Tucked away in the Blue Ridge mountains is a small town that brings a bit of Bavaria to the southern US: Helen, Georgia. Nestled along the Chattahoochee River, this small town with a population of under 500 residents attracts the third largest number of visitors to any city in the state. This is in part because Helen is unlike any other town: the charming colorful buildings and the cobblestone paths make it a delightful replica of a Bavarian village. Travelers can visit the 200 specialty shops featuring handmade goods, feast upon delicious Alpine-inspired and southern cuisine, and sip on local wine at a vineyard. Helen is surrounded by beautiful natural features like the Unicoi State Park and the many nearby waterfalls. Here are ten of the best vacation rentals in and around Helen that make it easy to get a taste of Germany on this side of the Atlantic.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on August 23, 2024.
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1. An authentic log cabin experience! (from USD 188)
If you were to look up the word “cabin” in a visual dictionary, you might find a picture of the Sautee Nacoochee Cabin rental. Made of real wooden logs with a stone base, this cabin is ideally suited to your wilderness fantasies. Don’t let the rustic exterior fool you: the inside of the cabin has a gorgeous mix of rustic sophistication. Wood paneled walls and plaid quilts are coupled with modern appliances. A gas fireplace in the living room is the perfect place to warm up inside, and there is also a fire pit outside perfect for making s’mores. Nearby you will find a natural spring, a wooden bridge, and Ruby Falls. This cozy hideaway is located five miles (8 km) from downtown Helen, giving you the option to explore the activities in town or relax in the tranquility of the woods.
2. An affordable cabin in Hiawassee, GA (from USD 148)
About thirty minutes north of Helen, you’ll find this picturesque cabin in Hiawassee, Georgia. Surrounded by national forest, you are not far from Brasstown Bald, the highest mountain in the state. Drive to the top or, if you’re ambitious, hike to the summit to see for miles around the Blue Ridge mountains. There are plenty of other things to see in the area too, like the Appalachian Trail, Nantahala Gorge for kayaking, and the Babyland General Hospital toy store, where Cabbage Patch Dolls originated. This cabin sleeps up to four people in two bedrooms all on the first floor with no stairs. The interior has high ceilings, a stone fireplace, and a screened in porch and outdoor deck. The elevation makes this spot idyllic in all seasons, but it’s especially beautiful for foliage in the fall.
3. A cottage with adorable rustic decor! (from 89 USD)
For an affordable location close to Helen, check out the Bear Paw Cottage. The inviting red front door leads you into a cozy setting with wood paneled walls, a stone fireplace, and a small kitchenette. The Bear Paw sleeps up to four people: two downstairs in the king bed, and two in the sleeping loft in a double bed. They will also consider pets if you want to bring your furry friends along. The outside of the cottage is just as lovely as the interior, with a hot tub right outside your front door as well as a porch swing. The hosts have also provided a charcoal grill and picnic area to make the experience even more enjoyable.
Bear Paw Cottage
Price: from 89 USD
Number of Guests: 4
4. The perfect spot to start (and end!) a hike (from USD 150)
The name of this rental says it all: if hiking is your thing, this is the place for you. Located near the closest access to the Adirondack trail, it’s the perfect place to stop by for a night before or after your hike. You can reach the trail by either driving to Dick’s Creek or hiking down the road in front of the cabin, which will bring you to Tom Cowart Gap. If you’re not a hiker, this cute red cabin is still a lovely option for those who want to stay out in nature. It is located in a secluded spot in the national park near a rushing stream. Enjoy listening to the water and the birds from the fire pit, swing, or on one of the cabin’s two decks or the upstairs screened in porch. Up to seven people can sleep in the cabin’s three bedrooms, making it the ideal getaway for a group. There are also two full bathrooms, air conditioning, and a television so you can enjoy this rustic setting with all the comforts of home.
5. A cabin of one's own (from 138 USD)
This cabin has the perfect balance of feeling like you are out in nature while being within walking distance of the sights of Helen. This red log cabin has beautiful wood paneling inside with delightfully rustic decor. With one bedroom and one bathroom, it’s a wonderful spot for a couple on a romantic vacation. Inside you’ll find a television and a cozy fireplace; outside there is a stream and a short walk to Helen. Be aware that it is up a hill and that sometimes bears are seen nearby–it’s perfectly fine to drive to the nearby activities as well.
