
If you’re into hiking and the outdoors, Georgia has an abundance of natural spots where you can take in all the illustrious beauty that the Peach State has to offer. If you’re in North Georgia, Anna Ruby Falls is a mild hike that offers spectacular views of the waterfall and the stunning scenery around it.
Whether you live in Georgia or are planning a visit, here’s everything you need to know about the Anna Ruby Falls trail.
The Basics
- Hours of Operation – 9am to 5pm, 7 days a week from March 1st to December 31st. Between January 1st and February 28th, the Falls are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Even, and Christmas Day.
- Length – 0.9 miles round trip (about 30 minutes)
- Location – Next to Unicoi State Campground, North of Helen
- Fees – $5 per person 16 years old and older (free for anyone below 16)
When’s the Best Time to Visit Anna Ruby Falls?
The “best” time to do depends on a few factors, so it’s hard to provide a definitive answer. There are better times to go during the week, during the day, and during the season, so each of these variables can affect your visit.
If you live locally, you can buy an annual pass for $25 and visit the falls whenever you like. But, here are some basic recommendations:
- Best Time of Day – Since the trail isn’t open early enough for sunrise, the next best thing is to watch the sunset instead. So, visiting the falls in the late evening (around 4/4:30) allows you to watch the sun go down. You can only do this during the late fall and winter months, though.
- Best Time of Week – Anna Ruby’s proximity to Unicoi State Park means there are plenty of hikers and visitors all year round, but if you go mid-week, the trail shouldn’t be too crowded. Also, because the trail is so short, there will be waves of crowds that come and go.
- Best Time of Year – Since you can’t get into the water, summer may be too hot and muggy for some people. Fall and winter are nice, but you have to be careful about rain since the trail can get a little slippery in places. When it snows, though, the place looks magical, and it’s perfect for photo opportunities. Springtime is another excellent time to visit as plants come into bloom.

What to Know Before Hiking the Anna Ruby Falls Trail
The Anna Ruby Falls trail is pretty short and doesn’t have much of an incline, so it’s perfect for travelers of all ages. Everyone from little kids to elderly relatives in wheelchairs can enjoy the falls without getting winded or exhausted. The trail does have some cover, so you should be okay from the sun, but it’s best to bring hats and other coverings as necessary.
There is no river access along the trail, so if you want to go swimming or inner tubing, you’ll have to go into Unicoi for all of that. Overall, there’s not much to do beyond seeing the falls, so you can spend about an hour or two and get your fill of the scenery. Fortunately, there are two wooden viewing areas with benches you can take advantage of for photo ops.
Realistically, the best time to visit Anna Ruby is if you’re staying in Helen. Helen is an alpine village town, so there are lots of tourist spots to visit, especially if you like German food and Bavarian culture. Since the falls aren’t too far from Helen, you can make a quick day trip during your vacation. We also recommend checking out Unicoi State Park, although there is a separate fee to get in there.
Explore Other Waterfalls in Georgia
Anna Ruby Falls is a stunning waterfall that is a must-see for any nature lover, but it’s not the only waterfall you can stop at in the area.
Find other waterfalls you can visit through our guide on some of the most amazing waterfalls in Georgia or visit one of the pages below for other activities throughout the Peach State.