Unicoi-Helen Trail

Trail from Unicoi Park to Helen


Description:

Starting at the Unicoi Lodge the trail starts out as Bottom Loop Trail, then continues through stands of rhododendrons and mountain laurels. The trail crosses Lower Smith Creek along with several other smaller creeks. This is the nicest part of the hike and is popular with trout fisherman.

Unicoi Park is a nice place to end if you have kids, since there is a full playground there. The hike would be too strenuous for younger kids, but those 8+ should be able to make it. The entire round trip is 6 miles, so it’s good to break it up with a lunch break in the middle. If you hike from Unicoi Lodge to Helen, starting out around 10 should put you in Helen around lunch.


Directions: Google Map

Starts at the Unicoi Lodge and ends at Unicoi Hill Park in Helen. The trail can be hiked from either direction.



State: Georgia
County: White
Latitude: 34.724800101
Longitude: -83.7273025513
Length: 3.0 miles
Difficulty: 4
3.0/5 Stars (1 votes)
  • Currently 3.0/5 Stars.
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Trail viewed 181 times

User: Hugh Watkins Title: Access to Lower Smith Creek Rating: 3
Date: Sat Apr-17-2010
Trip Type: Day Hike
Report:

We did this day hike from the Unicoi Lodge to Helen and back. I have twins that at 10 and they made it OK, but were tired on the return hike. The trail is in good condition and there were many people with dogs. Down by Lower Smith Creek is the nicest part of the trail and is a picture perfect example of a North Georgia Trout stream. There was a waterfall but you could not easily get near it.


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Other nearby trails
MilesTrail NameShort Description
0 Unicoi-Helen Trail Trail from Unicoi Park to Helen
0 Bottoms Loop Trail A loop near the floodplain of Smith Creek
1 Anna Ruby Falls National Recreation Trail Hike to the breathtaking Anna Ruby Falls
1 Smith Creek Trail Winds over Hickory Nut Ridge and Smith Mountain
3 Laurel Ridge Interpretive Trail A hike with breathtaking views of surrounding mountains
3 Dukes Creek Falls Trail Trail to the beautiful Dukes Creek Falls