Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area


Area Status: Open
Anna Ruby Falls: Curtis Creek is on the left and York Creek is on the right.

Visit twin waterfalls plunging more than 150 feet (tallest) on the paved trail from the visitor information center. While there 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 interprative signs in both normal text and braille.

At a Glance

Current Conditions: Anna Ruby Falls is open during normal business hours for the season. For normal operations please go to https://gofindoutdoors.org    
Operational Hours:

Anna Ruby falls is open.

Regular Hours

From March 1 - December 31
9:00am to 5:00pm, 7 days a week
No admission after 4:00pm

Winter Hours

From January 1 - February 28
9:00am to 5:00pm, Thursday - Sunday (closed Tuesday - Wednesday)
No admission after 4:00pm

All facilities closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

 
Area Amenities: Interpretive Site,Fee charged for some activities,Picnic tables,Toilets,Drinking water,Parking
Fees:
  • $5 per person 16 years and older
  • 15 years and under are admitted free of charge.
  • Anna Ruby Annual Pass - $25/person/year
  • $35 Friends and Family Pass, which allows the passholder plus two adults in on the pass.
  • Interagency Senior Pass, & Access Pass accepted.
 
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.


Accessibility:

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.


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

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 Hours

From March 1 - December 31
9:00am to 6:00pm, 7 days a week
No admission after 5:00pm

Winter Hours

From January 1 - February 28
9:00am to 5:00pm, Thursday - Sunday (closed Tuesday - Wednesday)
No admission after 4:00pm

All facilities closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

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:

Accessibility

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

14 picnic tables
No. of Sites 14
Reservation Info None

Amenities

Interpretive Site: The Lion's Eye Trail is paved. Braille signs provide information for people who are visually impaired. This is the only wheelchair accessible trail. A hand rail assists in making your way along the trail.
Picnic tables:
Fee charged for some activities:
Parking:
Toilets:
Drinking water: