Visit Anna Ruby Falls in Georgia for jaw-dropping beauty

Anna Ruby Falls is one of the most spectacular things in the mountains of northern Georgia. If you had to pick the most beautiful thing, it certainly would be tough, but without a doubt, Anna Ruby Falls would be a contender. 

The falls is located in White County near Helen, Georgia, in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. As you can see from the photos, the falls are twin waterfalls formed from Curtis and York Creeks tumbling down Tray Mountain. The taller of the two is formed from Curtis Creek and drops 153 feet. York Creek joins it with a 50-foot drop. Together, they form Smith Creek at the base of the falls. 

It’s said that a local Confederate soldier, Colonel John H. “Captain” Nichols, found the falls while horseback riding in the area. Struck by its beauty, he named both falls Anna Ruby, after his only daughter. Nichols lived nearby on what is now preserved as the Hardman Farm State Historic Site. 

Hiking to Anna Ruby Falls

The hike to the falls is easy. It’s about a mile round trip and is paved. There are two excellent viewing platforms at the base of the falls. Heads up, the hike to the bottom of the falls is primarily uphill but never too steep. Once you are done enjoying the falls, turn back and head the same way you got there, downhill this time! Make sure to stop and read the interpretive signs along the trail. They offer great insights into the vegetation of the forest. This area is particularly beautiful in the fall when the leaves are changing. That’s when we were fortunate enough to visit. 

There is a little bit of red tape. The trail is only open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. However, if conditions are icy, it may close. There is a fee to access the Recreation Area. The parking lot is large, but the falls are extremely popular and fill up, especially on the weekends. If the parking lot is full, the Forest Service turns away cars. Plan on arriving early if you hope to beat the crowds. 

No camping at Anna Ruby Falls

No camping is available at the falls. However, nearby Unicoi State Park has a lovely campground that is tucked in the Appalachian foothills. If you decide to camp, you can turn your visit to Anna Ruby Falls into an all-day adventure. The Smith Creek Trail connects Unicoi to the falls. The out & back hike is 9.5 miles roundtrip. It has more than 1500 feet of elevation gain.

Regardless of how you get there, happy trails, rest assured Anna Ruby Falls will not disappoint.