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 April 04, 2024.
1. 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!
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the furniture was so comfortable and all the furnishings up-to-dateyou could not ask for a cleaner more comfortable and relaxing place to stayCleanliness:
very clean and comfortable condoeverything was very clean and the fireplace was so nicegreat location and the condo was very clean and comfortablevery comfy and cleanthis place was clean and the owners were outstandingHost:
the owners were easy to communicate with and always very helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
great place to stay very close to townthe bed and linens were great as was the location to downtown heleni will come again this summer and i would like to stay in the same placewalking distance to everything beautiful view of the river very well maintained condo and the owners were amazing
2. 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!
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the townhouse was well stocked & cleanthe townhouse was clean and accommodated our needscozy comfortable and very cleanwe had a great time with friends in this clean cozy townhousethe condo was super clean and although it is in the center of town it was very quietHost:
hosts were very kind and helpfulgary & terry are wonderful hosts they were very pleasant & helpfulthe owners thought of everything very well stockedi plan on staying with this property owner again in the spring lots of thanksthe town is very beautiful the people very friendly it was a wonderful experience i surpass our expectationsRead more reviewsLocation:
a nice location and homewe loved staying here very close to everything in towneasy access to town stores & restaurants; quiet & private neighborhoodwe loved the location & felt very comfortable nice & ckenloved the location of the property looking out above helen ga
3. An authentic log cabin experience! (from USD 133)
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.
4. 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.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the decor was perfect bed and furniture comfortablethe living room was sufficient and the tv streaming worked nicelyCleanliness:
cabin efficient and cleanthe property was clean and very very pleasant to stay init is extremely clean and comfortable and clearly well maintainedthe house was clean and they already had it cooled down for usHost:
the owners were very friendly and supportive of our needscommunication with the owner was excellentRead more reviewsLocation:
it was a great location for some r&rthe location is pretty central to a lot of activities that we were interested init was convenient to all the activities that we were interested in and restaurants are also close bythe cabin is really in the woods but close to town and anything you would like to dobeautiful restful place to relax
5. 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
6. 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.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
wonderful cabin with all of the amenities for a comfortable relaxing vacationthe house is cozy and the yard is beautifulCleanliness:
extremely clean and well maintainedit was very cleanthe cabin is very clean and cozysecluded home was clean and beautifully decoratedHost:
amazing property and gracious ownernancy was so helpful and made sure we had everything we needed thank youRead more reviewsLocation:
that makes for real close with three couples sharing the one upstairs bathroom
7. 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
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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