|
| |
Tray Mountain, just north of Helen, is blessed with a lot of year-round springs. High up on its southern slopes, the run-off from some of these springs combines into a couple little creeks which, in turn, merge becoming Smith Creek. Further to the east on the
south side of Tray Mountain more springs feed another creek, York Creek. Smith Creek flows down its cove, getting larger and larger while York Creek does the same
finally being joined by its western neighbor at the foot of Smith Mountain. Where these two creeks merge is formed a rare double waterfall: one by Smith Creek and the other by York Creek.
Despite being battered by frequent, very severe storms (including one major hurricane) in recent years, these coves are absolutely beautiful. The fast-growing Georgia pine and ever present poplar trees have now taken over to provide a green umbrella under which grow a seeming endless natural garden of mountain laurel and rhododendron. Spring and early summer are the best time to view waterfalls. The mountain laurel will be blooming for you in mid to late spring and, as soon as they drop their blossoms the rhododendron pick up with even larger blossoms. And the footpath to Ruby Falls is lined with these bushes creating an ambience probably as fulfilling as the view of the waterfalls.
The path to Ruby Falls has been paved. It is up-hill but not unpleasantly so. The addition of
strategically placed benches along the path is very welcome for those of us with little children (our excuse for using them) and the 0.4 mile walk to the waterfalls made the long trip here well worth while.
Before you start your walk to the waterfalls, stop in at the Visitors' Center. When you return, you'll probably want to cruise the gift
shop.
How to get there:
From I-85 northbound
(e.g., from Atlanta):
- Head north on I-85 to exit 113, the Gainesville split (about 27 miles from the I-75/85 split in Atlanta).
- Take the left split and follow I-985 all the way to exit 22. (about 22 miles).
- Turn left at the foot of the exit and follow US-129, through Gainesville, to its intersection with GA-75 in Cleveland (about 25 miles).
- In Cleveland, on the north side of down town, right after US-129 bends to the left
you should see a road on your right signed GA-75 Spur.
(If you miss it, the next road on your right is GA-75.)
- Turn right and follow GA-75
(now joined by GA-17) to Helen (about 9 miles).
Drive through Helen to the intersection of GA-356 at Robertstown.
- Turn right and follow GA-356 for about 1.5 miles to the signed Anna Ruby Falls turnoff.
- Turn left and follow the access road 3.6 miles to the parking area.
From I-85 southbound (e.g., from Greenville SC):
- Take exit 173 and, at the fool of the off-ramp, turn right onto GA-17.
- Follow GA-17, through Clarkesville (about 14 miles) and Helen (about 16 miles) to the intersection of GA-356 at Robertstown (1 more mile).
- Turn right and follow GA-356 for about 1.5 miles to the signed Anna Ruby Falls turnoff.
- Turn left and follow the access road 3.6 miles to the parking area.
Note: These are mountain roads with lots of blind curves and ups and downs. There are legal passing zones but, please, be patient.
Links to photos:
For more information:
Chattahoochee/Oconee Heritage Assn
P.O.Box 3216
Gainesville, GA 30503
770-532-0071
forests@hemc.net
Hotel and Motel accommodations,
usually at a discount, are available in the
following area communities:
For a 'clickable' accommodations
map of Georgia, visit:
|
|
