For anyone who enjoys outdoor activities, Unicoi State Park is like a gold mine. 
With acres of wilderness intersected by cool streams, the 1029-acre park provides year-round pleasure for all age groups.
With miles of trails, hikers have a choice of options, ranging from leisurely to a workout. A favorite is the Lake Trail, an easy 2 ½-mile trek that offers nice views of the lake and mountains. Take the 3-mile Helen Trail one way and you end up in town, a great excuse to have lunch before hiking back.
If you’re an experienced mountain biker, you’ll enjoy the 7-mile loop bike trail. Built on an old roadbed, it’s a wide single track that goes up and down quite a bit, making for a challenging ride. Note: there is a $2 daily fee for biking.
The centerpiece of the park is the 44-acre Smith Lake, a draw for swimming and fishing. There are fishing docks scattered around the edge of the lake, but fishers can also find two nice sections on Smith Creek, above and below the lake, that offer great trout fishing. Sign up for a Park flyfishing class and you can learn the ins and outs of the sport from licensed guides.
Want a little more excitement that that? Go aerial. The park has 11 zip lines and seven suspension bridges on its Aerial Adventure that are nearly guaranteed to ramp up the thrill level, and provide views of the park below that are breathtaking. Or head back to the lake, where you can rent a paddle board or kayak and cruise across the water.
Unicoi State Park and Lodge
1788 Highway 356, Helen, GA
Park hours: 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Visitor Center hours vary during peak season
$5/car
Paddleboard and flyfishing lessons, start at $25
Level 1 Zipline Canopy Tour, $59/person
706-878-2201
After all that adventure, a soothing massage at our Spa would feel pretty good, wouldn’t it? Give us a call and we’ll be happy to help you with an appointment, and a room for the night.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNICOI STATE PARK & LODGE