This one was a big reminder to take reviews with a grain of salt because the reviews made it seem much more intense than what it actually is. Now, I’m not saying it wasn’t intense for those people. It probably was. But it’s more a reminder to me that the only way to really know what a hike is like for you personally is to go and check it out for yourself. Maybe it’s easier for you than it was for others and you get an awesome adventure under your belt. Or maybe it’s as hard as people say and you can’t finish it – hey, at least you tried. Here you’ll get an Anna Ruby Falls hiking guide with as much real talk information to help you plan your own adventure to this awesome waterfall.
Real Talk Anna Ruby Falls Hiking Guide – Helen, GA
Disclaimer
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FAQ for Anna Ruby Falls
Where is it located?
About 15 minutes drive from downtown Helen, Georgia.
How much does it cost?
$3 per person
What type of trail is it?
Point to point.
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes, and stroller friendly.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on a leash.
How long does it take?
About 30 minutes to an hour total, depending on your pace.
What skill level is required?
Beginner.
What facilities are available?
There are toilets are the visitor center, a gift store, and large parking lot.
What should you bring with you?
- Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers are fine)
- Camera (this is my favorite action camera for hikes)
- Water bottle (I use this insulated one
)
)
How to get to Anna Ruby Falls
You can use ‘Anna Ruby Falls’ in Google Maps to get there and it will take you to the ‘Anna Ruby Falls Visitor Center & Gift Shop’ on Anna Ruby Falls Rd.
You could also use the Visitor Center in Google Maps to guide you there. As you’re driving you won’t miss it because it’s well signed and at the end of the road you will see the large parking area and visitor center.
It’s a short, easy drive from downtown Helen.
Where to park
There is a large parking area outside the visitor center.
The fee to visit Anna Ruby Falls is $3 per person which can be paid in cash at the booth you will pass before getting to the parking area.
When I visited I didn’t have cash and was able to go in and pay the fee by card in the visitor center. Probably better to bring cash just in case that’s not possible for whatever reason on the day you visit.
What to expect on the hike
When I read reviews for this hike I read gassed up reviews about what an intense trek it is. I was like ‘wow better get ready for a strenuous hike.’
The reality? It’s a slightly less than half-mile walk uphill on a wide, paved road. The incline is enough to get your blood flowing and a little out of breath but overall an easy nature walk with benches and rest stops along the way if you need.
I’d say it’s hardly a strenuous hike and if you have an average level of fitness, you’ll be fine.
To me, it’s a gorgeous walk in nature up to a magnificent waterfall.
One thing to expect is that it’s quite popular so expect to be sharing it with a lot of people.
The falls
These falls are huge!
The sheer size and power of them is worth the visit alone.
At the end of the trail, there is a viewing platform that gets you pretty close to it with a side view of the falls. It’s cool to be so close to that level of natural force. There’s another viewing area further back with a nice view of the front perspective too.
Since it’s a fairly crowded hike, it’s the type of place where you’re kind of taking turns to get to the front of the viewing area to get a photo of the falls but when I was there everyone was pretty courteous about not hogging the area.
It’s not the type of rugged hike and waterfall that you’ll be swimming under, but instead, a family-friendly hike where you can see a really cool and humungous waterfall.
If you’d like a little more adventure you could try the Smith Creek Trail to Anna Ruby Falls which is 4.6 miles each way.
Where to stay in Helen
I stayed at the Riverbend Motel and Cabins in Helen and it was an awesome place to stay.
The cabin was nothing overly fancy but very spacious, pet friendly (their profile said they only accept small dogs but the lady at the desk said it’s a soft rule so just call them if you have a bigger dog), and conveniently located that made walking around the main street very easy.
To help you plan your visit I recommend checking out my full guide on things to do in Helen, the best places to eat, and other handy tips.
Other guides you might enjoy
How To Plan A Trip To Campobello, SC ( & Stay In A Treehouse!)
What To Bring On A Short Hike – Essentials To Always Have On You
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