Helen itinerary scene

Weekend itinerary

Two Nights in Helen: River, Tubing, Unicoi

Walk Helen's river bridges and eat at Bodensee on Friday, tube the Chattahoochee on Saturday, then visit Unicoi State Park on Sunday.

By Cal Mercer — a Second Star Guide itinerary

The warm-weather sequence moves from Helen's village center to the Chattahoochee and finishes in the wooded foothills at Unicoi State Park.

Best length

2 nights

Friday evening in the village, a Saturday tubing trip through town, and Unicoi State Park on Sunday morning.

Stay

Helendorf

A walkable riverfront stay with guest parking, direct Chattahoochee access, and an easy return from village shops, restaurants, and evening events.

Main activity

Chattahoochee River tubing

Friday joins Main Street, the river bridges, and Bodensee; Saturday follows the Chattahoochee through town; Sunday ends at Unicoi State Park.

Weekend

Saturday: Chattahoochee tubing

This warm-weather itinerary gives Saturday to the river. Travelers arriving during Oktoberfest should use the separate Festhalle weekend guide.

Bavarian-style buildings around Helen's village center
Friday evening: walk the village center and river bridges.
Tubers floating on the Chattahoochee River through Helen
Saturday: confirm a tubing operator is running before leaving the hotel.
Shaded park above Helen's village streets
Sunday: finish with a short park walk before the drive home.

Friday

Walk the river bridges, then eat at Bodensee.

After check-in near the Chattahoochee, follow Main Street through the alpine-style facades and cross the village bridges before dinner at Bodensee.

4:00 PM

Saturday

Tube the Chattahoochee through Helen.

Confirm that an operator is running, then use its shuttle and launch sequence for the float through the village center.

4:30 PM

Afternoon

Return for dry clothes before dinner.

Leave towels and a dry change at the hotel. After the shuttle returns, cross the river bridges or stop at the candy shops before dinner.

Highlight
The trip’s main event
Viator

The Culture of Helen Tour

Enjoy a leisurely stroll that provides you with a comprehensive overview of Helen’s culture and history. This charming town is famous for its vineyards, so you’ll also get to try the local wine during a complimentary wine tasting. Learn about the history of gem mining in the area, and snack on candy from a local producer.

Check availability

Sunday

Breakfast, then Unicoi State Park.

Breakfast at Hofer's or Corner Creperie leaves the rest of the morning for Unicoi State Park before the drive home.