20 Attractions to Explore Near Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area

Unicoi State Park & Lodge offers something for everyone: outdoor adventurers, families and relaxation seekers alike. Meandering trails crisscross the park and lead to scenic vistas and cascading waterfalls while anglers can spend the day casting their lines into one of the park’s three sparkling lakes. Lodging is located in comfortable cabins or the lodge itself, well equipped with a restaurant, gift shop and more.

Tray Mountain is an iconic peak situated in the northwestern corner of Towns County. Towered by its highest summit, this impressive mountain rises well above 4,000 feet after covering a 2-mile stretch. Trails including the Appalachian Trail and Byron Herbert Reece Trail make their way up to the top with stunning views of White County's Blue Ridge Mountains right in view. Bird watchers especially enjoy visiting Tray Mountain due to its rich habitat that support many species.

Unicoi Hill Park is a beautiful recreational area situated on an elevation of over 3,000 feet, the park offers stunning vistas and outdoor attractions that delight visitors from all walks of life. People can wander along the trails through the forest and witness the diverse wildlife habitats or enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the many pavilions. Unicoi Hill Park also features a wonderful lake where guests can boat and go fishing.

Helen Tubing is an outdoor adventure paradise. The crystal clear Chattahoochee River winds through the city of Helen, home to plenty of tubing options for both beginners and experienced tubers. Visitors can rent either single or double tubes from any of the number of local businesses offering rates on various length trips along the river. Once on the water, visitors can explore the gentle rapids, open wooded areas, and fun swimming holes.

The Helen Welcome Center is the perfect place to go for tourist information and a dose of local spirit. Visitors can find out more about the history of the area, plan their stay, and get advice from experienced staff. There are also giftshop items that show off Helen's natural beauty with handcrafted mementos such as paintings, jewelry and pottery. Tourists can also use the center as a rest stop on their way to nearby Unicoi State Park or Anna Ruby Falls.

The Stovall Mill Covered Bridge, is a true testament to America's engineering ingenuity. Spanning 14 feet in length and built in 1897 using the Town Lattice Truss Design, this magnificent structure has become a focal point for many locals. Built as a part of the Old Federal Road, which provided a major overland route from Augusta to Knoxville during the early 19th century, this fascinating bridge has been preserved.

High Shoals Falls is a natural beauty of the area that brings visitors from near and far. Located on High Shoals Creek, the cascading falls measure 132 feet wide and descend nearly 200 feet. The peaceful, tranquil environment provides a wonderful place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. A short trail leading to the base of the falls plunges into rich greenery as evidence of why this location is beloved by hikers, photographers and sightseers alike.

Hardman Farm Historic Site is a popular destination for history buffs and family outings. Visitors can explore the 19th century farmhouse and outbuildings, which have been restored to its original beauty. Visitors can get a sense of life in North Georgia during the 1800s when they tour the home and admire the furnishings that bring southern style and hospitality to life. The site also has workshops and gardening experiences, so guests can learn more about how families worked together on a farm.

Tray Mountain Wilderness is a remote and sprawling mountainous region of 4,921 acres. With altitudes ranging from 1,400 to 4,410 feet above sea level, this wilderness area is characterized by steep ravines and mountain ridges covered with oak and poplar forests. It is also home to several tumbling waterfalls, including Dicks Creek Falls which cascades over 300 feet. For those seeking adventure and stunning scenery alike, Tray Mountain has something unique to offer.

The Nacoochee Indian is an archaeological mound believed to be built by Native Americans for ceremonial or burial sites. It is thought that the site was built and occupied during the Middle Woodland period around 2,000 years ago. Visitors can explore this remarkable monument in Sautee Nachoochee that overlooks the Chattahoochee Valley. In addition, there are several nearby trails for enthusiasts who want to take in more of the landscape where past civilizations once resided.

