Just outside the scenic mountain town of Helen, GA, Unicoi State Park is one of the most beloved destinations in the state of Georgia. This 1,050-acre park offers spectacular sights, various annual events, and many outdoor recreation opportunities during all four seasons.
Visitors can spend an afternoon hiking and biking through the forest or enjoy fishing and canoeing on the park’s 53-acre lake. Unicoi is also close to the Appalachian Trail, Dukes Creek Falls and Anna Ruby Falls, and Yonah Mountain, all of which are iconic landmarks in northern Georgia. Wherever the day takes you, a trip to this region guarantees an exciting adventure you’ll never forget! Here are some of our favorite features of Unico State Park in GA.
What You’ll See at Unicoi State Park in GA
Outdoor Recreation & Activities
Featuring 12 miles of picturesque trails, Unicoi is ideal for hikers and mountain bikers of all skill levels. Throughout the warmer months, the trails are lined with colorful blooms and buds, and the fall brings bursts of red, yellow, and orange leaves. Hikers can even enjoy a journey in the winter, with scenic views of snow-capped mountains that aren’t available any other time of year. Be sure to bring some water, wear appropriate footwear, and pick up a trail map at the front desk of the Unicoi State Park lodge before heading out.
Another popular park attraction is Smith Lake (also known as Unicoi Lake), a cool and refreshing body of water that offers swimming, canoe and pedal boat rentals, and a sandy beach for sunbathing during the summer. Licensed anglers can cast a line off one of the lake’s docks and catch catfish, bluegill, bass, and a variety of trout, and picnic tables and restrooms are also available.
Accommodations & Facilities
If you want to explore the park for multiple days, Unicoi offers 105 campsites for tents, trailers, RV’s, 30 cottages, and a 100-room lodge and conference center with WiFi. During your camping trip, you can enjoy a nightly trout dinner at the lodge’s on-site restaurant, munch on s’mores and share stories around the campfire, or spend an afternoon tackling the pulse-pumping adventure course. A few nights under the stars at Unicoi State Park is a wonderful way to experience the beauty of nature.
Annual Events & Festivals
Throughout the year, the park staff hosts a variety of exciting programs and events, from craft festivals and concerts to educational hikes and tours. Be sure to check out the Visiting Artist Series this summer, the Fall Festival in October, and a fireside Arts & Crafts Show in February 2017. With so much to do and see, guests can enjoy visiting the park all year long!
Stay at Glen-Ella Springs Inn!
When planning your trip to Unicoi State Park in GA, be sure to book your stay at Glen-Ella Springs Inn. Just a 40-minute drive from the park, our beautiful North Georgia bed and breakfast is the perfect homestead after a rugged camping weekend or an action-packed day trip. Plus, our award-winning restaurant offers delicious gourmet dinners and hot, homemade breakfasts each day, so you can leave the mountains feeling refreshed and energized. We can’t wait to hear about your adventures at Unicoi!
