Helen is celebrating a 40th anniversary since its reinvention. The town's conversion began in 1968 in an all-out effort to revitalize business and overall appearance. The mountain town's council selected a Bavarian theme and pumped millions into downtown renovation. Its accomplishments are rather evident with this charming springtime look. Crowds of tourists enjoy a calendar of events nearly every week of the year.
Helen is just far enough from I-985 and enjoys a relaxed location in the cool Southern Appalachian Mountains. The Chattahoochee River runs through the center of town, making for an ideal retreat. Visitors enjoy tubing, rafting and fishing, as well as mountain hiking, biking and horseback riding. Nearby Unicoi State Park offers up a very scenic Smith Creek and the twin Anna Ruby Falls. A paved pathway makes for easy access to this popular attraction.