# Helen

> Helen is known as "Georgia's Alpine Village" and lies in the mountains of northeast Georgia next to the Chattahoochee National Forest.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/places/helen-alpine-village/

A small mountain town built in the style of a Bavarian village, with half-timbered shopfronts along the Chattahoochee River. It suits an easy walk and an afternoon stop, and fills up on autumn weekends.

Helen is known as "Georgia's Alpine Village" and lies in the mountains of northeast Georgia next to the Chattahoochee National Forest. In January 1969, local businessmen looked for a way to revive the declining main street. The artist John Kollock, who had served in Germany, drew sketches of new facades inspired by Bavarian architecture. By fall 1969, many buildings had new facades and the town was drawing visitors. Before that, Cherokee towns, traders, gold miners and lumber companies had shaped the area's history.

The Chattahoochee River runs through town; activities include tubing, golf, crafts and festivals. Unicoi State Park and the Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway are nearby. One to two hours is enough for a stroll along the main street and a break by the river. Expect larger crowds on festival days and weekends, when an early arrival is a good idea; check the city or the tourist office for dates.

- **Nearest town:** Helen, GA
- **Category:** History & culture
- **GPS:** 34.7011, -83.7343

## Good to know

**Best time to go:** The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

## Sources

- [About Helen (City of Helen)](https://www.cityofhelen.org/about)
- [Helen, Georgia (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helen,_Georgia)

## Nearby

- [Anna Ruby Falls](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b10-anna-ruby-falls/) – 4 mi
- [Brasstown Bald](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b10-brasstown-bald/) – 13 mi
- [Tallulah Gorge State Park](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b10-tallulah-gorge/) – 20 mi
- [Amicalola Falls](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b10-amicalola-falls/) – 31 mi

## FAQs

### Where is Helen?

Helen is in Helen, GA, at GPS 34.7011, -83.7343. It is about 18 mi from Dahlonega.

### Can you camp near Helen?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Bear Ridge Group Camp, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 93 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

### What is there to see near Helen?

Places worth a stop nearby: Anna Ruby Falls (4 mi), Brasstown Bald (13 mi), Tallulah Gorge State Park (20 mi) and Amicalola Falls (31 mi).

### When is the best time to visit Helen?

The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)