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Apr 30, 20234 min read

71 Things to do in Helen, GA

Updated: Oct 23


71 Things to Do & Places to Eat in Helen GA near Bison View Lodge 


Welcome to Helen. One of the Georgia’s most visited tourist towns. With some of the southeast’s best hiking, clearest water, award winning wineries, and charming mountain towns in close proximity, why go anywhere else?  Whether you’re staying at the 5 Star Bison View Lodge Corporate & Family Retreat Center or someplace in town, there’s lots to see and do. Here are over 70 things to get you started. 


Great Places to Eat near Bison View Lodge

These are our own favorite spots. While there are others, we have found these gems to be have reliable service and good food.

  1.  Harvest Habersham – Farm to Table in Sautee Nacoochee Village – Reservations required (fills up a week or two in advance) 

  2. Cowboys and Angels – Downtown Helen – Great American style food. 

  3. Spice 55 Thai and Sushi

  4. Campfire - Newly opened in 2024, Campfire has been a great addition to Downtown Helen

  5. Yonah Burger – 55 years in business.  Be sure to check their hours. Great for a quick lunch or breakfast biscuit if visiting Cleveland, GA or hiking Mount Yonah. 

  6. Hofer's Bakery - Some of the most delicous pastries in all of North Georgia. Also has a great breakfast.

  7. Hoochie's River Basket - Want to know the place the locals eat? This is it! A quick mile drive north of Helen. Great breakfast sandwiches and burgers. Only open certain hours, so check before going.


Outside the Box Things to Do in Helen GA

  1. Visit the Babyland General Hospital, home of the Cabbage Patch Kids dolls

  2. Go horseback riding at the Sunny Farms North or the Chattahoochee Stables

  3. Go gem mining at the Dukes Creek Gold & Ruby Mines

  4. GPS Scavanger hunt https://www.unicoilodge.com/adventures/gps-scavenger-hunt/

  5. Go apple picking at Mercier Orchards

  6. 3-D Archery at Unicoi State Park


Warm Weather Things to Do: 

  1. Play a round of golf at the Innsbruck Golf Resort

  2. Go rafting with Appalachian Outfitters

  3. Visit the Helen Water Park

  4. Go canoing or kayaking on the Chattahoochee River with Helen Tubing or Cool River Adventures

  5. Rent a pontoon boat and enjoy beautiful Lake Chatuge

  6. Take a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad, one of North Georgia’s most popular day trips. 


"I’m Feeling Sophisticated” Places to Go: 

  1. Take a tour of the Habersham Winery

  2. Check out the exhibits at the Sautee Nacoochee Cultural Center

  3. Explore the Helen Arts & Heritage Center

  4. Go on a wine tasting tour of the region’s wineries with North Georgia Wine Tours

  5. Visit the Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center

  6. Take a guided tour of the Yonah Mountain Vineyards

  7. Take a tour of the Nacoochee Valley Agricultural Museum

  8. Visit Mark of the Potter Ceramics Studio

  9. Visit Charlamagnes Kingdom Model Train Museum


“Adventure & Hiking” Things to Do in Helen

  1. Go ziplining at Cool River Adventures or Unicoi State Park

  2. Go mountain biking on the trails in the Chattahoochee National Forest

  3. Hike the trails at Unicoi State Park or Smithgall Woods State Park

  4. Visit the Anna Ruby Falls

  5. Go hiking in the Raven Cliff Wilderness Area

  6. Hike portions of the Appalachian Trail

  7. Visit the Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia (has hiking trails)

  8. Go hiking in the Tray Mountain Wilderness Area

  9. Go white water rafting on the Chattahoochee River

  10. Paddle Board at Unicoi State Park

  11. Mountain Biking at Unicoi State Park or Chattahoochee National Forest

  12. Fly fishing at Unicoi State Park

  13. Go biking at Smithgall Woods State Park

  14. Take your ATV or dual sport/dirt bike to the trails. Here’s a list. 

  15. Visit the Iron Mountain Offroad Park and take in 4300 acres of private trails & views. 


“The Kid in All of Us” Things to Do in Helen Georgia

  1. Visit the Alpine Mini Golf and Go Karts

  2. Play laser tag at the Alpine Fun Factory

  3. Go birdwatching at the Smithgall Woods State Park

  4. Explore the Hardman Farm State Historic Site (petting zoo) 

  5. Visit the Georgia Antique Truck Museum

  6. Go fishing in the Chattahoochee National Forest or Smithgall Woods State Park

  7. Get YUMMY German Desserts at the Hofer German Bakery

  8. Visit the Georgia Northeastern Railroad Museum

  9. Visit the Babyland General Hospital’s Cabbage Patch Kids Museum

  10. Visit the Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia

  11. Check out the animals at the Georgia Wildlife Conservation Park

  12. Take a ride on the Georgia Mountain Coaster while shopping in Helen


“I Like Driving” Things to Explore

  1. Visit the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

  2. Take a scenic drive on the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway

  3. Take a scenic drive on the Unicoi Turnpike

  4. Take a scenic drive on the Georgia Wine Highway

  5. Go on a scenic drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains

  6. Visit Clarksville, GA and the Miles Through Time Auto Museum https://milesthroughtime.com/


Other Things to Do in Helen GA: 

  1. Grab coffee at the Jumping Goat in Cleveland GA with epic views of Mount Yonah

  2. Take a tour of the Habersham Distillery

  3. Visit the Georgia Mountain Market

  4. Visit the Chattahoochee National Fish Hatchery

  5. Go shopping at the Helen Oktoberfest-themed stores

  6. Visit the Nacoochee Indian Mound

  7. Stay at one of the amazing cabins at Bison View Lodge

  8. Visit the Christmas Lights of Helen from Dec 1 to Jan 30.

  9. Take a tour of the Habersham Creamery

  10. Get “Adult Ice Cream” at Das Ice Cream (kid friendly flavors as well) https://dasicecreamcafe.com/ 

 



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