Helen, Georgia
Helen is a quaint village in North Georgia which has a rich history dating back to the Cherokee Indians and their burial mounds along with early settlers who mined for gold and cut virgin timber. Prior to 1800, this area was the center of Cherokee Indian culture, with villages scattered throughout Nacoochee and what is now known as “Helen valleys”. A townhouse was located on top of at least one of the four ceremonial mounds in Nacoochee Valley.
In 1813 the Cherokee Indians approved construction of the Unicoi Turnpike, a wagon road through their Nation from the Savannah River headwaters to northeast Tennessee. This trail, now Highways 17 and 75, ran through the North Georgia valleys in and around Helen then toward Hiawassee, GA. The Cherokees left their native land on the “Trail of Tears”, and were replaced by white settlers.
Gold was discovered in Dukes Creek, which is in the Nacoochee Valley near Helen, in the year of 1828. The Great Georgia Gold Rush belt was bound by Dahlonega on the west and Nacoochee-Valley and Helen on the east. Thousands of miners came into the valley of Helen and mined the foothills for over a century, generating thousands of pounds of gold. The historic England Gold Mine, site of the area’s current gold mine, and Hamby Mountain were mined extensively. Mining operations ceased by the end of the century, and settlers moved on.
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Chattahoochee River, Helen, Georgia is a re-creation of an alpine village, complete with cobblestone alleys and old-world towers. The city of Helen reinvented itself through the art of John Kollock, a local artist who designed many of the buildings in the city. Helen has many cabin rentals available along with a number of hotels.
Attractions and Entertainment
Cool River Tubing – Cool River Tubing is a relaxing family attraction located in the heart of Helen, GA. All tube trips include your tube, a U.S. Coast Guard approved life preserver, shuttle service and a relaxing float through this scenic alpine village. There is also a gift shop with shirts, hats, water shoes and all the supplies you will need!
Habersham Winery – As one of Georgia’s oldest and largest wineries in the state, Habersham Vineyards and Winery has been producing award-winning Georgia wines since 1983. The winery is located south of the downtown area and is open daily for complimentary wine tastings and tours.
Nacoochee Village – Located 1/2 mile South of town, Nacoochee Village offers a variety of activities for the entire family including an ice cream parlor, a winery, candle-making, antique market and wellness spa.
Nora Mill – A quaint general store, Nora Mill is located alongside the Chattahoochee River just south of the town of Helen, GA. Products at the Nora Mill store include old-fashioned candy, syrups, jams and bread mix.
Old Sautee Store – The Old Sautee Store has been a destination for travelers for nearly 132 years and is located on the intersection of the historic Sautee Valley and Nacoochee Valley in Northeast Georgia. The original front portion of the store is reminiscent of the old country store.
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area – Smithgall Woods is a preferred location for catch-and-release fishing, North Georgia’s foremost trout stream, Dukes Creek, runs through this spectacular mountain property. Four miles of trails and 18 miles of roads allow hikers and bicyclists to discover hardwoods, streams and wildlife.
Lodging – Helen, Georgia Hotels, Motels / Mountain Cabin Rentals
Hotels, Motels in Helen, Georgia – Review hotel photos, maps and amenities. Make hotel reservations. Multiple hotels and motels are listed in the area.
Community and News
Alpine Helen/White County Convention & Visitors Bureau – The area is promoted through the Convention and Visitors Bureau in North GA.
News and Weather
Access North GA News – Access North GA is a local area web site that offers news for White County as well as other counties in surrounding Northeast Georgia.
Government and Services
City of Helen Georgia – Official web site for Helen, Georgia. Real Estate, Motels, and Cabin Rentals are linked from the City of Helen website.
Georgia Forestry Commission – Forest service information for Northeast GA from the State of Georgia Forestry Commission.
Health Services
Habersham County Medical Services – Habersham County Medical Services is a local Hospital in the area serving Northeast Georgia and Helen.
