Located on the outskirts of Helen, Georgia, and near Unicoi State Park, Anna Ruby Falls is one of the most family-friendly hikes in North Georgia. It’s a beautiful, easily accessible twin waterfall. Over half a million guests visit the falls each year, and it’s clear why. The reward at the end of the hike is worth the effort, and I promise it’ll be a memorable family adventure.

Hiking Anna Ruby Falls With Kids
Anna Ruby Falls is such a beautiful North Georgia hiking destination.

Anna Ruby Falls at a Glance

  • Location: Near Helen, Georgia
  • Trail type: Paved out-and-back trail
  • Distance: Approximately 0.8 miles round trip
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate for families
  • Stroller-friendly: Yes, although some sections are steep
  • Kid-friendly: Yes
  • Dog-friendly: Yes, with dogs kept on a leash
  • Main attraction: Twin waterfalls
  • Restrooms: Available near the Visitor Center
  • Visitor Center: Yes
  • Best for: Families, beginner hikers, waterfall lovers, and visitors exploring Helen

Anna Ruby Falls is located in the heart of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. The falls are just a small portion of the 867,000 acres that make up the forest. They’re also one of the most popular destinations to visit in the forest, alongside Brasstown Bald (Georgia’s highest point).

Stay in the nearby city of Helen and make a half-day trip out to Anna Ruby Falls. It’s the perfect outdoor wellness destination, leaving you feeling connected to nature and recharged.

How Long Does It Take to Hike Anna Ruby Falls?

Most families should plan to spend approximately 30 minutes to an hour hiking to Anna Ruby Falls and returning to the Visitor Center, depending on how often you stop along the way. Experienced hikers may finish faster, but families with young children will likely want to move more slowly.

Plan additional time if you want to:

  • Take photos along the trail
  • Spend time enjoying the waterfalls
  • Explore the Visitor Center
  • Walk the Lion’s Eye Trail
  • Stop for breaks with young children

For most visitors, Anna Ruby Falls makes an easy half-day activity when combined with exploring Helen or other nearby attractions.

Beginner Hiking Tips For Anna Ruby Falls In North Georgia

Did you know that twin waterfalls are considered good luck and they’re actually rare? Anna Ruby Falls is made up of two twin falls that come together to make up the Smith Creek, which flows into Unicoi State Park. I’ve hiked several falls in the North Georgia area, and against popular opinion, I’m going to say Anna Ruby is my favorite (including the ever-so-popular Amicalola Falls). It’s worth the drive from Atlanta!

hiking with kids at Anna Ruby Falls

1. Come Prepared For Your Kids Ages

The hike to Anna Ruby Falls is only a 0.8-mile round trip. Older kids can easily walk the paved path, but I recommend a jogging stroller or hiking baby carrier for younger kids. I pushed our toddler to the falls. Even though it’s a paved path, it’s rather steep at times. Fortunately, there’s plenty of resting points and benches along the way.

I wouldn’t say this is a strenuous hike. I really appreciate the paved path with kids. Even though it’s steep at times, I prefer the paved path to the backwoods paths I’ve experienced at other North Georgia waterfalls. Your heart rate will jump at times, but it’s a fairly short hike. Kids practically run it back (since you’re heading downward on the return trip).

Paved trail at Anna Ruby Falls
The paved trail makes a huge difference when you’re hiking with kids.

2. Know Where To Park

A large parking area is available outside the Visitor Center. The fee to visit Anna Ruby Falls is $3 per person, payable in cash at the booth you will pass before reaching the parking area.

If you don’t have cash on hand, guests can pay the fee by card at the visitor center. The parking lot is large, and we were told it hardly ever fills up.

It’s odd because Anna Ruby Falls isn’t part of Unicoi State Park, but you drive a short distance to access the falls. The Georgia State Park Pass will not apply at the falls. It’s open year-round, except during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

3. Plan Which Season To Hike Anna Ruby

I don’t think there’s a bad season to visit the falls. However, a park ranger told us the waterfalls are magnified during the rainy season, which makes them even more beautiful. If you find a dry break during rainy weather, that’s a great time to go. The spring season will have plenty of beautiful natural blooms along the hike, and a summertime hike is far less humid than any Atlanta-area hike (thanks to the canopy of trees).

Kids at Anna Ruby Falls
Our toddler enjoyed the falls from the stroller… and from Dad’s shoulders.

4. The Final Climb Has Stairs

Technically, the paved pathway winds around the creek area and takes you directly to the bottom of the falls, where there’s an observation deck. If you want to go a bit further, stairs continue for the last few minutes of the hike. Strollers can be easily parked near the observation deck if you want a closer look at the falls. Have your camera ready to go for photos!

5. The Lions Eye Trail For Visually Impaired Hikers

The Lion’s Eye Trail gives people who are blind or have visual impairments the opportunity to experience the nature along Smith Creek. Braille signs interpret various features of the area. The trail features a cable handrail to help guide you from one interpretive sign to the next – which is really neat! The signs are written in both regular text and in braille. The trail is paved and is 0.1 miles long. Check out the Visitor Center for more information before using the trail.

6. Bring The Dog On Your Anna Ruby Falls Hike

Dogs are allowed on the hiking trail, and they absolutely love it. Dogs must stay on a leash at all times, and they’re not allowed in the gift shop area of the Visitor Center. Dog bowls can be found near the Visitor Center restrooms, in case you forget your own. I recommend bringing a portable dog water bowl.

7. Stop By The Anna Ruby Falls Visitor Center

Before or after your hike, I highly recommend stopping by the Visitor Center. They have full bathrooms and a gift shop. Park rangers are on hand to answer any questions. Fun fact: Anna Ruby Falls is named after the daughter of the captain who owned the Victorian house, which is now Hardman Farm Historic Site. We didn’t make that local connection… until a park ranger told us at the Visitor Center. It’s worth stopping by!

Visitors Center at Anna Ruby
Smokey the Bear statue at the Visitor Center.

8. Races At Anna Ruby Falls

Looking for something a bit more intense than a hike? Multiple trail races are held annually at Anna Ruby Falls. The most well-known is the Helen Holiday Half Marathon. The race is 13.1 miles and takes runners throughout Unicoi State Park and the Falls. The race theme celebrates Helen’s famous Christmas festivities. Online registration opens during the summer.

Smith Creek in North Georgia

What to Bring When Hiking Anna Ruby Falls With Kids

Packing a few essentials can make your family hike more comfortable and enjoyable.

  • Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
  • Water bottles
  • Snacks for kids
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug spray
  • A light jacket during cooler months
  • A stroller for younger children
  • A hiking carrier for toddlers or babies
  • A camera or phone for waterfall photos
  • A small first-aid kit
  • A portable dog water bowl if you’re bringing your pet

The trail is relatively short, so you don’t need to pack for a full day of hiking. However, the uphill sections can tire younger children, so water and snacks are always helpful. Anna Ruby Falls still tops my list as one of the best family-friendly outdoor destinations in North Georgia. The views can’t be beat, and you truly leave feeling recharged! Carve out a morning in your itinerary and take the whole family to the Falls.