Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area
Visit twin waterfalls plunging more than 150 feet (tallest) on the paved trail from the visitor information center. While there enjoy a picnic at any of our picnic sites or take a short walk on the Lion's Eye Trail a short 0.01-mile paved hiking trail for people who are visually impaired with interpretive signs in both normal text and braille.
At a Glance
Current Conditions: | Anna Ruby Falls is open during normal business hours. For normal operations please go to https://gofindoutdoors.org/ |
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Operational Hours: | Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, 7 days a week
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Area Amenities: |
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Fees: |
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Permit Info: | Contact Go FIND Outdoors at 706-878-1448 for information regarding Anna Ruby Annual Pass |
Open Season: | Open year-round |
Closest Towns: | Helen, GA |
Water: | Water fountains are available at the visitor center. |
Restroom: | Full facilities are available at the visitor center. |
Passes: | Interagency Senior and Access Passes accepted at this site. |
Operated By: | FIND Outdoors - Phone 706-878-1448. Headquarters: 828-883-FIND (3463) |
General Information
Directions:Physical Address: 3455 Anna Ruby Falls Rd., Helen, GA
View a map and get directions.
Activities
Day Hiking
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. Sorry wheelchairs are not able to make it up the trail due to steep inclines.
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 and is wheelchair accessible.
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.
Hours of Operation: | Regular HoursFrom March 1 - December 319:00am to 6:00pm, 7 days a week No admission after 5:00pm Winter HoursFrom January 1 - February 289:00am to 5:00pm, Thursday - Sunday (closed Tuesday - Wednesday) No admission after 4:00pm All facilities closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day |
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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.
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:
AccessibilityThe 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
14 picnic tablesNo. of Sites | 14 |
Reservation Info | None |
Alerts & Warnings
- ALL TEMPORARY CLOSURE ALERTS - HURRICANE HELENE
- Toccoa River - Sandy Bottoms Day Use on Recreation.gov
- No Water at Cooper Creek Campground
- Tallulah River Road Construction to Begin
- Before riding your UTV, Educate Yourself!
- The Pocket Campground Now Reservable for 2025 Season
- Houston Valley Now Scan & Pay
- Track Rock Petroglyphs
- Flatlands Road (FSR 256 and FSR 637) Closed
- Road Closures on the Chattooga River Ranger District
- Coleman River Rd (FSR #54) Closure
- CAUTION Waterfall Dangers
- CALL BEFORE YOU HAUL - ATV and OHV
- Panther Creek Trail Temporary Hiker Restrictions
- Don't Move Firewood!