Helen – White County, Georgia

Connecting Town and Trail

Just a 15 minute drive from Unicoi Gap, the quaint alpine village of Helen provides easy access to the A.T. and makes a great stop for thru-, section-, and day-hikers alike. Lying 52 Trail miles north of Springer Mountain, Helen is a great town for northbound thru-hikers to take their first rest and resupply. With its rich cultural heritage – dating back to the Gold Rush of the 1820s – White County has always invested in the community’s history. Hikers heading north on the A.T. in the foothills of White County are surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty, featuring wildlife, waterfalls, and the Tray Mountain Wilderness. You may even encounter some of White County’s students on the Trail, taking part in the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club’s youth hikes.

Plan Your Visit

White County’s most famous town is Helen. Despite its small size of just about 500 residents, it’s got big character, and is the third most-visited city in Georgia. A Bavarian-style village nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, visitors to Helen can experience everything from ziplining and tubing down the river to fine dining and vineyard tours.

With money and resources devoted to cultural centers such as the Sautee Nachoochee Center and the Folk Pottery Museum, White County displays an unwavering commitment to preserving and protecting the county’s diverse background, while also educating tourists and residents on the historical events that took place here.

Others flock to the area to enjoy the famous Babyland General, home to the timeless Cabbage Patch Dolls. With festivals held year-round – from Helen’s Oktoberfest to Unicoi State Park’s Festival of Trees – White County offers something for every season – and everyone.  Visit the White County Chamber of Commerce website to plan your trip, or see what events are happening while you’re in town here.

Get Involved

Georgia Appalachian Trail Club

The Georgia Appalachian Trail Club manages, maintains and protects the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Georgia with volunteers from its membership and the interested public. The Georgia Appalachian Trail Club promotes the appreciation of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and natural outdoor places through education and recreational activities, with an emphasis on conservation ethics and protection of the forests, their natural resources and wilderness areas. georgia-atclub.org.

ATC Volunteer Program

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is always looking for dedicated volunteers to help maintain the A.T. and assist in our visitor center and headquarters. Opportunities range from greeting visitors and providing information about local hikes to joining a Trail crew for week-long maintenance trips, gaining first-hand experience in what it takes to keep the A.T. open and enjoyable for millions each year. Learn more at appalachiantrail.org/volunteer.

Upcoming Events