offer a deep, hands-on experience of the Appalachian wilderness that inspires and restores.Whether you’re stopping by for a quick stroll or spending the day exploring the trails, Anna Ruby Falls stands out as one of northern Georgia’s top natural treasures, with the rush of water echoing through the trees.
