In a time where international travel is not accessible, why not travel to this CUTEST German town right in the heart of the USA? This quaint alpine village is the PERFECT dog-friendly weekend getaway with so many dog-friendly things to do in Helen, GA!
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Planning on traveling to Helen soon? Be sure to check out this EPIC Southeast USA Road Trip!
Table of Contents
Where is Helen, GA?
- Distance from Atlanta: 1 hour 33 minutes
- Distance from Nashville: 4 hours 31 minutes
- Distance from Chattanooga: 2 hours 36 minutes
When is the best time to visit?
Helen, Ga Weather
- Winter (Dec-Feb): 52/36
- Spring (March-May): 72/62
- Summer (June-Aug): 87/72
- Fall (Sept-Nov): 72/49
Average temperatures taken from: NOAA
Dog-Friendly things to do in Helen, GA:
Stroll the downtown streets
I am not lying when I say Helen is the CUTEST town. With Bavarian styled restaurants and shops lining the quiet streets, you and your pup will enjoy your relaxing stroll.
Some of the shops are even dog-friendly. They will have a sign on the front saying “dogs allowed”.
Tip:: Bring along your significant other so you can do the shopping 🙂 That’s what husbands are for…right?
Parking? Parking is available in several parking lots on the main street. It cost 5 dollars. Be sure to bring cash because both times we parked, it was an “honor system” mailbox.
Grab a bite to eat overlooking the river
During our time, we ate at Alpine Brew Deck which offered counter service with patio views of the river. Night two, we grabbed an Bavarian pretzel (ginat-sized of course), drinks, and dinner at Two Tire Tavern.
Be sure to check out this full list of dog-friendly restaurant choices!
Mini Golf
Located right downtown Helen, you and your pup can compete in the ultimate mini-golf show-down. Okay.. maybe that’s not a fair match-up. But your pet can watch your professional golfing skills. Alpine Mini Golf Village is the perfect pet-friendly outing.
- Physical Address: 7914 South Main Street Helen, GA 30545
- Hours: March-November 10am-10pm (weather permitting)
Marvel at Anna Ruby Falls
Anna Ruby Falls is located just miles outside of Helen. It is a super accessible “hike” on a paved trail through the beautiful Georgia forest. After just 0.4 miles you will arrive at the viewing platform to marvel at these falls!
- Physical Address:Â 3455 Anna Ruby Falls Rd, Helen, GA 30545
- Cost:Â 3 dollars pp
- Hours:Â 9am-6pm (no one allowed to enter after 5)
Hike up the 600 stairs at Amicalola State Park
This state park is a TRUE HIDDEN GEM. It wasn’t even on my original plan, but I am SO GLAD I changed my mind. We parked at Top of the Falls Consession Stand Parking and headed down the hill.
At the end of the hill (East Ridge Trail), you will see the Visitor’s center. Keep hiking (to the right) until you reach the stairs for this magnificent waterfall.
Once you have marveled at the beauty, you can keep walking across the platform (and up more stairs) to get back to your car. It was truly the perfect loop trail!
Andddd you can say you hiked (part of) the Appalachian trail 🙂
Insider tip:: There are over 600 metal-grated stairs to climb to reach the viewing platform. Make sure your pup’s paws are protected.
Smile (or not) for your old-time photo
Unfortunately, we ran out of time and didn’t get to do this (it’s on my list for next time though!), but I did double-check with them to make sure dogs were allowed.
What a perfect souvenir to remember this quaint German town for years to come!
Tube down the downtown river
Dogs are able to join their humans while floating down the river! Cool River Tubing offers trips from 1-2.5 hours to make all the family members happy! Your price includes tube rental, life jackets, and shuttle.
- Cost: 10 dollars/weekday, 14 dollars/weekend
- Physical Address: 112 Poplar Stump Road Helen, GA 30545
Take a Weekend Trip to Chattanooga!
At only just over 2 hours away, Chattanooga is the perfect dog-friendly weekend getaway from Helen, GA. Chattanooga offers SO many dog-friendly things to do and even more BEAUTIFUL WATERFALLS TO SEE!
Bonus! Visit an Apple Orchard
If visiting in the fall, you will find SO MANY apple orchards around Helen. We stopped at B.J. Reece Orchard as it was perfectly dog-friendly. You pay the cashier outside (and choose your size of bags) and you are left on your own to pick your apples.
If visiting earlier in the season you will have a wider variety of choices. There is also a petting zoo, market, and corn maze on site!
Be sure to follow along on the adventures of Thor on Instagram!
Have I convinced you yet to visit Helen, GA with your pup?! Do you know of any other dog-friendly things to do in (or near) Helen, GA? Let me know below!
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