Unicoi Lake Loop Trail at Unicoi State Park

Hike the scenic Unicoi Lake Loop Trail for some of the most picturesque views of Unicoi State Park.

This easy 2.5 mile round-trip hike on the shores of Unicoi Lake is one of the best hikes in Helen, Georgia.

As you hike, you can enjoy the calm lake from numbered docks along the shore, see zipliners flying by, and glimpse the mountains reflected in the lake’s glassy surface. Here’s everything you need to know about hiking the Unicoi Lake Loop Trail at Unicoi State Park in Helen, Georgia.

Unicoi Lake Loop Trail Hike

Unicoi Lake (officially named Smith Lake) is a 53-acre lake within Unicoi State Park just a few minutes north of Alpine Helen.

The Unicoi Lake Loop Trail is 2.5 miles round-trip hike on an easy unpaved path on the lake’s shores.

Because it’s a loop, you can start from many different parking areas near the lake. But I recommend starting at the Unicoi State Park & Lodge Visitor Center. We started here and took the counter-clockwise route.

The hike departs from the Visitor Center and passes through a grassy marshland before reaching the lake shore. The trail follows closely along the shoreline, with numbered docks providing scenic stopping points for you to enjoy the lake views. There were plenty of people fishing from the docks when we visited.

At about 0.5 miles, the trail crosses a boardwalk where Smith Creek meets Unicoi Lake; several miles upstream from here is where Anna Ruby Falls cascades into Smith Creek (this is another easy hike in Helen that’s definitely worth the visit).

Shortly after, the trail crosses Unicoi Beach and the public lake beach swimming access. Continue on the trail on the other side of the beach.

At about 1 mile, the trail reaches a parking and picnic area. From here, you’ll follow the paved road across the Unico Lake Dam; be cautious of traffic here. The trail dives back under the cover of trees just past the parking area on the other side of the dam, following along the top of a ridge.

The Unicoi Lake Trail turns to follow alongside the park’s Barrel Cabins. You’ll also pass a few of the ziplining outposts around here. You might be lucky enough to see some of the zipliners go by as you hike.

The hike climbs along high above the lake, completing back at the start by the Visitor Center at about 2.5 miles.

Unicoi Lake Loop Trail Info

Hike length: 2.5 miles round-trip

Difficulty: Easy

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

Location: 255 Big Brook Rd, Helen, GA 30545

Parking: Parking is available at Unicoi State Park for a $5 fee.

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

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

Accessibility: The Unicoi Lake Loop Trail is an unpaved dirt trail that is mostly flat. The trail can be muddy at times.

More North Georgia Hikes

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

• Anna Ruby Falls Trail
• Tray Mountain Summit
• Brasstown Bald Summit
• DeSoto Falls Trail
• Preacher’s Rock from Woody Gap
• Hurricane Falls Trail

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

• Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
• Find Accommodation: You can find top cabin rentals in Helen using VRBO.
• Start Packing: Check out my packing list resources so you’re prepared for your trip.
• Explore Helen in a New Way: Enjoy a Mystery Picnic Date in Helen to discover more of the town.

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Cheers!

Paige

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