Bavaria in the Blue Ridge

There’s a little mountain town tucked into northeast Georgia where lush green mountains meet cool rushing waters. Where quaint boutiques, mom-and-pop restaurants, and one-of-a-kind attractions are all wrapped up in a uniquely alpine flavor. It’s a taste of Bavaria right here in the United States, and it’s a don’t-miss destination for summertime adventure.

Helen Georgia is nestled in the eastern Blue Ridge Mountains on the banks of the scenic Chattahoochee River. The downtown area is a faithful re-creation of an alpine village, complete with traditional architecture, cobblestone alleys, and old-world rustic charm. It’s also an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, sporting numerous hiking paths, waterfalls, and mountain biking trails. And while this unique village attracts visitors from all over the globe during its busy Oktoberfest and Christmas holiday periods, it’s the summertime season that offers the perfect opportunity to explore and unwind.

Helen’s transformation from rural southern town to alpine village began in the late 1960’s, when a group of local businessmen convened to discuss ways to revitalize their city. They met with an artist who had been stationed in Germany and asked him to help design a new concept to attract tourism. He sketched out buildings in the style he had seen while in the service, adding Bavarian details and colors and giving a new look to the entire town. In 1969, business owners adopted the idea, with designers and carpenters turning the concept into reality. In 1970, the first Oktoberfest Festival was held in Helen, and the town and its businesses never looked back.

For accommodations in the area, the choice is simple. Bear Creek Lodge and Cabins is located on 12 acres of secluded hillside and features almost a dozen unique cabin options, all just a short walk to downtown Helen. Choose the Log Cabin – an original 1928 log cabin that features hand-hewn beams and embraces the rustic feel of the area. Or check out the traditional features of Bear Hideaway, a mountainside cabin that sleeps up to six guests, complete with deck, hot tub, and fire pit. You can relax in a more luxurious setting at The Lodge at Bear Creek, an original mountain home from the 40’s that features over 3500 square feet of living space, a grand covered porch with valley views, and a pool table for family fun. You can even satisfy your urge to explore by renting the Gold Miners cabin, located just a short hike from the original Hamby Gold Mine that was active in the 1800’s. You just might find a little gold in those hills… 

(Continue reading below photos). 

Rental of any of the Bear Creek Lodge and Cabins comes with access to the Bear Creek private riverfront. This communal area on the banks of the Chattahoochee provides guests with tubes to use while floating down 500 feet of river in the area, free bike rentals to pedal into town, horseshoes, cornhole, and a relaxing set of hammock chairs swinging from trees that provide an impressive river view. There is even free firewood for your cabin’s firepit. 

Options to customize abound at Bear Creek. Cabins are pet-friendly, and you are encouraged to bring your pup with you on your trip. It is also possible to rent two neighboring cabins at the same time for larger groups, such as grabbing the Log and Fisherman's Cabins, both right by the river and sleeping up to ten people. And if your timing is good and you plan in advance, you can even rent the entire complex for big events or parties.

Team up with owners Pam and Earle and see what a mountain cabin experience can truly be.

It’s a quick five minute walk from the cabin area to the shops and restaurants of downtown Helen, where you will be immersed in the Bavarian lifestyle. Street and business names are often German, and alpine touches like the Georgia Mountain Coaster sit right in the center of town. The Chattahoochee flows through the village and a number of German-themed bars and restaurants line its banks, offering views of the many tube-riders challenging the river each day. The quaint shops sell European imports, traditional German attire, and locally handmade items. You can spend an entire day in the village and still not see it all.

Just a short drive from Helen you’ll find the hiking path to Anna Ruby Falls. Accessible through Unicoi State Park, Anna Ruby Falls is actually a rare double waterfall, created where two separate streams flow over edges and join at the base of the falls to form Smith Creek.

Known as some of the tallest twin falls east of the Mississippi River, Anna Rubys’ two independent falls descend over 150 feet, eventually joining the Chattahoochee just north of town. The park and falls feature a paved path of less than a mile that is easily traversable and runs to a viewing platform at the base of the falls. The park’s visitor center offers a variety of activities throughout the year, including stargazing parties at night. Be sure to put this gorgeous hike on your to-do list in Helen. 

If all that exposure to the rushing rivers makes you feel like tubing, you’re not alone. Check out Cool River Tubing and Adventures, a local Helen business that specializes in both aerial escapades and classic tubing fun. From Memorial Day until Labor Day, this exciting company offers up not only thrilling tubing activities such as their “shoot the ‘Hooch” trips down the Chattahoochee, but also undertakings like zip-lining, adventure courses, and climbing walls. For tubing, choose the 1-hour short ride or the 2-hour long ride – each one comes with your tube, a life jacket, and a shuttle trip to the Headwaters Outpost of the river.

After this exciting experience, take your turn on the zipline course. The Cool River course has two aerial bridges and four lines, taking participants out over the bubbling Chattahoochee. Trained guides like local favorites Ryan and Keegan will accompany you and show you the “ropes” as you experience the adrenaline pop when you step off that first launching pad. It’s a wonderful way to see the local landscape and experience a mountain-air rush. 

Helen is known for its holiday parties and festivals. Oktoberfest and Christmas are typical times to visit, but the spring and summer weather make the area attractive any time of year. In the springtime, Helen hosts the Mirth and Mischief festival, a fully immersive fantasy-themed experience at breathtaking Uhuburg Castle. Equal parts theater, aerial acrobatics, quests, distinctive vendors, laser light show, live music and more, the festival attracts folks from around the country to its unique blend of art and song. 

The event starts each Friday and Saturday evening with a tour of Uhuburg Castle and its iconic towers, castle walls, and murals. You can stroll through an artisan village and shop for distinctive trinkets, then take in the interactive dance, puppetry, and live music. Performers roam the grounds, showcasing their talents throughout the evenings. There are even tarot and aura readings to entertain and inform. Dragons roar from parapets, fire dancers thrill the crowd, and the nights are capped off by live musical performances that reverberate throughout the castle.

There is so much to see and do in the little alpine town of Helen Georgia. Make plans to experience it this summer. 

ROUND UP 

Bear Creek Lodge and Cabins

www.BearCreekLodgeandCabins.com

Cool River Tubing and Adventures

www.coolriveradventures.com

Mirth and Mischief festival

www.MirthandMischief.live