Helen is a delightful town that offers more than just scenic mountain views and Bavarian architecture. Its lively streets and surrounding countryside make it an excellent base for a variety of tours and activities that cater to different interests. Whether you’re craving an outdoor adventure, a spooky paranormal experience, or a festive holiday walk, Helen has something to offer.
We’re especially fond of the Brasstown Bald Mountain Self Guided Tour because it combines a scenic drive, a rewarding summit view, and charming town exploration—all in a manageable day trip. Plus, visiting Helen’s shops and enjoying a local lunch makes for a well-rounded experience.
While Helen is best known for its natural beauty, its quirky side comes alive with ghost stories and holiday mysteries. If you’re into supernatural thrills, the Haunts Ghost Tour with Paranormal Investigation provides an eerie peek into the town’s haunted corners.
For a festive twist, the Ghosts of Christmas Past Tour offers spooky holiday stories amid decorated streets. We’ve included these tours because they reveal a fun, spooky side of Helen that many travelers overlook.
Quick Overview
Our list features a scenic mountain drive, a ghost hunting adventure, and a holiday ghost tour. The Brasstown Bald Mountain Self Guided Tour leads you through breathtaking views and charming town stops.
The Haunts Ghost Tour offers a hands-on paranormal experience, while the Ghosts of Christmas Past combines holiday cheer with ghostly tales. Each provides a unique way to explore Helen’s landscape and stories.
1. Atlanta: Brasstown Bald Mountain Self Guided Tour
At number 1, this self-guided tour is perfect for those who want a flexible, scenic day with minimal fuss. Starting from North Atlanta, you’ll rent a Slingshot, an open-air roadster that makes driving through North Georgia’s lush landscapes a thrill.
The highlight is reaching Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest peak at 4,784 feet, offering panoramic views that stretch for miles. The tour includes plenty of time to soak in the scenery, take photos, and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
After the mountain visit, you’ll head to the picturesque town of Helen, where a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant awaits. Following that, you can browse Helen’s boutiques and souvenir shops, which are filled with handmade crafts and Bavarian-style gifts. The self-guided aspect means you control the pace—perfect for a day that can be as adventurous or leisurely as you like.
The reviews praise the tour’s flexibility and the stunning views, with one caller describing it as “a fantastic mix of scenic drive and small-town charm.”
Bottom Line: If you love scenic drives, mountain vistas, and exploring at your own pace, this tour offers excellent value and unforgettable memories.
2. Helen: Haunts Ghost Tour with Paranormal Investigation
Number 2 on our list is the Haunts Ghost Tour, a lively, spooky experience for those intrigued by ghost stories and paranormal phenomena. This 1.5-hour adventure takes you through Helen’s most haunted spots, including cemeteries and old buildings, guided by someone with deep paranormal experience.
What makes this tour stand out is the use of ghost-hunting equipment—EMF meters, spirit boxes, and infrared thermometers—to actively engage with the supernatural.
While the reviews note that the tour is only moderately rated at 3.6/5, many participants find the interactive element exciting. The guide shares tales of lost loves, apparitions, and mysterious happenings, making it a fun way to explore Helen’s darker side.
The tour is suitable for those who enjoy a thrill but don’t want a long commitment. The price is notably low at just $10 per person, making it an affordable nightcap for your trip.
Bottom Line: Perfect for curious travelers or families looking for a spooky adventure, this tour offers a mix of history, storytelling, and hands-on ghost hunting.
3. Helen: Ghosts of Christmas Past Tour
For a holiday-themed ghost experience, the Ghosts of Christmas Past Tour combines festive cheer with ghostly legends. This 1.5-hour guided walk takes you through Helen’s beautifully decorated streets, where stories of Christmas spirits, apparitions, and holiday mysteries unfold.
The tour’s charm lies in its seasonal setting—twinkling lights, decorated shops, and the warm glow of holiday spirit contrast haunting tales of lost loves and spectral visits.
Reviewers note that the stories are spooky yet fun, and the tour creates a perfect blend of tradition and ghostly intrigue. It’s a family-friendly option that evokes a sense of wonder and a bit of chills. The ticket price is $28 per person, which is reasonable for a themed storytelling experience.
If you’re visiting Helen during the holiday season, this tour offers a memorable way to combine holiday festivities with a touch of the supernatural.
Bottom Line: Ideal for holiday visitors or those interested in holiday ghost stories, this tour brings together Christmas cheer and spectral legends.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When deciding which tour to book, consider your interests and the time you have available. If scenic drives and mountain views appeal, the Brasstown Bald self-guided tour offers a flexible, outdoors experience. For those curious about paranormal activity, the Haunts Ghost Tour offers an engaging, hands-on ghost hunt, perfect for thrill-seekers.
If visiting during the holiday season, the Ghosts of Christmas Past provides a cozy, festive ghost story walk amid lights and decorations.
Budget-wise, the ghost tours are very affordable, while the scenic drive offers a more comprehensive day out with lunch and shopping included. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak leaf-peeping season or holiday times, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Helen offers a surprising diversity of tours and activities that go beyond its charming streets. From breathtaking mountain vistas to spooky ghost stories, there’s something for every traveler. For an active day with stunning scenery, the Brasstown Bald Mountain Self Guided Tour is hard to beat.
If you’re after a spooky thrill, the Haunts Ghost Tour is a fun, interactive experience. For a festive holiday outing, the Ghosts of Christmas Past offers spooky stories wrapped in holiday cheer.
No matter what you choose, booking early will ensure you get the most out of your trip. Helen’s variety of tours makes it easy to tailor your visit—whether you want scenic adventure, paranormal thrills, or seasonal story-telling. Now’s the time to plan your trip and enjoy all the unique experiences this charming mountain town has to offer.