Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race Returns for 2026

Photo of Jim Lynch and Ben Drennen

Colorful hot air balloons will once again fill the skies above Northeast Georgia as the Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race returns June 4-6, bringing one of the nation's most unique aviation events back to Alpine Helen.

Known as the South's oldest balloon event and the only long-distance hot air balloon race in the United States, the annual tradition is expected to attract pilots, crews, and spectators from across the region.

Weather permitting, approximately 20 hot air balloons will launch during a mass ascension at 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 4, from Helen. Several competitors will then begin the challenge of racing from North Georgia to Interstate 95, which serves as the finish line anywhere between Maine and Miami.

The race was inspired by the belief that Helen sits at the center of the world, while in Christopher Columbus' era the Atlantic Ocean represented the "edge of the Earth." From that idea, longtime organizer Pete Hodkinson developed the concept for the Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race.

The shortest possible route is approximately 225 miles, although the race typically takes two days to complete. Some competitors have reached Interstate 95 in a single day, while other races have stretched over four days depending on weather conditions and wind patterns.

Unlike traditional races, hot air balloon pilots cannot control their direction. Balloons travel with the wind, making strategy a critical part of the competition. Pilots must constantly search for the best altitude to find favorable wind currents that will move them toward the finish line.

Ground crews play an equally important role. Each balloon is limited to approximately 40 gallons of propane, enough fuel for roughly four hours of flight time. When fuel runs low, pilots must land and rendezvous with their crews for refueling. Delays during those stops can significantly impact a competitor's chances of winning.

The winner is determined by being the first pilot to cross Interstate 95 or, if no one reaches the finish line, the pilot who has traveled the farthest east by sunset on Friday, June 5.

While race competitors continue their journey toward the Atlantic, spectators in Helen will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy ballooning activities throughout the weekend.

Additional local balloon events are scheduled each morning and evening, weather permitting. Balloons are expected to launch around 7:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. daily, with flights typically lasting one to two hours.

Visitors may also have opportunities to assist with balloon inflations, participate as members of chase crews, and experience tethered balloon rides.

The Helendorf River Inn has served as race headquarters since the event began in 1974 and remains one of the event's primary sponsors and organizers. For decades, Barbara Gay welcomed pilots, crews, and their families to Helen. Today, event organizer Catherine Gay Cleiman continues that tradition alongside her son, Cole, and the Helendorf staff.

In recognition of their contributions to the sport, Dick, Barbara, and Catherine Gay were honored by the Ballooning Federation of America in 2003.

This year's Balloonmeister is Tarp Head, who has participated in the event since its inaugural year in 1974. Head won the race in 1979 and later founded HEAD Balloons, Inc., one of only a handful of FAA-approved balloon manufacturers in the United States.

Beyond the race itself, Helen offers balloon crews and visitors plenty of opportunities for adventure, including tubing on the Chattahoochee River, waterfall hikes, golf, gold panning, shopping, museums, and the unique charm of Georgia's Alpine Village.

Event Schedule

Thursday, June 4

• 7:00 a.m. — Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race Lift-Off and Mass Ascension

• 6:30 p.m. — Local Balloon Event

Friday, June 5

• 7:00 a.m. — Local Balloon Event

• 6:30 p.m. — Local Balloon Event

Saturday, June 6

• 7:00 a.m. — Local Balloon Event

• 6:30 p.m. — Local Balloon Event

All balloon activities are weather permitting. Event organizers encourage visitors to check conditions before attending, as launches may be delayed or postponed due to wind or storms.