The Best Waterfalls Near Habersham Winery & Helen, Georgia

Originally published June 22, 2017. Updated in 2026.

There are a lot of things we love about living and working in North Georgia. We get to make wine for a living, be part of the Helen and Sautee Nacoochee community, and enjoy the creeks, forests, mountains, and trails that surround us.

But no list of our favorite things about this area would be complete without the waterfalls.

Habersham Winery is just a short drive from some of the most beautiful hikes and waterfalls in North Georgia. If you’re visiting us for a tasting, these are a few of our favorite ways to turn the trip into a full day outdoors.

Anna Ruby Falls

Anna Ruby Falls is one of the best-known waterfalls near Helen and one of the easiest on this list to visit. Located in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest near Unicoi State Park, the recreation area features a paved interpretive trail through the forest to the twin falls.

The main trail is about 0.8 mile round trip. It climbs gradually alongside Smith Creek and includes benches and places to stop along the way, making it a good choice for families and visitors who want a relatively short hike.

Hours, admission, and conditions can change, so check the
official Anna Ruby Falls visitor information
before heading out.

Dukes Creek Falls

Dukes Creek Falls is located along the Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Highway and offers a longer woodland hike with several viewing decks overlooking the falls and surrounding gorge.

The trail is roughly 2 miles round trip and begins with an accessible section and boardwalk before continuing downhill through the forest. The return trip is uphill, so allow a little more time and energy than the distance alone might suggest.

For current trail conditions, fees, and access information, visit the
U.S. Forest Service page for Dukes Creek Falls.

Raven Cliff Falls

Raven Cliff Falls is the more adventurous hike on this list. The trail follows Dodd Creek through the Raven Cliffs Wilderness, passing cascades and smaller waterfalls before reaching the distinctive falls where the creek flows through a split in the rock.

Plan on roughly five miles round trip. Much of the route follows the creek through beautiful forest, but there are stream crossings, uneven terrain, and steeper sections as you approach the falls. Wear good shoes, bring water, and give yourself plenty of time.

This is a wilderness trail, so conditions are more rugged than at Anna Ruby Falls. Current access and parking information is available from
Recreation.gov’s Raven Cliffs Trailhead page.

Bonus Scenic Stop: Brasstown Bald

Brasstown Bald isn’t a waterfall, but if you’re exploring the mountains around Helen, it deserves a place on the list. At 4,784 feet above sea level, it is the highest point in Georgia and offers panoramic views across the Southern Appalachians.

From the parking area, visitors can either take the shuttle during operating hours or walk the paved Summit Trail. The trail is only about 0.6 mile, but it is steep almost the entire way.

Before you go, check current hours, shuttle availability, and seasonal operations on the official Brasstown Bald visitor page.

Make a Day of It

These are only a few of the waterfalls, trails, and mountain views surrounding Helen and the Sautee Nacoochee Valley. Whether you want an easy paved walk or a longer wilderness hike, there is plenty to explore within a short drive of Habersham Winery.

Trail conditions, road access, fees, and hours can change with weather and the seasons, so always check current information before heading into the mountains.