Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive a commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own.
| |

Unicoi to Helen Trail at Unicoi State Park

The Unicoi to Helen Trail is a beautiful hike through lush valley forests, departing from the Unicoi Lodge and ending in Helen at Unicoi Hill City Park.

The Unicoi to Helen Trail is a 5.2-mile out-and-back hike that’s very popular for hikers and runners.

This is such a beautiful trail to hike during the spring when the green starts popping on the trees!

Unicoi to Helen Trail, Unicoi State Park

Hiking the Unicoi to Helen Trail

This trail is 2.6 miles one way departing from Unicoi State Park from behind the Unicoi Lodge and ending in the town of Helen at Unicoi Hill City Park.

It’s considered a moderately challenging trail, so if you don’t want to hike the entire 5+ mile trail, you can certainly turn back before reaching Helen for a shorter, but still lovely, hike.

The beginning of the Unicoi to Helen Trail is combined with Bottoms Loop Trail, which descends into the forest from behind the lodge, following brightly-marked orange diamond trail markers.

This is such a great spring hike because the trees are exploding with fresh green leaves and new growth.

At 0.25 miles, the trail passes the park’s tennis courts and crosses Unicoi Bottoms Road, and then it’s back to the cover of the forest. At about 0.5 miles, keep right to stay on the Unicoi to Helen Trail; left will take you on the eastern part of Bottoms Loop Trail.

Unicoi to Helen Trail

The trail then passes through a gorgeous large, open field that offers views of the surrounding mountains.

After the meadow, you’ll come to some wooden bridges that cross Smith Creek. Keep to the right to cross the longest bridge and stay on the Unicoi to Helen Trail; to the left again puts you on the Bottoms Loop Trail.

The Unicoi to Helen Trail then follows alongside Smith Creek for a ways. It will again cross Smith Creek at another wooden footbridge.

From here, the trail crosses the park’s Mountain Bike Trail, so be sure to keep a look out for mountain bikers at intersections, and be sure not to take any detours onto the Mountain Bike Trail as it is exclusively for bikers.

The Unicoi to Helen Trail reaches Unicoi Hill Park in Helen at about 2.6 miles. This is a great opportunity to stop for lunch and explore some of the fun things to do in Helen.

Helen to Unicoi: The Hike Back

The rest of the Unicoi to Helen Trail is simple: you just follow the trail back the way you came!

The only moderately strenuous part of our hike back was the uphill climb near the beginning of the trail at Unicoi Lodge. Overall, this was an easy hike, though it was a suffocatingly humid day.

Hiking Essentials

Come prepared for your hike by making sure you pack the essentials. Check out this must-have hiking gear before you set off on the trails:

Unicoi to Helen Trail Info

Hike length: 5.2 miles round-trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Is it pet-friendly?: Yes, leashed dogs are allowed on this trail.

Location: 1788 GA-356, Helen, GA 30545 (Unicoi State Park Lodge) or N Main St, Helen, GA 30545 (Unicoi Hill Park)

Parking: Parking is available at Unicoi State Park for a $5 fee. There is also free parking available at Unicoi Hill Park if you would like to start the hike from that direction.

Fees: $5 parking fee per vehicle at Unicoi State Park. Free parking at Unicoi Hill Park.

Hours: The trail is open from 7 a.m. to dark.

Accessibility: The Unicoi to Helen Trail is unpaved dirt trails with multiple inclines. The trails can be muddy at times.

Where to Stay in Helen

Find the perfect place to rest your head on your visit to Helen, from the top rated accommodations to unique stays you can’t get anywhere else.

More North Georgia Hikes

Explore more of the North Georgia Mountains with these beautiful hiking trails nearby.


Ready to visit Helen, Georgia? Plan your trip with these tips.


Cheers!

Paige

Georgia Hikes: Unicoi to Helen Trail

Have you hiked the Unicoi to Helen Trail in Helen, Georgia? Tell me about your adventure in the comments below!

Similar Posts

2 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *