UNICOI STATE PARK
Nestled in the north Georgia mountains just two miles from the Alpine village of Helen, Unicoi is one of Georgia?s most beloved state parks. Throughout the year, the park offers outstanding programs which focus on natural, cultural, historical and recreational resources. Groups can make advanced reservations for specialized programs. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking and biking on scenic mountain trails, especially those leading to Helen and Anna Ruby Falls. Craft lovers should not miss the lodge gift shop specializing in hand-made quilts and local pottery. Numerous picnic tables are located throughout the park.
In the midst of the Chattahoochee National Forest, located just two miles from the Alpine Village of Helen, the Lodge at Unicoi State Park is a beautiful setting for all of your group needs. For group conferences, high-speed wireless internet services will allow you to bring your office systems with you. When the workday comes to an end, our guests can enjoy the park's 12 miles of nature and hiking trails, lake and trout stream fishing, four lighted tennis courts, softball and volleyball area, picnic facilities, world class mountain bike trail and year-round schedule of activities.
Unicoi State Park is located near Blairsville, Clarkesville and Cleveland
The trails at Unicoi State Park are enjoyable year-round. In the spring and summer you will find colorful blooms and buds, in the autumn the mountains are adorned with an array of reds, yellows, and oranges as leaves begin to change. And the winter months allow hikers and bikers to enjoy scenic views of the area not available any other time of the year. All trailheads, except the Unicoi Mountain Bike Trail, are located at the far end of the level 3 lodge parking area. Trail maps are available at the front desk.
BOTTOMS LOOP TRAIL
2 mile loop. Compacted Soil Surface. 1.5 hours. Rated moderate.
A moderate hike through rhododendrons, mountain laurels, and hemlocks that passes by remains of an old homestead. In the spring, you will find a variety of wildflowers and blooms. The trail crosses several brooks as it winds through a hardwood forest, and then meets the rippling waters of Smith Creek as it makes its way back to the lodge.
FROG POND NATURE TRAIL
1/3 mile loop. Compacted Soil Surface. 25 minutes. Rated easy.
A short walk around Frog Pond marked by interpretive signs and tree identification signs. Learn more about the wildlife that make Unicoi its home. Interested in a brief, informative stroll? This one is for you.
UNICOI/HELEN TRAIL
3 miles, one-way. Compacted Soil Surface. 2 hours, one-way / 4 hours, round-trip. Rated moderate to strenuous.
Hike from Unicoi State Park to Helen on a moderate to strenuous winding trail that starts out as the Bottom Loop Trail, then continues through stands of rhododendrons and mountain laurels to cross Lower Smith Creek. The trail crosses several small streams and then intersects the Unicoi Mountain Biking Trail before reaching Unicoi Hill City Park in Helen.
LAKE TRAIL
2.5 mile loop. Compacted Soil Surface. 2 hours. Rated easy.
This trail is mostly flat as it winds around the edge of the 53-acre Uncoi Lake. A pleasant loop trail with views of Uncoi Lake and surrounding mountains. A great fall hike for viewing leaves. Pick up a tree identification guide and learn how to identify trees common to Unicoi and the north Georgia mountains.
MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL
7.5 mile loop. Compacted Soil Surface. 2.5 hours. Rated moderate to strenuous.
This exclusive mountain biking trail takes riders over mountainous terrain and over ridges with scenic overlooks, and then back to Unicoi State Park. This trail, which is intended for experienced riders, has been used for several national and regional mountain biking racing events. Trailhead located at the Angler/Mt. Biking parking area.
SMITH CREEK TRAIL
4.8 miles, one-way. Compacted Soil Surface. 3 hours, one-way / 6 hours, round-trip. Rated strenuous.
This is a U.S. Forest Service trail that goes from the Unicoi State Park campground to Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area. The trail is considered strenuous, and guests are encouraged to bring water, wear appropriate footwear, and plan for shuttling if hiking only one direction. Shuttle service is not provided by the park. Beginning at Unicoi, follow this trail through the Chattahoochee National Forest. This trail leads to the headwaters of Smith Creek and passes stands of rhododendron and mountain laurel.
Located 2 miles northeast of Helen via Ga. Hwy. 356.