A cabin of one's own
Price: from 138 USD
Number of Guests: 2
6. A German-inspired townhouse with mountain views
If you truly want to make your visit to Helen feel as Bavarian as possible, this adorable town home is for you. The building is decorated in a Tudor style that makes it look straight out of a storybook. Though it is located only a five minute walk from downtown Helen, and you can see the lights of the town from the front windows, the view of the north Georgia mountains from the back deck makes you feel like you are peacefully secluded. The inside of the house is just as charming as its exterior, with plush red couches, rustic wooden furniture, and cabin-themed accents. There are one and a half bathrooms as well as a fully functioning kitchen. The hosts have also provided all of the amenities you will need to feel at home. It is a perfect spot to be close to Helen and all that it has to offer.
438 meters (0.3 ft) from Cool River Tubing - Chattahoochee Outpost
7. A quiet cabin on the river
This rental cabin has the perfect balance between isolation and proximity to all that Helen has to offer. One look at the pictures and it looks like it is completely rustic: the river is right outside the back deck. However, a short stroll will bring you right into downtown Helen where you can eat delicious Alpine cuisine and explore the town’s many unique stores. This rental is managed directly by the cabin owners, who have taken it upon themselves to anticipate all their guests’ needs. The home is beautifully decorated, with a large kitchen, plenty of natural light, and even a hot tub outside. The hosts have provided all the kitchen equipment you will need and make themselves available for any questions. One bonus of the location is that it is nearby one of the launch points during the annual balloon festival!
274 meters (0.2 ft) from Cool River Tubing - Chattahoochee OutpostAccommodates: 4
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 60 days before check-in.
8. A secluded spot to get away from it all
If you’re willing to expand your search for lodging into the surrounding area near Helena, this lovely cabin is located less than forty-five minutes by driving. Located on the banks of the Chestatee River, it is miles from the nearest town, giving you a truly secluded location. However, it is still close enough to everything that northern Georgia has to offer: local wineries, nature hikes, and cute historic locations like the gold mining town of Dahlonega. It sleeps up to seven people in two bedrooms, making it a nice option for a gathering for family or friends. Despite its rural location, guests will not be for want of anything. The kitchen is fully equipped and only awaits your grocery purchases to make delicious meals. The decor is tasteful and cozy. There are also three outdoor sitting areas perfect for listening to the birds and watching the river roll along.
21.34 km (13.3 mi) from Cool River Tubing - Chattahoochee Outpost
9. A riverside condo close to town (from USD 165)
This one bedroom condo is the ideal rental for a couple or a solo traveler. The location of the building is right alongside the water, giving you easy access to boating and fishing, and makes sitting out on the deck in the evening even more relaxing. Inside the condo has a fully stocked kitchen and a bathroom with a hot tub style tub. It’s an easy walk to downtown Helen, making this the perfect place to book for the Oktoberfest. Running from September until October, this festival includes traditional food, music, beer, and dancing. However, be sure to book your visit in advance, as it is one of Helen’s biggest draws!
10. A townhouse with a picture perfect sunroom! (from USD 174)
The Reihenhaus is so lovely, you may not even want to leave to take the short walk to Helen. The rental has both a screened in porch and a gorgeous wood-paneled sunroom, two perfect spots to peer out over the rolling hills and listen to the river nearby. It’s a great accommodation for all four seasons: inside you will find an electric fireplace for winter, and outside you can float down the Chattahoochee River on an inner tube during the summer. The kitchen is fully equipped for cooking meals, and there are two full bathrooms and two bedrooms which can accommodate up to four guests. This is the kind of rental you will never want to leave!
A destination that is truly one of a kind!
Helen, Georgia, has everything a vacationer could desire: a quaint town, delicious food and drink, and a plethora of outdoor activities. There are reasons to visit all year round, like river tubing and kayaking in the summer and the Oktoberfest and fall foliage in the winter. All of this is coupled with beautiful rolling mountains and welcoming Southern hospitality. Come to Helen and experience life in a German village without even leaving the United States!
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Top 6 Hotels By The River In Helen, Georgia - Updated 2024Trina Joy Cassey -
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