It is a European tradition that has made its way back to the charming Alpine village of Helen, Georgia, as the 23rd Annual Volkswanderung returned to the community.
It is referred to as a Volksmarch or “people’s walk.”
The event took place on Saturday, April 26, blending scenic trails, cultural celebration, and community spirit in a non-competitive fitness walk open to all ages.
Alpine Helen Volksmarch Club President Rob Powell and Treasurer Bryan Meckley have revived the tradition in Helen and believe it is catching on.
Two scenic routes
This year’s walk offered two scenic routes for participants to choose from, each designed to showcase the natural beauty of the Helen area.
The 10 K Mountain Trail Walk offered a more challenging yet stunning route that began at Bodensee German Restaurant and wound through downtown Helen to the Helen-to-Unicoi Trail, leading up to Unicoi State Park Lodge and back. The route was designed so walkers could enjoy mountain streams, forest views, and an authentic Alpine atmosphere reminiscent of southern Germany.
The 5K Riverside Trail Walk offered walkers a gentler, flatter alternative, perfect for beginners, families with strollers, or leashed pets. This walk followed the Hardman Farm Trail along the Chattahoochee River, offering beautiful river views with minimal incline.
Participants could begin their walk any time between 7:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., with the event concluding at noon.
A lively post-walk celebration — including live German music, food, beer, and a large prize drawing was scheduled after the walk at the Bodensee Restaurant.
One of the unique features of Volksmarching was the use of event and distance books, where walkers collected stamps from each event they completed. For many, these books were a badge of honor, filled with stories of journeys across the U.S. and Europe. Participants were able to purchase official AVA books and get them stamped at the event
“Some people have walked thousands of miles and attended events in all 50 states and multiple countries,” Powell had said. “We had a booth displaying the history, along with pins, past T-shirts, and other memorabilia.”
Plans are already in the works for next year’s event, which may feature custom Helen beer steins — a nod to the German tradition where participants receive ceramic mugs instead of medals or shirts.
Promoting a different side of Helen
While Helen is often known for its Oktoberfest celebrations, downtown shopping, and Bavarian charm, the Volkswanderung offered a family-friendly, fitness-focused alternative.
“This gave visitors and locals alike the chance to see the quieter, more natural side of Helen,” Meckley had said. “You got to walk through the woods, see the river, breathe the mountain air — and then come back to town and celebrate.”
The event was open to all ages and fitness levels, and leashed pets were welcome. Whether attendees were seasoned walkers collecting stamps or simply looking for a fun Saturday outing with the family, the 23rd Annual Volkswanderung had something for everyone.
For more information about the club and how to participate in future events, visit the club’s website at www.alpinehelenvolksmarch.org.
Those who participated dusted off their walking shoes, grabbed their dogs, strollers, or hiking buddies, and saw Helen in a new and different way.
