The Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Byway is a loop of about 40 miles through the Chattahoochee National Forest north of Helen. The Forest Service describes it as a drive that circles the headwaters of the Chattahoochee River, and it takes in Georgia’s highest mountain, an Appalachian Trail crossing and several waterfalls. The Forest Service recommends it for wildflowers and fall color.

The route

The loop follows GA-348 (the Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway), GA-180 and GA-17/75. The Forest Service says to allow at least three hours of driving time. With hikes and a stop at Brasstown Bald, plan on most of a day.

Most people start in Helen, which is the easiest place to get food, fuel and water. The Forest Service notes that there is no potable water along the byway itself.

Stops along the way

These are the stops the Forest Service highlights on and near the loop:

  • Dukes Creek Falls: a 2.2-mile round-trip path down to a pool below a cascading waterfall. Watch for views of Mount Yonah’s cliff face as you drive.
  • Raven Cliff Falls: the trail into the Raven Cliff Wilderness runs 2.6 miles each way and includes a creek crossing the Forest Service describes as up to calf-deep. Our waterfalls guide covers it in more detail.
  • Hogpen Gap: the Appalachian Trail crosses the highway here. It is a natural place to stretch your legs on the most famous footpath in the East.
  • Brasstown Bald: Georgia’s tallest mountain, with a 360-degree view from the top and a visitor center. See the Brasstown Bald entry in our hikes guide. For hours, fees and the shuttle, see our Brasstown Bald visitor guide.
  • Andrews Cove Campground: on GA-75 about 8 miles north of Helen, with rustic campsites.
  • Smithgall Woods State Park: hardwood forest, trout streams and trails for hiking and biking.
  • Unicoi State Park: cabins, campsites, lodge rooms and trails, easily reached from the byway.
  • Anna Ruby Falls: a 0.4-mile paved path leads to twin falls, the taller of which drops more than 150 feet, where two creeks come together.

Anna Ruby Falls details

Anna Ruby Falls charges a fee. As of 2026, the Forest Service lists:

  • Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with no admission after 4 p.m.
  • Fee: $6 per person 16 and older; 15 and under free. Interagency passes such as America the Beautiful are honored.
  • Closures: the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
  • Address: 3455 Anna Ruby Falls Rd., Helen.

There is also the Lion’s Eye Trail, a short paved path with signs in standard text and braille.

When to go

The Forest Service calls the byway cool in summer and mild in winter, and good for wildflowers in spring and fall color in autumn. October weekends are busy, especially near Helen during Oktoberfest. Start early. Our fall color guide explains how peak color usually moves down from the high peaks.

From Ellijay

Helen is about an hour and a half from Ellijay. You can make a full loop day by driving east through Dahlonega, running the byway and coming home past Vogel State Park and Blairsville. Our Dahlonega guide has ideas for a stop on the way.

Coming home past Vogel? Helton Creek Falls is a 0.2-mile walk just off US-19/129.

Sources and further reading

Facts in this article were checked against these sources on October 30, 2026. Hours, fees and seasons change, so confirm before you go.