Adventure Out
Anna Ruby Falls By Peter McIntosh
F
or our adventure this month we’re going to catch some remaining fall color by visiting a beautiful cascade that’s easy to get to and something the whole family can enjoy. We’re going to Anna Ruby Falls in Unicoi State Park just outside of Helen. Technically, the waterfall is located on forest service property just outside of the park but you have to go through the park to get there. At the parking area, (this is a fee area where you pay $3.00 per person in your vehicle, so bring some ones. Your State Park Pass isn’t accepted here.) there is a nice interpretive center with a viewing platform overlooking Smith Creek. There are restrooms at this facility and a chainsaw carved sculpture of Smokey Bear. Now let me tell you, this is no quiet little brook, Smith Creek is big, clear and noisy as it tumbles downward towards the Chattahoochee River. And a good way to enjoy this stream is by taking the short trail, located below the center, leading to several picnic areas located along the creek. These are some of the nicest picnic
56 GML - November 2020
