Helen, Georgia
Things to Do
From waterfalls and river tubing to Oktoberfest and hot air balloons — there's always something happening near Bear Creek.
Your Base Camp
Everything Within Easy Reach
Bear Creek Lodge sits at the perfect crossroads — 9 riverfront acres just 3 blocks from downtown Helen, with waterfalls, lakes, hiking trails, and seasonal festivals all within a short drive. Whether you came to relax by the fire or explore every corner of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you'll never run out of things to do.
Right on the Property
Right on the Property
You don't have to go anywhere to have a great time — Bear Creek has plenty to keep you busy.
Chattahoochee River Tubing
Free tubes provided — just hop in and float downstream
Trout Fishing
Cast right from the bank on 300+ feet of private river frontage
Private Hot Tubs
8 of 9 cabins have a private hot tub — soak day or night
Fire Pits & Free Firewood
Nothing beats a crackling fire under the mountain sky
Free Bikes
Grab a bike and explore the trails or pedal into town
Outdoor Games
Horseshoes, cornhole, giant chess, and more
River Hammocks
Swing over the water and watch the Chattahoochee drift by
Walking Trails
Connecting trails wind through the property and down to the river
Waterfalls & Hiking
Waterfalls & Hiking
The Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding Helen are laced with trails leading to some of Georgia's most stunning waterfalls.
Anna Ruby Falls
Twin falls created by two converging streams — an easy, scenic hike
Raven Cliff Falls
One of Georgia's tallest waterfalls, a rewarding trail hike
Dukes Creek Falls
Beautiful multi-drop falls just minutes from Helen
Smithgall Woods State Park
World-class trout fishing and pristine mountain scenery
Unicoi State Park
Hiking, swimming, and mountain lake fun for the whole family
Appalachian Trail Access
Multiple trailheads within a short drive for serious hikers
Downtown Helen
Downtown Helen
Just a 5-minute walk from your cabin — Helen's Bavarian village is packed with shops, restaurants, and charm.
Bavarian Shopping
Unique boutiques, German imports, art galleries, and local crafts
German Restaurants & Breweries
Authentic schnitzel, bratwurst, pretzels, and local craft beer
River Tubing Outfitters
Rent tubes and float the Chattahoochee right through downtown
Fudge & Sweet Shops
Fresh-made fudge, chocolate, and mountain candy in every flavor
Winery Tasting Rooms
Georgia mountain wines — stop in for a tasting and a bottle to take home
Live Music & Nightlife
Helen comes alive in the evenings with music, dancing, and festivals
Lakes & Water Activities
Lakes & Water Activities
The mountains around Helen are dotted with beautiful lakes — perfect for a day trip on the water.
Unicoi Lake
Swimming, paddle boarding, and kayaking at this gorgeous mountain lake
Lake Burton
Boating, fishing, and lakeside dining on one of North Georgia's premier lakes
Lake Chatuge
Expansive mountain lake straddling the Georgia-North Carolina border
Kayaking & Canoeing
Rentals and guided tours available on the Chattahoochee and nearby lakes
Fly Fishing
Some of the best trout streams in the Southeast are minutes away
Swimming Holes
Cool off in natural mountain swimming holes scattered through the forest
Year-Round Fun
Seasonal Events in Helen
Helen hosts events nearly every weekend of the year — plan your trip around one of these favorites.
Oktoberfest
September through November 1
One of the largest and longest-running Oktoberfest celebrations in the Southeast. German beer, food, music, and dancing fill the streets of Helen every weekend.
Hot Air Balloon Festival
Annual Summer Event
Colorful balloons fill the sky above the mountains — a spectacular sight that draws visitors from across the region. Launch sites, tethered rides, and nighttime glows.
Christmas Lighting
November through December
Helen transforms into a magical winter wonderland — thousands of lights, Christmas markets, carolers, and a true Bavarian Christmas experience in the Georgia mountains.
4th of July & Summer Events
Memorial Day through Labor Day
Summer in Helen is non-stop. Fireworks on the 4th, tubing festivals, and packed weekends with music and outdoor events all season long.
Only Here
One-of-a-Kind Experiences
Gold Panning at the Hamby Gold Mine
Stay in our Gold Miners Cabin and explore the grounds of the original 1800s Hamby Gold Mine — follow the trails and try your luck finding real gold.
Blue Ridge Mountain Drives
Scenic drives through the North Georgia mountains offer jaw-dropping views — especially during fall foliage season when the mountains turn gold and red.
Stovall Mill Covered Bridge
One of Georgia's oldest covered bridges, just minutes from Helen — a beautiful historic landmark and a favorite photo stop.
Coming to Helen
Uhuburg Castle
One of the most exciting new destinations in North Georgia
A Renaissance castle like no other — Uhuburg is a philosophical, food-producing, naturalistic, and celebratory place nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains just outside Helen, Georgia.
Wander Castle Walls & Climb Towers
Walk the two-level castle walls and climb the 8-story lookout tower for breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountain views.
Philosophical Mural Walk
Explore stunning murals that trace how humankind has sought to understand the meaning of life across the ages.
Gardens, Gazebo & Zen Garden
Wander through vibrant seasonal gardens watched over by classical statues, and find peace in the Zen garden.
Stay in a Castle Chamber
Spend the night in an enchanting castle chamber — breakfast included, two-night minimum, adults only.
Weddings, Events & Photoshoots
A one-of-a-kind venue for weddings, quinceañeras, celebrations, and portrait photography.
Weekend Day Visits
Uhuburg is open for day visits every weekend all summer long — walk the walls, explore the grounds, and soak it all in.
CastleFaire & Special Events
The annual Winter Renaissance Festival (Jan 15–17, 2027) and other seasonal events bring the castle grounds to life all year.
Exclusive Partner Discounts
Bear Creek guests receive 20% off Uhuburg castle admission — weekend day visits, CastleFaire, and all other events. Use code at checkout.
Uhuburg visitors and vendors receive 20% off Bear Creek cabin stays. We're just a half mile from the castle gates — your perfect home base.
Ready to Experience It All?
Bear Creek Lodge puts everything within easy reach — book your cabin and start planning your Helen adventure.