Recently celebrating its 100th anniversary, Helen was once a small lumbering town in Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains. When the lumber industry faded, area businessmen focused on ways to attract Unicoi State Park visitors, hoping they would stay and visit their village. In need of a facelift anyway, local artist John Kollack came up with an idea of having Helen storefronts and shops remodeled in a Bavarian village theme.
   The town's conversion began in 1968, putting an all-out effort in revitalizing businesses and the town's overall appearance. After the mountain town's council selected the Bavarian motif, they pumped millions into its downtown renovation. The accomplishments are rather evident as millions of tourists enjoy a yearlong calendar of events in Helen. Even thought the town's population is just over 400 residents, Helen is Georgia’s third most visited city.
   Helen is far enough from I-985 to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere in the cool southern Appalachian Mountains. The Chattahoochee River runs through the center of town, making for an ideal retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors enjoy tubing, rafting and fishing, as well as mountain hiking, biking and horseback riding. Just to the northeast, Unicoi State Park offers up a very scenic Smith Creek, the 53-acre Unicoi Lake and the twin Anna Ruby Falls. A paved pathway makes for easy access to this enjoy this popular climb to the falls.

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