Adventure Out

Adventure Out Anna Ruby Falls

By Peter McIntosh

For 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

spots you’ll find anywhere, so check them out and think about returning in the springtime when the weather warms a bit. But let’s check out the waterfall. The trail to the falls is above the center and is a paved walkway which follows along Smith Creek for 4/10 mile to the base of the cascade, with some very nice observation platforms. And although this is a short walk, it is steep in places. Fortunately, there are numerous informative markers along the way where you can learn about the flora and fauna and catch your breath at the same time. There are also a few well placed stone benches on this trail if you want to rest your feet and enjoy the clear and noisy stream. After crossing the creek a couple of times on safe, wide bridges we come to the base of the cascade. Anna Ruby Falls is actually two separate cascades, Curtis Creek is the 160 foot falls on the left and York Creek is the 50 foot cascade on the right. These two creeks come together at the base of the falls forming Smith Creek. And both of these sparkling streams start out from springs high up on the ridges of Tray Mountain. This stunning waterfall is named after Anna Ruby Nichols, the daughter of Colonel John H. Nichols who purchased this land sometime after the Civil War. There are many other trails in and around Unicoi State Park, the Smith Creek Trail, the Unicoi Lake Trail and the Helen to Unicoi Trail. You can find out more about these footpaths at the Unicoi State Park visitor’s center. As 2020 nears it’s end, my November poem doth begin: As autumn winds down, I do think you oughter, Get out and see some cool falling water. This water feature it truly a beauty, The double cascade named Anna Ruby.

Getting there: From Burton Dam Road and GA 197 go 3 miles to GA 356. Turn right on 356 and go 9 miles on GA 356, cross over Unicoi Lake Dam and turn right following signs to Anna Ruby Falls. From Helen, go north on GA 75, 1 mile. Turn right on 356 and go 1.5 miles and turn left and follow the signs to falls.

To see more of Peter’s photos, or if you have a question or comment: www.mcintoshmountains.com

Happy Thanksgiving