5 Unforgettable Family Activities in Helen, GA During Fall, Including a Cozy Candle-Making Adventure!

The Magic of Autumn in Helen, GA

There’s something undeniably special about fall in Helen, Georgia. The crisp mountain air carries the scent of roasted nuts and apple cider, while the golden leaves flutter like confetti down Main Street. Families stroll the cobblestone walkways wrapped in cozy scarves, grabbing pumpkin-flavored treats and peeking into Bavarian-style shops.

If you’re planning a family getaway this season, you’re in for a treat, Helen is one of the most charming destinations in the Southeast for family activities during fall. From leaf-peeping hikes to hands-on crafts, this little alpine town transforms into a wonderland of laughter, color, and creativity.

Here are five family-friendly fall activities in Helen, GA that promise to make your trip unforgettable, including one that lets you make your very own autumn-scented candle!

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1. 🍁 Make a Candle at Crafty Mountain Candle Co.

Location: 705 Brucken Strasse, Building 101 (right across from the Helen Welcome Center)
Link: Make a Candle Experience in Helen, GA

When the mountain breeze turns cool, nothing beats the warm glow of your own handmade candle. At Crafty Mountain Candle Co., families can enjoy a one-of-a-kind DIY Candle Bar experience that’s equal parts relaxing and creative.

Step inside this cozy, aroma-filled shop and you’ll be greeted by friendly staff who walk you through every step of making your own custom soy candle. Choose from over 100 delightful scents: from autumn favorites like Apple Orchard, Pumpkin Spice Latte, Apple Maple Bourbon, and Man Cave then mix, pour, and decorate your candle however you like.

Kids love picking out their own fragrances (and embeds), while parents adore the chance to unwind and make something beautiful together.

The best part? Crafty Mountain Candle Co. uses paraffin-free soy wax, so your candle burns clean and is safe for even the most sensitive noses. It’s a fun, wholesome activity that lets you bring home a piece of Helen — one that smells amazing long after your trip ends.

✨ Pro tip: While your candle cools, explore the shops and snack spots nearby: you’re steps away from downtown Helen’s best spots for fudge, souvenirs, and family photos!

👉 Book your Candle Bar experience here.

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2. 🎡 Enjoy Oktoberfest (Family-Style!)

Fall in Helen wouldn’t be complete without the famous Oktoberfest celebration, one of the longest-running in the United States! Even if you’re not into beer steins and lederhosen, there’s plenty for families to enjoy.

The Helen Festhalle hosts live oompah bands, traditional dancing, and hearty Bavarian food that kids will love (think soft pretzels bigger than your head). Outside, you’ll find carnival-style games, craft vendors, and the sound of laughter echoing through the town square.

You can even catch a glimpse of the parade featuring horse-drawn carriages and locals dressed in colorful dirndls. It’s wholesome, festive, and the perfect way to soak up Helen’s old-world charm.

🗓 When: Mid-September through late October
📍 Where: Helen Festhalle, 1074 Edelweiss Strasse

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3. 🌲 Take a Family Hike to Anna Ruby Falls

If you’ve ever wanted to introduce your kids to the beauty of the North Georgia mountains, this is the spot. Anna Ruby Falls, tucked inside the Chattahoochee National Forest, is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders near Helen — especially in the fall when the leaves paint the hills in shades of red, orange, and gold.

The paved trail to the falls is short (about half a mile) and stroller-friendly, making it perfect for little explorers. Once you reach the viewing platform, the twin waterfalls cascade down the rocks in a mesmerizing display of power and peace.

Don’t forget to pack a few snacks and your camera, you’ll want to linger and take it all in.

📍 Location: 3455 Anna Ruby Falls Road, Helen, GA
💡 Tip: Visit in the morning for softer light and fewer crowds!

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4. 🚗 Cruise the Scenic Russell-Brasstown Byway

Nothing says fall like a leaf-peeping drive through the mountains. The Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway is a 40-mile loop that winds through the most stunning autumn scenery in North Georgia, and it’s right outside Helen!

Pack some snacks, turn on your favorite family playlist, and roll down the windows as you cruise past towering trees, rolling hills, and hidden overlooks. Stop for photos at Hogpen Gap or venture up to Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest point, for panoramic views that stretch for miles.

Kids will love spotting wildlife (maybe even a deer or two!), and parents will love the chance to slow down and reconnect.

🗺️ Route Tip: Start from Helen and head toward Hwy 17/75 North for the best views.

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5. 🎢 Ride the Georgia Mountain Coaster

If your family loves a little adventure, the Georgia Mountain Coaster is a must! This alpine coaster twists and turns down the hillside, giving riders full control of their speed, so it’s as thrilling or gentle as you want it to be.

The track winds through beautiful wooded scenery, and during fall, the view is spectacular with golden leaves whizzing by. It’s a great bonding experience that’ll have the whole family laughing (and maybe screaming) all the way down.

📍 Location: 8409 S Main St, Helen, GA
💡 Tip: Go after dark for a lit-up ride through the trees, it’s pure magic!

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🍂 Why Fall is the Perfect Time to Visit Helen, GA

Autumn brings out the very best of Helen. The crowds are lively but not overwhelming, the weather is cool enough for cozy sweaters, and every corner of town bursts with color and charm. Whether you’re hiking waterfalls, exploring quaint shops, or crafting candles with your kids, you’ll find that Helen is the kind of place that makes family memories feel timeless.

And when the day winds down, nothing beats heading back to your cabin or hotel, lighting that custom candle you made at Crafty Mountain Candle Co., and letting the scent of fall fill the room.

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🕯️ Plan Your Visit to Crafty Mountain Candle Co. ("Make A Candle")

Ready to add some creative sparkle to your Helen trip? Stop by Crafty Mountain Candle Co., located directly across from the Helen Welcome Center. Our “Make a Candle” Bar is open daily and perfect for families, couples, and groups.

• 📍 Address: 705 Brucken Strasse, Building 101, Helen, GA

• 🕒 Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning or early afternoon (so your candle can cool while you explore!)

• 💻 Learn More or Reserve Your Spot: "Make a Candle" in Helen, GA

Bring your creativity, your family, and your love for all things cozy — and let the warmth of fall (and your handmade candle) light the way.

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✨ Final Thoughts

Helen, GA in the fall is pure storybook magic, where every trail, shop, and laughter-filled street feels like home. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, tasting local treats, or crafting your own candle masterpiece, these family activities in Helen, GA during autumn will fill your heart (and your home) with the glow of happy memories.

So pack your sweaters, bring your sense of adventure, and don’t forget to make a candle while you’re here — because no trip to Helen is complete without it.