Smithgall Woods Conservation Park
Smithgall Woods Conservation Park is a 5,664-acre mountain escape on the outskirts of Helen, Georgia, featuring hardwood trees, streams and wildlife. Dukes Creek flows through the mountains, and rhododendron and mountain laurel accent the hiking trails. The park consists of 23 miles of road for hiking and biking, 5 miles for nature watching, wildlife observation stands and three picnic shelters. Specific days are reserved for trout fishing. Park staff offers educational programs, ranger programs and youth camping. Five cottages accommodate visitors to the park boasting fireplaces, decks, living rooms, kitchen and multiple bedrooms.
Smithgall Woods Conservation Park
61 Tsalaki Trail
Helen, GA 30545
(706) 878-3087
gastateparks.org/info/smithgall/
Habersham Winery
Located .5 miles south of Helen in Nacoochee Village, Habersham Vineyards and Winery produces award-winning Georgia wine. According to the winery website, the wine has received more than 150 medals in national and international competitions, including a gold medal from the VinoChallenge International. The winery offers wine tasting at several locations, such as the Nacoochee Village Tavern, Nacoochee Grill and the winery. Winery staff provides tours of the facility. Enjoy a cup of coffee at JumpinGoat Coffee Roasters, a short walk away from the winery. Purchase a bottle of wine as a souvenir.
Habersham Winery
7025 S. Main St.
Helen, GA 30545
(706) 878-9463
habershamwinery.com
Gold n Gem Grubbin
Gold n Gem Grubbin allows the family to bond while prospecting at a genuine gold mine in Cleveland, Georgia. Located 12 miles south of Helen, Gold n Gem offers mining on the creek; some parts of the creek are under shade trees. Pan for gold, rubies and emeralds or have a picnic in at the historic mining site. Once you finish mining for hidden treasures, the staff determines which gemstone they will set in a 14-carat gold or sterling silver setting. The area has a campsite, RV hookups and a cabin. The property offers an 18-hole miniature golf course, a seven-acre lake stocked with Catfish, bass and bluegill.
Gold n Gem Grubbin
75 Gold Nugget Lane
Cleveland, GA 30528
(706) 865-5454
goldngem.com
Sunburst Stables
Just 11 miles away from Helen in Clarksville, Sunburst Stables offers horseback riding on trails located within mountains of the Chattahoochee National Forest, riding lessons and indoor riding arena. The trails' terrain includes streams, wildlife and mountain views. Rides last from one to three hours, depending on the option you choose. The facility has horses for all riding levels, and the owners welcome children eight-years-old or older as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. The property provides campsites and cabin rentals for overnight guests. Horse boarding services accommodate visitors who bring their own animals.
Sunburst Stables
250 Sunburst Lane
Clarksville, GA 30523
(706) 947-7433
sunburststables.com
