Smith Creek Trail to Anna Ruby Falls-Unicoi S.P. – Helen, GA–9.5 Mi

Let's Take a Hike to Anna Ruby Falls!

Starting within the campground at Unicoi State Park near Helen GA, is the Smith Creek Trail. On the other end of that trail, 4.8 miles away, is Anna Ruby Falls. We will hike from the campground to Anna Ruby, turn around and come back logging approx. 9.5 miles in total.

Please note: the name of this hike indicates it follows a creek which typically suggests a relatively flat surface. This is not necessarily the case with this trail. In fact, much of it is quite mountainous terrain and it logs nearly 1700 ft in elevation gain. There are few places with some very small streams to transverse as well as areas with rocks and roots to navigate. Alltrails lists this hike as moderate.

The trail itself is all soft surface and quite narrow. Our group’s pace is about 2.25 to 2.5 MPH. Poles and good hiking shoes are strongly recommended. Please bring adequate water.

We will meet at the trailhead which can be found by linking to the red pin posted on this event using Google Maps, using it will get you to the right spot where we will meet.

The hike will start at 9:00 am, and I figure it will take us about 6 hours with rest breaks. Since I am reasonably confident that there are no restaurants along the trail you may want to pack a simple lunch, as we will plan to take an extended break near the base of the falls before heading back. I do like to and will start events on time so please do not be late for the consideration of all attendees.

Parking for State Parks is $5 unless you have the proper parking pass. This can be paid at the campground ranger station. Alternatively, a pass can be purchased in advanced through the link provided below if that works better for you. I would strongly recommend this option if you do not already have a SP pass since I do not believe there are any pay stations near the trailhead, and driving to the campground station will take you extra time.

Below are some helpful links. As always, if you have any questions in advance please let me know and I will do my best to answer them.

AllTrails (general info about the trail itself):

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/georgia/smith-creek-trail?u=i

Unicoi (general info about the park & Trail Map):

https://www.unicoilodge.com/

https://www.unicoilodge.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Unicoi_TrailMap_2018.pdf

GA State parking pass purchase link:

https://gastateparks.reserveamerica.com/posProductDetails.do?id=554806&contractCode=GA

Hope to see you there, and of course please remember that you will be participating entirely at your own risk as Suwanee Take-a-Hikers assumes absolutely no liability (nada, zero, zilch, zip, squat) for adverse events which may occur during meetups.