Home of twin waterfalls, Anna Ruby Falls is one of the most popular destination interpretive sites in Georgia. Get into the outdoors and learn about the watershed that feeds the waterfalls and enjoy the visitor information center, the interpretive signs at the center and along the trail. This is a great site for photographers, whether you're into nature photography or taking pictures of friends and family at the waterfalls, on the trails, or having a picnic.
At a Glance
Operational Hours:
Open all year except Christmas.
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 7 days a week. Gate closes at 5:00 p.m.
Thanksgiving Operating Hours
Gate, fee booth, and restrooms will be open for Thanksgiving Day. The Gift Shop will be closed.
Christmas Day
All facilities will be closed.
Area Amenities:
Interpretive Site,Accessible,Fee charged for some activities,Picnic tables,Toilets,Drinking water,Parking
Anna Ruby Falls Trail: This 0.4-mile paved foot trail takes you along the banks of Smith Creek from the visitor center to the two observation decks near the base of the twin waterfalls. There are a couple of short, steep sections along the trail but benches are available to catch your breath. Most people are able to make the round trip without any problems.
Lion's Eye Foot Trail: Designed for people with visual impairments, the Lion's Eye Trail features a cable hand rail to help guide you from one interpretive sign to the next. The signs are written in both regular text and in braille. The trail is paved and is 0.1 mile long.
Smith Creek Foot Trail: This trail links the Anna Ruby Falls trail to Unicoi State Park. The 4.6-mile hike leaves the Anna Ruby Falls Trail near the upper bridge across Smith Creek and leads to the campground in Unicoi Park.
Nature Viewing
SHOW
Viewing Scenery
Anna Ruby Fall Scenic Area is a great place to easily see the scenic beauty of the forest along a mountain stream. The best part of this experience is arriving at the upper observation deck at the base of the twin waterfalls. Interpretive signs along the trail provide insights into the vegetation of the forest along your 0.4 mile walk along the paved trail to the waterfalls.
Outdoor Learning
HIDE
Interpretive Areas
While at Anna Ruby Fall Scenic Area, spend a view minutes on the observation deck behind the visitor center where you can often see trout in their natural habitat. Interpretive signs illustrate stream ecology and the water cycle.
The nature trail leading to the twin falls offers signs that explain the native vegetation, history, and culture of the area.
Visitor Centers
Interpretive signs at visitor information center
General Info:
Accessibility:
This site is fully accessible. The Lion's Eye Trail is designed for people in wheelchairs and those with visual disabilities. Signs along the trail are in braille as well as for the sighted. A hand rail guides you along the trail and right down to the bank of Smith Creek.
The picnic area is easily accessed from the parking lot via a bridge across Smith Creek. Picnic tables are designed to accommodate people in wheel chairs.
Directions:
From the town of Helen, GA, go north 1 mile on Georgia Highway 17 to Robertstown and the intersection of Hwy. 17 and 356. Turn turn right on Hwy. 356 and go 1.3 miles. Turn left on Anna Ruby Falls Road and go to the entrance booth.
Parking:
Ample parking is available in the paved parking lot.
Picnicking_P
SHOW
Picnicking
14 picnic tables
Reservation Info
None
No. of Sites
14
Amenities
Accessible
The Lion's Eye Trail is paved. Braille signs provide information for the blind. A hand rail assists in making your way along the trail.
SHOW
HIDE
