Anna Ruby Falls: Amazing Twin Waterfall & a Fully Paved Hike

Are you looking for a beautiful place to enjoy the outdoors with your family? Consider a trip to Anna Ruby Falls. It is so worth the drive from nearby Helen, GA to enjoy this beautiful double waterfall. We love the paved trail that keeps this gorgeous spot accessible for so many. We have all the details to help you plan your visit to Anna Ruby Falls, Georgia.

About Anna Ruby Falls

Located adjacent to Unicoi State Park Anna Ruby Falls is actually a spectacular twin waterfall, as two waterfalls combine to form Smith Creek. The taller waterfall cascades down 153 feet and its twin drops about 50 feet. There are many gorgeous waterfalls in North Georgia, but this one is unique. Not just because it’s a double waterfall, but because the trail is paved making this a really family-friendly spot to enjoy nature.

The Anna Ruby Falls Trail

The paved hiking trail begins at the Anna Ruby Falls Visitor Center where you will find restrooms and a gift shop, plus several scenic picnic areas along the creek at the Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area.

It’s just under a mile hike along the paved trail to get to the falls.

The paved down-and-back trail to the falls has a moderate to steep incline at times, as it follows the boulder-lined banks of Smith Creek to the falls. While there are a few steep sections, the trail is well-maintained and the pavement makes the trip much easier.

It’s a very pretty trail, and though short, it’s worth a trip in and of itself. There are multiple overlooks and observation decks to enjoy the falls for a while before returning back down the trail.

Lion’s Eye Trail

Near the parking lot, you’ll also find the very short Lion’s Eye Trail. Its a 0.1 mile paved trail with braille interpretive signage.

Near Anna Ruby Falls

You’ll find Anna Ruby Falls just a short drive from Helen, GA and right next to Unicoi State Park.

How far is Anna Ruby Falls from Helen, GA?

It’s about a 15-minute drive from Helen, Georgia to get to Anna Ruby Falls. It’s a beautiful area. So whether you start your day in Helen and head to the falls, or begin with a hike and end with a trip to Helen, make sure to do both. The alpine town is quite unique. Check it out in our piece on Helen, GA.

More Hiking at Unicoi State Park

You’ll drive through a portion of Unicoi State Park on your way to the gate to Anna Ruby Falls. If you’re looking for more hiking, the hike around the lake at Unicoi State Park is pretty and family-friendly.

The Cutest Coffee Shop

Our family always stops at Sweetwater Coffeehouse when we are in the area. The staff is so friendly and it’s just a super cute mountain town coffee shop. We found it by accident as we drove through the area on our first visit and now we make a point to stop whenever we are in the area.

They are open 8 am to 6 pm daily, and it’s about a 20-minute drive from the falls parking area to Sweetwater Coffee.

Sweetwater Coffeehouse
2242 GA-17
Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571

Go Visit Anna Ruby Falls

Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area, National Forest
3455 Anna Ruby Falls Road, Georgia
Fee is $5 per person aged 16 and up. Free for kids 15 and under.
Open 9 am to 5 pm daily- last admission is 4 pm.
Closed the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.