Horsetrough Falls, is a hidden gem of cascading beauty. The spectacular 120 foot tall waterfall is surrounded by lush vegetation and provides a perfect setting for a peaceful day out in nature. Visitors flock to the area to take in the incredible views and marvel at the power and majesty of the falls. The surrounding area contains plenty of places for exploration and picnicking, with nearby nooks where visitors can relax beneath the trees and take in the beauty of this area.

Raven Cliffs Trailhead is an outdoor adventurer's paradise. Located within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, it is the perfect spot for hiking and exploring. With a steady elevation gain of about 2,450 feet over 3.7 miles, hikers can expect incredible mountain views along this loop trail. The trail also passes several waterfalls – some cascading as high as 20 feet - and leads into a small clearing surrounded by massive cliffs and filled with stunning wildflowers in late spring.

The Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway offers the largest amount of breathtaking views in Georgia. This byway stretches for a total of 50 miles and passes through substantial portions of the Chattahoochee National Forest, gaining over 3,000 feet in elevation as it climbs to Brasstown Bald Mountain. Along the route, there are many hidden gems just waiting to be discovered with some of the most amazing overlooks that will certainly take your breath away.

Smithgall Woods State Park is a truly special and inspiring place. It offers visitors plenty of outdoor activities. Visitors can go hiking on the various scenic trails and admire the picturesque scenery around them. The park also has two primitive backpacking sites for those looking for overnight trips; a crystal-clear lake for fishing; rafting and kayaking on the nearby Dukes Creek; mountain biking on its 15 miles of trails; swimming in seasonal beach areas; as well as camping.

The Dukes Creek Falls Trail is a beautiful trail to explore and experience nature at its finest. The trail follows closely along the creek with stunning views of the cascading falls as well as picturesque views of surrounding mountains. Hikers will enjoy traversing through lush forests and across small wooden bridges. As you make your way on the winding path you will be graced with impressive natural wonders like wildflowers in every color and shape, steep rock formations.

Horsetrough Mountain is a notable peak stands 545 meters tall and is known for its characteristically steep sides. Horsetrough Mountain has been recognized as a unique geological formation throughout Union County since the earliest settlers arrived in the area. The mountain is currently home to an abundance of wildlife, and offers visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding areas, including a stunning vista of nearby Vogel State Park.

The Richard B Russell Scenic Highway offers visitors breathtaking views of rolling blue mountains, lush valleys, and evergreen trees. Spanning 60 miles of mountainous terrain and winding roads bordered by the Chattahoochee National Forest, the highway passes through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Georgia. Along with scenery, travelers can also enjoy visiting historical sites such as Old Blairsville Homestead or scenic hiking trails or fishing spots.

Hogpen Gap, is an area of stunning natural beauty. Located at the base of the soaring Blue Ridge Mountains, its rolling hills and lush green valleys provide an awe-inspiring landscape. The area also includes two notable waterfalls: Dukes Creek Falls and Tray Mountain Falls. Both are great spots for hikers, photographers and adventure lovers to explore the outstanding scenery. It's also a popular destination for campers, swimmers and fishermen due to its easy access to Lake Hartwell.

Raven Cliffs Wilderness is a nature lover's paradise. It consists of 4,891 acres and has breathtaking waterfalls, miles of trails for both hiking and backpacking, and diverse wildlife. It has many elevated points with stunning views of this beautiful forest on the Appalachian Mountains. You can fish in the trout-stocked Dukes Creek or swim in its clear waters. Four-thousand acre Raven Cliffs Wilderness offers memories to be made while enjoying those perfect moments of connecting with nature.

Addis Gap, is a beloved mountain pass that connects the towns of Clayton and Dillard. Residents have been enjoying the views of this scenic passage for centuries - with glimpses at gorgeous vistas of lakes, forests and wildflowers. Addis Gap itself is narrow and full of tight curves, commonly referred to by locals as ‘the switchbacks’ due to its intertwining nature. Despite its tricky terrain when driving, many visitors take trips to this gap to explore the Appalachian Trail.