Look to the skies, Atlanta! If you’re a fan of colorful, glowing hot air balloons, you can’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind hot air balloon race happening just outside of the ATL!
The 52nd Annual Helen to The Atlantic Balloon Race
Every year, Georgia’s adorable Alpine Helen hosts a massive hot air balloon race. In fact, it’s the first and only long-distance hot hair balloon race in the country, and the oldest hot air balloon event in the south!
The race starts in Helen, GA and the finish line is I-95 (anywhere between Maine and Miami).
The shortest distance is 225 miles and the race generally takes about two days to complete. It has been done in one day, while some races have taken as many as four days. Several balloons will be competing in the cross country race.
And you can check out the race, all while enjoying the adorable wonders of Helen!
Helen’s website says,
While staying at the Helendorf the pilots, their families and crews stay busy with hot dog roasts on the patio by the river, tubing down the river, hikes to waterfalls, picnics, buggy rides, an afternoon at the amusement park, a round of golf, gold panning, visits to museums or shopping. Alpine Helen offers much for guests to enjoy.
Oh, I’ve gotta check it out! What’re the details?
The 52nd Annual Helen to The Atlantic Balloon Race will be hosted in Helen, GA from June 5th – June 7th, 2025.
You can watch from the launch point, where the great balloon race will begin!
The launch field is located across the river from Cool River Tubing & the city’s River Park on the Wilkin’s property. To enter the field, go across the bridge at Cool River Tubing and turn left.
*While the majority of balloons will use the launch field, a few balloons may also launch in various places around town.
Here’s the schedule breakdown
Thursday, June 5th
- 7:00 am lift-off for Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race & Mass Ascension
- 6:30 pm local balloon event
Friday, June 6th
- 7:00 am local balloon event
- 6:30 pm local balloon event
Saturday, June 7th
- 7:00 am local balloon event
- 6:30 pm local balloon event
Need an address for your GPS to get to Helen? We got you!
Address: Helen | 1074 Edelweiss Strasse