Hiking and Biking
There are good trails for hiking, mountain biking, or both in the Helen area. Three of the most prominent hiking trails circuit the area's waterfalls--Raven Cliff Falls, Duke's Creek, Helton Creek and others. All of these are day hikes, although longer treks are possible by getting onto the Appalachian Trail, which passes through the vicinity and can be reached by some of the local trails. The mountain bike trails see much of the same ground.
Woody's Mountain Bikes
457 Hwy 356 (on the way to Unicoi)
Helen, Georgia 30545
(706) 878-3715
helenga.org/woodys
Water Sports
There are two riverine activities available right in the Helen area--tubing and whitewater rafting. Tubing is a popular country past time and a great way to relax, as it involves little more than sitting in an inner tube and floating down river. The Chattahoochee River has a few mild rapids to make things exciting. Whitewater rafting takes place on the Chattooga River, which has Class III and IV rapids. Companies operating on these rivers offer day trips and overnight two-day rafting trips that include some camping.
Cool River Tubing
590 Edelweiss Strasse
P.O. Box 817
Helen, Georgia 30545
(706) 878-2665
coolrivertubing.com
Southeastern Expeditions
7350 Hwy 76 East
Clayton, Georgia 30525
(800) 868-7238
southeasternexpeditions.com
The Castle Inn
Overlooking the Chattahoochee River, the Castle Inn evokes the same fairy-tale spirit as King Ludwig of Bavaria's Neuschwanstein Castle. The hotel restaurant is located on the lower level, at riverside, and is called "The Troll's Tavern." The rooms and their amenities are fairly typical of what you would expect from a three-star hotel--color TV, en suite bathroom, coffeemaker and a private balcony.
8287 S. Main Street
P.O. Box 579
Helen, Georgia 30545
(706) 878-0022
castleinn-helen.com
Best Western Riverpark Inn
This hotel won Best Western's internal "Best of the Best" award for 2009. The standard rooms come with a microwave, coffee/tea machine, free Wi-Fi and work desk. Their suites are positively luxurious for a three-star hotel, and include a jacuzzi and a fireplace. A complimentary breakfast is included in the room rate, and there is also an outdoor swimming pool.
8220 S. Main Street
Helen, Georgia 30545
(706) 878-2111
helen-georgia-hotels.com
