Anna Ruby Falls

History

Tray Mountain, once Cherokee Indian territory,on which Anna Ruby Falls is located, was named Trail Mountain. The Cherokee built many trails up the mountain to watch for enemy campfires. Many of the local rivers, valleys, and mountains in the surrounding area have names that display the Indians' appreciation of nature. Chattahoochee means place of marked or flowered rocks.

After the Civil War, the land surrounding and including Anna Ruby Falls was purchased by Colonel John H. "Captain" Nichols. It is said he didn't know the falls existed until riding up on them one day on horseback. Anna Ruby falls is named for the only daughter of Capt Nichol, whom he adored, as she was all he had left after the death of his two infant sons and wife.

Around the turn of the century, the area was purchased and logged by Byrd-Matthews Lumber Company. Mules pulled the cut trees along tarred log slides to the top of the falls. A narrow-gauge railroad transported the logs from the falls to a mill in Helen .A flume was built at Curtis creek and ended on the opposite side of Smith Creek. Because of the steep terrain of this area, this flume was unsuccessful and helped bring about financial ruin for the owners of the operation. A few of the original logs can still be seen at the base of the falls.

In 1925, the U.S. Government purchased the land and it became part of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Once protected as part of the National Forest , the area gradually restored its natural beauty. Today, this area is known as the 1,600-acre Anna Ruby Falls Scenic Area.

Fall size:

Beauty Scale:
(1-worth seeing-10 awesome)

Curtis creek 153'

York creek 50'

10

Directions:

from Helen, Georgia

Take Georgia 75 north for 1 mile. Turn right on Georgia 356 for 1.5 miles, then left at the sign to Anna Ruby Falls. Follow this road for 3.6 miles to the parking area.

Facilities:

snack and drink machines, restrooms, public phones, 11 picnic sites with tables and grills.

The Lion's Eye Trail gives people who are blind or have visual impairments the opportunity to experience the environment along Smith Creek. Braille signs interpret various features of the area.

In co-operation with the Forest Service, the nonprofit Chattahoochee/Oconee Heritage Association operates the visitors center at Anna Ruby Falls. They offer original paintings, fine pottery, and crafts made by the Appalachian Mountain folks-with emphasis on local artist and crafts workers. Earning from these sales support interpretive programs and conservation of the forest

Fees:

There is a $2 parking fee for cars/RV's and a $10 parking fee for buses.

Closest town:

Helen, Georgia

For more information:

Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area is open from 9:00 a.m. to dusk.

Anna Ruby Falls Visitor Center
Hwy.356
Helen, GA 30545
706-878-3574