Industry and Professional
Helen Internet Marketing – Advertise your website in the Helen area and to other cities in North Georgia. NortheastGa.com is the most economical North Georgia advertising for your web site. Got a website? Get more traffic today!
Real Estate Agents and Real Estate Companies
Looking for Helen, GA Real Estate? Click Here for Real Estate Links >
Restaurants and Dining
Edelweiss German Country Inn & Restaurant – Nestled among the beautiful North Georgia Mountains, the Edelweiss German Inn & Restaurant captures the spirit of the Alps. The Edelweiss German Inn & Restaurant is ideally situated in Sautee, Georgia, near the mountain community of Helen, as well as a number of Georgia state parks and area attractions. Whether you are seeking romance, relaxation, entertainment, outdoor and cultural activities or simply a meal to remember, Edelweiss can help you discover it.
The Lodge at Smithgall Woods – Hidden in the Blue Ridge Mountains, The Lodge at Smithgall Woods is a 5,600-acre mountain retreat that combines a unique natural setting with the seclusion and rustic charm of a private mountain estate. The Lodge offers upscale rustic accommodations for 28 overnight guests, countless outdoor recreational activities, one of the southeast’s finest trout streams and gourmet cuisine. Peaceful and secluded, the lodge provides a relaxing respite ideal for corporate retreats and small meetings.
Nacoochee Grill – The Nacoochee Grill Restaurant is located in the Nacoochee Village where you will find a multitude of activities from shopping, to wine tours, to fly fishing, and all in between. The Nacoochee Grill Restaurant is serving a superb menu for lunch and dinner featuring a live fired grill.
Nacoochee Valley Guest House & Bernie’s Restaurant – Located in the heart of the Nacoochee valley, the Guest House in Nacoochee Valley offers magnificent views and a warm friendly atmosphere. Built in 1920, the Inn has three quaint, cozy rooms and intimate country French dining… truly a rare find you will always remember and return to, season after season. We’re open year around, and have wheelchair access.
The Stovall House Country Inn & Restaurant – Constructed in 1837 as a private residence, The Stovall House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The original structure, one of the first residences in the area after the departure of the Cherokee Indians, was built by Moses Harshaw. He built the house and settled in the Sautee Valley because of its extraordinary beauty. The Inn is named after the William Stovall family who resided in the house from 1893 to the late 1940’s and developed the house to its present state.
Retail and Shopping
Cottage Garden Furniture – At Cottage Garden Furniture, you’ll find antiques, gifts, hand-painted furniture, pottery, local art, wicker, casual, and rustic furniture, yard art, plants, herbs, unusual perennials, topiaries, delightful garden sculptures, birdhouses, birdbaths, garden decor, and the latest in “shabby chic.”
The Gourd Place – Tour the gourd museum at The Gourd Place, and visit their retail shop, and nature trail. Buildings are handicap-accessible. Located five miles from town in the mountains of beautiful Northeast Georgia. The oldest retail gourd-crafting business in the United States as far as we know!
The Mark of the Potter – The mill at the Mark of the Potter was built in 1931 for grinding corn and grain, utilizing an intricate system of turbines and the flow of water. Mark of the Potter was opened in the spring of 1969. For over 30 years the shop has offered quality, handcrafted, contemporary crafts. Our selection includes handmade crafts in wood, metal, and pottery along with hand-blown glass from over 25 artists.
Nora Mill – Nora Mill Granary is a fully operational grist mill that sits alongside the Chattahoochee River in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains that stone grinds and produces all kinds of corn and wheat based products such as grits, corn meal, pancake & waffle mixes, flours, biscuit & bread mixes, pioneer’s porridge, and the like.
Wildwood Outfitters – Wildwood Outfitters is located just outside of town between Highway 365 and the city. These North Georgia outfitters offer canoe, raft, and kayak trips and rentals on the Chattahoochee River.
