Anna Ruby Falls is a spectacular dual waterfall in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests of Northern Georgia. The recreation area has three main hiking trails, a picnic area, and a visitor center.
Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area
2024 Price: $5 per person (16 years and older)
Anna Ruby Falls Trail
This 0.5-mile paved trail starts at the visitor center. While paved, and possible for most hikers, the trail has several steep sections. There are benches along Smith Creek to rest on.
The trail leads to two wooden observation decks – a lower deck and upper deck. Both give gorgeous views of the twin falls, the tallest of which is 153 feet.
Flowing from Tray Mountain, Curtis Creek and York Creek combine to form Smith Creek at the base of the waterfalls. Curtis Creek produces the taller waterfall and York Creek drops 50 feet next to it. During our visit, sunlight reflecting on the mist created a small rainbow.
The upper deck is next to the main base of the falls. Here you get a real feel for their height and roar.
The lower deck is farther down Smith Creek. I love this view because you can easily see both falls and the following cascades.
Legend has it that a confederate soldier found the waterfalls and gave both the name of his only daughter – Anna Ruby.
Lion’s Eye Trail
Lion’s Eye is a universally accessible foot trail, especially interesting because it is designed with people with visual impairments in mind. The paved 0.1-mile trail has handrails to guide visitors. Signs along the trail have sighted lettering as well as braille to describe the landscape. It was the first time I had ever seen a trail like this in a recreation area.
Picnic Area
From the parking lot, a bridge across Smith Creek leads to the picnic area. There are 14 picnic tables and a short gravel trail along the creek. Picnic tables are designed to accommodate wheelchairs.
Smith Creek Trail
This 4.6-mile hike leaves the Anna Ruby Falls Trail near the upper bridge across Smith Creek and leads to the campground in Unicoi State Park.
Nearby Attractions
Looking for more to do?
- Hike Unicoi State Park via the Smith Creek Trail or the 2-mile Unicoi Lake Trail.
- Explore Helen, Georgia which is modeled after an alpine Bavarian village.
- Take a ride on the Georgia Mountain Coaster.
- Discover 360-degree views from Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia.
This site is not far from home. Doable for a one-day or weekend trip. So beautiful. I like how you showed the size of the waterfall by the photograph of you on the decking below.