Spectacular Anna Ruby Falls encompasses two twin waterfalls tucked in the heart of Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, Northern Georgia. The drops rush over the cliffs towering against the emerald leafy backdrop and splash into the pools of mossy boulders, making for a picture-perfect view. People visit the falls year-round and love them for their sublime beauty, as well as proximity to Alpine Helen and Unicoi State Park.
When is the best time to visit Anna Ruby Falls
The best time of year to visit Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area is March to December when all facilities operate daily with extended hours from 9 am to 6 pm (last admission at 5 pm). If you're interested in specifics of seasons, then here's a quick breakdown: in the spring, the rapids abound fed by snowmelt and showers; summer remains the all-time favorite anyway; lastly, fall takes credit for the foliage splendor. In January and February, the recreation area is usually closed to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Also, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day are days off.
Anna Ruby Falls facts
The waterfall sits at the junction of Curtis and York Creeks, which are both parts of Tray Mountain. Curtis Creek crashes 153 feet (47 m), and York Creek—50 feet (15 m). The creeks merge into a Smith Creek, tumbling into Unicoi Lake and eventually emptying in the Chattahoochee River. The journey continues further south to the Apalachicola River in Florida, ending up in the Gulf of Mexico.
How to get to Anna Ruby Falls
Anna Ruby Falls is reached by an easy-to-moderate paved 0.4-mile (0.6-km) hike that will take you approximately 30 minutes to walk. The footpath lined with benches is both kids- and dog-friendly. Want to challenge yourself? Then take a 4.6-mile (7.4-km) Smith Creek Trail weaving from the base of Anna Ruby Falls to Unicoi State Park. Also, the Lion's Eye Trail welcomes wheelchair visitors and those with visual disabilities. The entry fees are $3 per person aged 16 and above and $25 per annual pass ($35 per family of three individuals).
Things to do at Anna Ruby Falls
While visiting Chattahoochee National Forest, you can engage in some other exciting activities, such as hummingbird viewing. The little avian migrants are observed in the Peach State from early March through mid-October, and some species call Georgia their winter home. In early June, the Alpine Village of Helen holds the oldest ballooning event in the South—Helen to the Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race. If you come in the autumn season, check out the top fall foliage locations nearby including Vogel State Park and Brasstown Bald.
Where to stay at Anna Ruby Falls
The closest and most popular choice to stay over is Unicoi State Park & Lodge, nestled north-east of Helen, just minutes from Anna Ruby Falls. The lodgings are designed to meet most of various visitors' needs. Alternatively, you can opt for a slightly more distant Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa. It's situated north of Young Harris, 15 miles (24 km) off the waterfalls, and is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Take your time to explore more hotel options near Anna Ruby Falls (view map to the right or below) and plan yourself a fascinating and thought-out holiday in Georgia.
Practical info
When is the best time to visit Anna Ruby Falls?
The recommended time to visit Anna Ruby Falls is between March and December when the facilities operate daily from 9 am to 6 pm (last admission at 5 pm). The waterfall showcases its sublime beauty in summer, rapids fed by snowmelt in spring, and captivating foliage in autumn. However, the recreation area is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in January and February and holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Show more
How to get to Anna Ruby Falls?
Guests can access Anna Ruby Falls by taking the paved 0.4-mile (0.6-km) hike, which takes around 30 minutes to traverse. The footpath is kid- and dog-friendly, has benches, and there is also a 4.6-mile (7.4-km) Smith Creek Trail from the Falls to Unicoi State Park. The Lion's Eye Trail is accessible to wheelchairs. A $3 fee is charged per person aged 16+. Show more
Anna Ruby Falls facts?
Anna Ruby is a breathtaking waterfall formed from the merging of Curtis and York Creeks, both parts of Tray Mountain. Curtis Creek flows down 153 feet (47 m), and York Creek, 50 feet (15 m). The creeks merge to form Smith Creek, which finally flows into the Chattahoochee River, which flows southward into the Apalachicola River in Florida, ultimately emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. Show more
Things to do at Anna Ruby Falls?
Chattahoochee National Forest surrounding Anna Ruby falls offers many engaging activities, including hummingbird viewing from early March to mid-October, exploring places with the best fall foliage, biking, fishing, and boating. There is also the option of enjoying the hot air balloon race at Helen, which takes place in early June, or simply soaking in the natural surroundings. Show more
Where to stay at Anna Ruby Falls?
Unicoi State Park & Lodge is the best option as it is located northeast of the beautiful Helen, Georgia, within proximity to Anna Ruby Falls. They offer satisfactory accommodation for all types of visitors. Alternatively, travelers can also visit the slightly more distant Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa, which lies north of Young Harris, within 15 miles (24 km) of Anna Ruby Falls and surrounded by the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. Other lodging options available near Anna Ruby Falls can be found on their website too. Show more
