Anna Ruby Falls looks like something you’d find on a post card! Even better, its located less than 2 hours from Atlanta, so you can see it yourself. Continue reading for everything you need to know before hiking Anna Ruby Falls trail.

Getting to the Trail Head 

Anna Ruby Falls is located just 15 minutes from Helen, GA. To get to the falls, you’ll pass through Unicoi State Park. Once on the other side of Unicoi you’ll reach the gate where you’ll have to pay an entrance fee. State park passes do not work for Anna Ruby Falls, it is $5 per adult (children under 16 are free). 

Drive a short distance more and you’ll reach a large parking lot. At the trailhead is a visitors center, bathrooms and a few vending machines. The trail to the falls starts on the left side of the parking lot, by the bear statue.

Anna Ruby Falls Trail 

The trail is only .8 miles round trip and usually takes less than an hour to complete. The trail is paved, well maintained, and wide enough to allow traffic to pass both ways. You can expect to encounter a lot of people on this trail since this is a very popular waterfall. The trail is uphill the whole way, with some parts being steeper than others. You’ll come to the falls pretty quick, since it is a short trail. There are two viewing platforms. To reach the first one, continue straight to take a few quick stairs to the small platform. This one allows you to view the entirety of the waterfall at slight distances. 

You can also get a similar view as this one on the bridge that leads you to the second platform. To reach this one you’ll take a flight of stairs and will be met with a large platform and benches for resting. Everyone wants pictures of and with the falls so remember to be considerate and wait your turn for a picture. 

The Best Time to Visit

Anna Ruby Falls is gorgeous year round so there really isn’t a bad time to visit. It will likely be busier in the summer, but there were still quite a few people when we visited in January. Like any waterfall, it will be fullest during the rainy season or after a few good days of rain. 

The falls are typically open Monday- Friday from 9:00am- 5:00pm, with the last admission at 4:00pm. During the winter (January & February) they are only opened Thursday- Sunday.

Other Things to do in the Area

Anna Ruby Falls is close to Unicoi State Park and Smithgall Woods State Park. You could easily spend the morning exploring the falls and the afternoon in one of these state parks.

Helen is also just a quick 10 minute drive away from the falls, making it a perfect place to stop by for lunch for even just a coffee. Helen has many shops, an alpine roller coaster and mini golf if you wanted to spend a little more time there.

If you’re up for another hike, Duke Creek Falls is only 20 minutes away and is a must visit.