Location & Directions

Centrally Located in the center of Helen

At the Helendorf River Inn, you are just steps from all that Helen has to offer.  That means we're a few minute walk to restaurants, shops, and night life in almost any direction from the Helendorf so you can park your car and don't move it again for your entire stay.  Unless that is you want to drive through the mountains, hike the Appalachian Trail, or take in the many natural wonders that Northeast Georgia has to offer

Minute to the Helen Festhalle

The heart of Helen Georgia festivals is the Helen Festhalle and the Helendorf is just feet from the main entrance and the beer garden.  At the Festhalle you will find Helen's world famous and longest running U.S. Oktoberfest, complete with German beer, bratwurst, and the chicken dance.

Shoot the Hooch

Directly behind the Helendorf and at the bottom of the steps leading to the river are the most challenging little rapids on the Chattahoochee River that runs through Helen.  To top off your river experience on the river, Cool River Tubing picks up directly in front of the hotel for our guests connivence.

Wine Anyone

The Helendorf is your headquarters for an enjoyable wine tour with five wineries only a short drive away.  The finest that Northeast Georgia vineyards has to offer to include Fogtown Cellars, Habersham Winery, Sautee Nacoochee Vineyards, Yonah Mountain Vineyards, and Serenity Cellars.


Centrally Located in Northeast Georgia 

How Far To...

  • Cool River Tubing - Pick-up at Lobby
  • Helen Festhalle - 45 feet (1 min)
  • Innsbruck Golf Club - 1.4 miles (9 min)
  • Hardman House - 1.9 miles (5 min)
  • Unicoi State Park - 4 miles (12 min)
  • Mount Yonah Vineyards - 4.2 miles (9 min)
  • Mark of the Potter - 13.5 miles (26 min)
  • Appalachian Trail's Unicoi Gap 9.4 miles (19 min)
  • Appalachian Trail's Hogpen Gap 10.9 miles (26 min)
  • Babyland General Cabbagepatch Hospital - 7.9 miles (15 min)

Directions from Atlanta (1 ½-hour drive)

Take I-85 North toward Greenville, S.C. As you are passing the Suwannee Exit #111 you will need to be in the left lane. Take exit #113 for I-985 which will "Y" to the left. I-985 will become Hwy. 365. Follow Hwy 365 to the 3rd traffic light. Turn left onto 384 (Duncan Bridge Rd). Follow 384 to its end. Turn right onto Ga 75 to Helen. When in Helen, watch for the Huddle House on the right, get into the right turn lane, take the next street to the right. The Helendorf is on the left (if you cross the bridge, you've gone too far).

Or,

Take GA 400 North to its end at stop light. Go straight thru at light onto Long Branch Rd. Follow Long Branch Rd. approx. 3 miles. At the intersection turn right onto GA 52/115. Follow 115 into Cleveland, GA. Turn left at the 1st light onto 129 North. Turn right at the next light onto GA 75. When in Helen watch, for the Huddle House on the right, get into the right turn lane, take the next street to the right. The Helendorf is on the left.

Directions from Chattanooga, TN (3-hour drive)

Take I-75 North to Exit 20 near Cleveland, TN. Follow Hwy 64 East from Cleveland, TN into North Carolina. Turn right onto Hwy 129 South and follow through Blairsville, GA. Approx. 5 miles South of Blairsville, GA., turn Left onto Hwy. 180. Follow Hwy 180 to its end. Turn right onto GA 75 South into Helen. After you cross the bridge in Helen, take the first street to the left. (Munich St.) The Helendorf is on the left.

Directions from Greenville, SC (2-hour drive)

Take I-85 South toward Atlanta. After you cross the Georgia/South Carolina State line, Exit at the Lavonia Exit (Exit 173) and turn left onto GA Hwy 17 North. Continue on GA Hwy 17 around Toccoa, GA, then through Clarkesville, GA into Helen. When in Helen, watch for the HUDDLE HOUSE on the right, get into the right turn lane. Take the next street to the right. (Munich St.) The Helendorf is on the left.

Directions from Knoxville, TN and/or Asheville, NC

Take I-40 East to Clyde, NC. Take US Hwy 23 and 74 to Sylva, NC. Take US Hwy 23 & 441 to Clayton, GA. Continue on US Hwy 441 South through Tallulah Falls, GA to Hollywood, GA. At Hollywood, GA turn right to connect with Historic 441. Turn left on Historic 441 South to Clarkesville, GA. At Clarkesville, turn right on GA Hwy 17 North to Helen. When in Helen, watch for the Huddle House on the right, get into right turn lane. Take the next street to the right (Munich St.). The Helendorf is on the left.