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| Anna Ruby Falls |
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Prior to 1800, Helen was the center of Cherokee Indian culture, with villages scattered throughout Nacoochee and what is known as Helen Valleys. A townhouse was located on top of at least one of four ceremonial mounds in Nacoochee Valley. In 1813, the Cherokees approved construction of the Unicoi Turnpike, a wagon trail road through their Nation from the Savannah River headwaters to northeast Tennessee. This trail, now Hwys 17 & 75, ran through the valleys toward Hiawassee. The Cherokees were forced from the area on the now known "Trail of Tears", and were replaced by White Settlers.
In 1968, local businessmen met to discuss what could be done to improve their town, They approached a nearby artist, who had been stationed in Germany, for ideas. He sketched the buildings, added gingerbread trim, details, and colors to the buildings, giving an Alpine look to the entire town. Faces of buildings were painted with scenes of Bavaria and North Georgia, mirroring the migration of early settlers
Visitors can enjoy river tubing, horseback riding, golf, canoeing, fishing, mountain biking, or hiking one of many majestic waterfalls. Helen also hosts one of the Nation's longest Octoberfests each year. For bikers, many twisties and a three store Biker Village full of goodies with free parking.
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| Oconoi State Park |
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| Hahns Biker Grill |
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| Helen's Biker Village |
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