The first waterfall we saw was beside the dirt road that led to the cabin where we stayed. We hadn't noticed it on our drive up the mountain due to the bumpy road and not knowing exactly where we were going. But we saw it the next day as we headed down to town. This little waterfall may not even have a name, so I'll call it First Falls. It's a pretty sight, and we stayed quite a while admiring the falling water.
The Chattahoochee River flows through the quaint town of Helen and powers the Nora Mills Granary, a gristmill that has been in operation since 1876, changing owners numerous times. Since the early 1980s, the current miller and his family are the third generation to run the mill. The mill dam creates a man made waterfall which is also quite lovely to see. If you're ever in the area, stop by and sample their Pioneer's Porridge and enjoy the peaceful setting.
The paved trail to Anna Ruby falls is just under a mile to the falls and back. The walk was cool and damp after the morning's rain showers, and the forest was peaceful as vibrant green moss covered logs and graceful ferns soaked up the freshness of spring. Small damp loving creatures of the woods stirred from their homes, unmindful of the people walking the trail. And Smith Creek tumbled alongside the trail showing off it's own mini waterfalls as water from the falls flowed onward through the peaceful forest towards the Chattahoochee River.
~Debbie