Exploring the Helen Haunts, Murder, Mystery Tour with Paranormal Investigation
If you’re into stories that send a shiver down your spine, Helen’s Haunted Trails Tour might be just the ticket. Promoted as a blend of history, ghost stories, and paranormal investigation, this tour promises an hour and a half of spooky fun rooted in Helen, Georgia’s colorful past. While it’s not a full-on ghost-hunting expedition, it combines storytelling with the chance to see some paranormal equipment in action, making it ideal for curious thrill-seekers and lovers of local legends alike.
What we particularly like about this experience is the knowledgeable guides who bring stories to life, and the affordable price point—just $20 per person offers a lot of entertainment value. On the flip side, some travelers might find the focus on unsubstantiated paranormal claims less satisfying if they prefer strictly historical tours. Still, if you enjoy a mix of storytelling and the thrill of the unexplained, this tour hits the right note. It’s especially suited for families, small groups, or solo travelers looking for a fun, engaging, and reasonably priced evening activity in Helen.
Key Points
- Affordable at just $20, offering good value for a 1.5-hour experience.
- Knowledgeable guides enhance storytelling with local folklore and haunted stories.
- Interactive paranormal equipment adds an authentic touch to ghost hunting.
- Small group size (up to 30 travelers) means a more intimate, engaging experience.
- Nighttime walking tour provides atmospheric views of Helen’s cobblestone streets.
- Suitable for most travelers, including those with service animals or limited mobility.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Blue Ridge.
A Look at the Experience
The Helen Haunts, Murder, Mystery Tour is based in the charming mountain town of Helen, Georgia. Known for its Alpine-style architecture and lively festival scene, Helen also has a darker side—stories of spirits, voodoo rituals, and long-buried secrets. This tour aims to peel back the layers of the town’s haunted reputation, blending local folklore, ghost stories, and paranormal investigation into a single, engaging walk.
The tour begins at Unicoi Hill Park, a central spot that acts as the jumping-off point. From there, you’ll stroll through Helen’s historic streets, where the guide shares tales of voodoo rituals that allegedly summoned spirits, and murder stories that left a dark imprint on the town’s past. The stories are designed to be both entertaining and eerie, often weaving in local legends that have persisted for generations.
The Itinerary Breakdown
Stop 1: Helen
The hour-long walk offers a chance to see Helen after dark, when the town’s fairy-tale facades seem to take on a ghostly glow. Here, your guide will recount tales of spirits wandering the streets, and share stories of murderous secrets buried beneath the soil. Expect to hear about restless spirits and unexplained phenomena that leave visitors pondering what is real. The experience is enhanced by ghost hunting equipment provided, which adds an interactive element to the storytelling. Several reviews mention how the tour is “very entertaining” and well told, with guides like Heather earning praise for their knowledge and kindness.
The Paranormal Investigation
After the storytelling, the group engages in a 30-minute paranormal investigation. This segment allows participants to try out ghost-hunting tools, such as EMF meters or spirit boxes, under the guidance of a paranormal-sensitive guide. One reviewer raved about how genuinely communicative the spirits seemed to be, highlighting the authenticity the tools added. While the paranormal claims are unproven, this segment offers fun and engagement, especially for those curious about the supernatural.
What Makes It Special
One of the tour’s strengths is its local folklore. The stories aren’t just spooky tales—they’re intertwined with Helen’s history, lending a sense of authenticity. The guide’s storytelling skill is often highlighted, with reviewers mentioning how well they brought the stories to life. Heather, in particular, receives glowing reviews for her genuine enthusiasm and knowledge, which greatly enhances the overall experience.
The atmospheric setting of Helen at night elevates the tour. Walking along cobblestone streets, with old buildings and the shadows cast by the moon, sets an ideal scene for ghost stories and mystery. The small group size (max 30) ensures an intimate vibe, where everyone can hear the stories and participate actively.
Practical Details and Value
The tour lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, a solid length that balances storytelling with paranormal exploration without dragging on. It’s priced at $20, which makes it one of the more budget-friendly attractions in Helen. When you consider the inclusion of ghost-hunting equipment and a local folklore-rich narrative, it feels like a good deal.
Starting at Unicoi Hill Park makes it easy for visitors to include this tour as part of an evening stroll or before dinner. The tour is accessible to most travelers, with service animals allowed and near public transportation options. Since it’s a walking tour, comfortable shoes are recommended, especially in muggy weather—something one reviewer pointed out as a consideration.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, providing some flexibility should your plans change. The small size of the group means you’re likely to get personalized attention, and the guide’s approachable style makes it a fun, accessible experience.
How This Tour Compares
For travelers interested in local legends and ghost stories, this tour delivers plenty of engaging tales and the chance to participate in paranormal investigation. It’s comparable to other haunted walks but stands out because of its blend of folklore and hands-on ghost-hunting experience.
However, those seeking a strictly historical or scientific ghost tour might find the focus on unsubstantiated paranormal activity less satisfying. The reviews reflect this balance—some guests loved the storytelling, while a few wished for more historical depth. Still, the value for money and fun factor make it a popular choice for a lighthearted evening activity.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is perfect for families, couples, solo travelers, or friends looking for a fun, inexpensive way to explore Helen after dark. If you enjoy stories of mystery, spirits, and local legends, you’ll find plenty to love. It’s also ideal if you’re curious about paranormal tools and want a hands-on experience, even if just for a short time.
It’s less suitable for those who prefer rigorous historical accuracy or who might find stories of spirits and voodoo too unsubstantiated. But for most visitors seeking a lighthearted, spooky adventure, it hits the spot.
Final Thoughts
The Helen Ghosts, Voodoo, and Haunted Trails Tour balances entertainment, local storytelling, and a dash of paranormal fun at a very reasonable price. The knowledgeable guide, especially Heather, adds warmth and authenticity to the experience, making it much more than just a walk through a haunted town. It’s a chance to experience Helen’s nighttime charm with a spooky twist, perfect for those who want to mix a bit of mystery into their visit.
If you’re after a light-hearted ghost walk with interactive elements and engaging stories, this tour offers excellent value. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of folklore, fun, and the possibility—just the possibility—of spirits making contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, blending storytelling and paranormal investigation.
What is included in the price?
For $20, you get a guided walking tour, ghost-hunting equipment, and the chance to hear local haunted stories and folklore.
Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It’s open to most travelers, including those with service animals. Since it’s a walking tour, comfortable shoes are recommended, and the group size is small for a more accessible experience.
Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Unicoi Hill Park on Main Street and concludes back at the same meeting point.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours before the tour. Less than 24 hours’ notice means no refund.
Is this tour just about ghost stories?
It focuses on local folklore, haunted accounts, and paranormal investigation, blending history with legend and supernatural fun.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, possibly a lighter for the “smug stick” (as one reviewer humorously suggested), and an open mind.
Are the stories based on facts?
The tour mixes local legend and folklore—some details are unsubstantiated, but the storytelling is engaging and well delivered.
Is the paranormal equipment real?
The provided ghost-hunting tools add participation and authenticity; they are standard tools used in paranormal investigations, but their effectiveness is subjective.
This tour offers a spirited, affordable way to explore Helen’s darker side. Whether you’re a believer or just in it for the fun, it’s a memorable way to spend an evening in this mountain town.