Anna Ruby Falls

Discover Twin Waterfalls in the North Georgia Mountains

Surrounded by the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, Anna Ruby Falls offers a memorable mix of mountain scenery, forest trails, wildlife observation, family-friendly programs, and one of North Georgia’s best-known natural landmarks. Follow Smith Creek through the forest to the twin waterfalls, enjoy a picnic beneath the trees, explore a shorter interpretive trail near the visitor center, or slow down and take in the sights and sounds of the surrounding forest.

Whether you are stopping for a short visit or spending several hours exploring, Anna Ruby Falls provides an inviting place to connect with the outdoors.

Start at the Visitor Center

The visitor center is a helpful place to begin your visit before heading onto the trails. Visitors can ask staff questions, review current trail or program information, use the restrooms, and browse the gift shop for souvenirs, educational items, clothing, snacks, and drinks. Starting here can help families and first-time visitors understand what to expect from the main trail, including its distance, steep sections, and current outdoor conditions/alerts.

Walk the Anna Ruby Falls Trail

The main Anna Ruby Falls Trail is a paved, approximately 0.8-mile round-trip route that follows Smith Creek from the visitor center to the falls. Along the way, visitors can enjoy rushing water, smaller cascades, shaded forest scenery, and places to pause and rest. 

Although the trail is relatively short, it includes steep sections and can be more strenuous than the distance may suggest. Visitors should take their time, wear comfortable walking shoes, and use extra caution when the pavement is wet or crowded.

View the Twin Waterfalls

At the end of the main trail, observation areas provide close views of the two waterfalls that give Anna Ruby Falls its distinctive appearance. Curtis Creek drops approximately 153 feet, while York Creek falls approximately 50 feet. The two streams meet at the base of the falls to form Smith Creek. 

The viewing areas are a natural place to pause, take photos, listen to the falling water, and enjoy the surrounding mountain forest before beginning the return walk. Visitors should remain on designated trails and observation areas. Swimming, wading, entering the creek, climbing around the falls, and going off trail are not allowed.

Explore the Lion’s Eye Trail

Located near the visitor center, the Lion’s Eye Trail is a short paved trail dedicated in 1987 through a partnership between the Chattahoochee National Forest, local Lions Clubs, volunteers, and community supporters.

The trail follows Smith Creek through a quiet forest setting and includes interpretive signs in standard text and braille, along with a cable handrail. While it does not lead to the waterfalls themselves, the Lion’s Eye Trail offers a peaceful walk beside the creek and a way to experience the forest without navigating the steeper grades of the main Anna Ruby Falls Trail.

Visitors using wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, or other mobility devices should consider the Lion’s Eye Trail as their primary trail experience available on site. Outdoor trail conditions may still vary due to weather, maintenance, leaves, forest debris, moisture, and natural wear.

Plan Carefully for the Smith Creek Trail

Visitors looking for a longer forest hike can explore the Smith Creek Trail, which connects the Anna Ruby Falls area with Unicoi State Park. This is a much longer, unpaved trail and should not be treated as an extension of the short waterfall walk.

Hikers should review the route, distance, weather, and available daylight before starting. The Anna Ruby Falls entrance gate closes at the end of the operating day, and visitors who leave a vehicle inside the recreation area risk being locked in if they return too late. Site staff cannot provide trail pickups for hikers who become tired, encounter wildlife, or do not finish before closing.

Visitors planning the full route should choose a starting point and parking location that fit their hiking plan and confirm current trail information before departure.

Enjoy a Picnic in the Forest

Picnic areas near the visitor center give visitors a chance to relax before or after walking to the falls. Bring a meal or snacks and enjoy time beneath the trees while listening to Smith Creek and the surrounding forest.

Designated picnic areas include charcoal grills. Gas grills are not allowed. Visitors should use only the grills provided, follow current fire restrictions, dispose of charcoal properly, and pack out all food and trash.

Look for Wildlife and Seasonal Scenery

The forest surrounding Anna Ruby Falls is home to birds, bears, snakes, otters, raccoons, insects, and other wildlife. Visitors may also notice wildflowers and fresh greenery in spring, shaded forest scenery during summer, colorful foliage in fall, and quieter mountain views during winter.

Bring binoculars for casual bird watching, pause to photograph the creek and forest, and enjoy the changing scenery along the trail. Wildlife should always be viewed from a safe distance. Never approach, feed, or disturb animals.

Join a Program or Seasonal Event

FIND Outdoors offers public programs and seasonal activities throughout the year. Depending on the date of your visit, programs may include wildlife presentations, children’s activities, nature-based learning, guided experiences, or special seasonal events.

Programming changes throughout the year, so visitors should review the current event calendar before arriving. Some activities may require advance registration, tickets, or additional information.

Visit the Gift Shop

Before leaving, stop by the gift shop inside the visitor center. Visitors can browse Anna Ruby Falls and North Georgia merchandise, local and handcrafted goods, nature-themed gifts, books, educational items, clothing, snacks, and drinks.

Inventory may vary by season and availability, but the shop is a convenient place to find a keepsake, pick up a light refreshment, or continue learning about the forests and wildlife of the region.

Continue Your North Georgia Adventure

Anna Ruby Falls is located near Helen and Unicoi State Park, making it easy to include the recreation area in a larger North Georgia outing. Visitors can spend additional time exploring Helen, nearby hiking destinations, scenic drives, public campgrounds, and other outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the surrounding mountains.

Anna Ruby Falls is more than a quick waterfall stop. It is a place to walk beside a mountain stream, experience the forest at your own pace, enjoy time with family and friends, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the natural landscape surrounding the falls.

→ Know Before You Go
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→ View Frequently Asked Questions
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