4th of July in Helen: How to Celebrate (2024)

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If you’re searching for the best place to celebrate the 4th of July, look no further than Helen, Georgia. While Helen is a great year round destination no matter the season, summer brings a special charm. Located in the North Georgia Mountains, this charming mountain town is known for its beautiful scenery and festive atmosphere, making it the perfect backdrop for Independence Day.

While the town might be German-inspired, it proudly celebrates its American heritage every fourth of July. From firework displays to parades, there’s no shortage of family fun to enjoy. Come stay at Blue Creek Cabins and celebrate America’s birthday with us!

 

Fourth of July Events in Helen

Annual 4th of July Celebration and Fireworks

Photo Credit: helenga

Every year, the town of Helen puts on an Annual 4th of July Celebration. Located behind the Alpine Village Shoppes and Helen Welcome Center in Downtown Helen, the annual fireworks display lights up the whole town.

The fireworks start at dusk between 9 pm and 9:30 pm. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket to claim your spot on the open field while you wait for the fireworks show to begin. This is the perfect 4th of July activity for the whole family to enjoy.

 

Free Hardman Farm Tours for Military

Photo Credit: Artak Kalantarian

Hardman Farm is a famous historic site located just outside of Helen. Featuring the original 19th-century home of the Nichols family and Sautee Nacoochee Indian Mound burial site, people come from all over to tour this important landmark.

For Independence Day, Hardman Farm invites veterans, military service members, and immediate family members to enjoy a free tour of Hardman Farm. Guided mansion tours begin at 10 am, with a new tour beginning each hour. The last tour begins at 3 pm. No admissions ticket is required. Simply show your veteran, active, or retired military I.D. and enjoy the tour.

 

Dahlonega Fourth of July Celebration

If you’re up for a day trip, consider taking the 40 minute drive to Dahlonega for their day-long 4th of July celebration.

The celebrations begin at 10 a.m. with the Annual 4th of July Car Show. Hosted by the Dahlonega Car Club, the car show features live music, food, and door prizes. Food trucks open at noon and feature a variety of local vendors.

After the car show, get ready for the 4th of July Parade, which runs through the town square in Downtown Dahlonega. Right after the parade, Hancock Park features the Kid Adventure Zone, which is full of face painting and kid-friendly games. Finally, a free concert in the park and a fireworks show finish off the festive day.

 

Other July Activities in Helen

Go Tubbing Down the Chattahoochee River

Photo Credit: BluIz60

There isn’t a more popular summer activity in Helen than tubing the Chattahoochee River. With the Chattahoochee River running straight through Downtown Helen, you’ll spot plenty of people shootin’ the hooch during the month of July.

We recommend checking out Cool River Tubing and Helen Tubing & Waterpark for full-service tubing trips. Both companies offer free shuttle service and tubing gear for riders. Rides range from 1 hour to 2.5 hours. Helen Tubing & Waterpark also features a waterpark at the end of your ride, the perfect summer activity for the whole family.

 

Explore Nearby Waterfalls

Photo Credit: Stacy Funderburke

Helen is surrounded by hundreds of waterfall hikes. They range from easy, kid-friendly paved trails to more challenging treks for experienced hikers. But what do they all have in common? Cascading waterfalls greet you at the end.

Head to Anna Ruby Falls for an easy, 1-mile roundtrip hike ending in twin waterfalls. Raven Cliff Falls is another popular spot. This 5-mile roundtrip hike is more difficult, but the challenging hike takes you through stunning terrain until you reach a 40-foot waterfall.

You could spend your whole trip chasing waterfalls, so be sure to check out our guide to the 7 must-see waterfalls near Helen.

 

Eat Local Specialties in Downtown Helen

Photo Credit: George Dolgikh

Helen is known for offering visitors authentic German cuisine at its many delicious restaurants. What we love about the Helen restaurant scene is that many of the Downtown spots offer outdoor seating, perfect for beautiful July days.

Head to Hofbrauhaus Restaurant for a pet-friendly outdoor patio and authentic Bavarian cuisine. Designed to mimic a German pub, this rustic spot is full of charm and delicious grub. Cowboys & Angels Restaurant sits right above the Chattahoochee River, offering a view of tubers as they float down the river. And we can’t forget Bigg Daddy’s Restaurant, featuring live music and classic American dishes.

 

July Weather in Helen

July brings warm summer weather to Helen, Georgia. The average daytime temperature climbs to the high 80s, while the nighttime lows hang out in the mid-60s. Evening temperatures usually drop to the comfortable 60s and 70s, perfect for enjoying the quaint charm of Helen's alpine village ambiance. Expect plenty of sunny days with very little rain.

 

What to Pack

Photo Credit: Art_Photo

We recommend packing light, breathable clothing for your 4th of July adventures in Helen. Bring comfortable walking shoes, and don’t forget your sunglasses for those sunny days! There are many options for water activities nearby, including waterfall chasing, so be sure to bring a swimsuit as well.

 

Celebrate the 4th of July in Helen, Georgia

Helen, Georgia, is the perfect place for you and your family to enjoy the Fourth of July festivities. The town puts on an epic fireworks show yearly, while neighboring towns add their own all-day celebrations!

Beyond the 4th of July celebrations, Helen is full of activities to enjoy during the summer weather. Whatever adventures you choose, you and your family are sure to make special memories during your stay at Blue Creek Cabins.