Unicoi Barrel Cabins
Sleep in a round, barrel-shaped cabin on a forested hillside, 10 minutes from downtown Helen
The short answer
Most cabins look like cabins. These look like something rolled into the woods and stopped. The barrel cabins at Unicoi State Park are round on the end, sit on the hillside among the trees and come with their own boardwalk, picnic table and grill. Inside, the curved walls make a snug, wood-lined room, and full kitchens mean you can cook breakfast instead of driving for it.
The lodge says its cabins offer "comfort and quirkiness with their unusual design," and that's about right. You'll get a good story, a quiet forest, and the park's trails and lake close by. You book them through Unicoi State Park & Lodge, which operates the park's lodging under the North Georgia Mountains Authority and Coral Hospitality.
Layouts
Two options, both with full kitchens
| Layout | Beds | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom, 1 bath | Bedroom plus a sleeper sofa | Couples, or a couple with a child |
| 2 bedrooms, 1 bath | King or queen accommodations | Families and two couples traveling together |
The park also rents Smith Creek Cabins (rustic, two beds, no Wi-Fi) and larger Deluxe Cabins with lake views. See the Unicoi Lodge guide for the lodge rooms and other options.
What's nearby
Everything you can do from the cabins
| Place | What to know |
|---|---|
| Unicoi Lake and the Lake Trail | 53-acre lake; the lake loop is 2.5 miles and easy |
| Unicoi Lodge restaurants | Unicoi Restaurant (Southern and American) and Smith Creek Tavern (cocktails, craft beer, casual bites) |
| Zip line aerial tour | Run by the lodge; book through unicoilodge.com |
| Unicoi/Helen Trail | About 3 miles each way, on foot only, between the lodge area and downtown Helen |
| Anna Ruby Falls | Next door by car. $6 at its own gatehouse; the ParkPass isn't accepted |
Trail details come from the park's own map on Georgia State Parks.
Photo gallery
Around the barrel cabins
A barrel cabin among the trees, with its own boardwalk, picnic table and grill.
Curved wood walls and a kitchen at one end; layouts vary by cabin.
The cabins sit on forested hillsides around the park.
Unicoi Lake, a short walk or drive from the cabins.
Trails link the cabin area to the lake and lodge.
Evening light over the North Georgia ridges.
Wooded paths run through the park.
Smith Creek and the park's streams run through the hills.
Booking tips
Book early for October
Leaf season and Oktoberfest weekends fill first, and the park has a limited number of barrel cabins. Reserve as soon as your dates are firm.
Try midweek
If weekends are full, a Sunday-to-Thursday stay is usually easier to land, and the park is quieter.
Stock the kitchen
You have a full kitchen, so pick up groceries before you head up to the park, and plan on a dinner at the lodge or in town.
Pack layers
October nights in Helen average in the mid-40s, and the park sits in the hills. Bring a jacket for the grill and the walk to dinner.
Getting there
The park is at 1788 Highway 356, about 10 minutes from downtown Helen. Check in as your reservation instructs, and the lodge will point you to your cabin. Overnight guests pay the daily ParkPass fee ($10 per vehicle) once per stay. If you'd like to leave the car, the 3-mile Unicoi/Helen Trail is a walk into town. See the Helen parking guide for downtown lots.
Barrel cabin questions
What are the Unicoi barrel cabins?
They're round, barrel-shaped cabins on the forested hillsides of Unicoi State Park, run by Unicoi State Park & Lodge. The lodge lists two layouts: one bedroom with a sleeper sofa, and two bedrooms with king or queen accommodations. Both have full kitchens.
How much do the barrel cabins cost?
Rates change with the season and the day of the week, and the lodge doesn't print a single price. Check the booking page or call 706-878-2201 for dates you're considering.
Do I need a ParkPass?
Overnight guests pay the daily ParkPass fee ($10 per vehicle) once per stay, not every day. The annual ParkPass is $70.
Can I bring a dog?
Park rules require pets on a leash. Ask the lodge about cabin-specific pet rules and fees when you book.
How far are the cabins from Helen?
The park is about 10 minutes from downtown Helen by car. The 3-mile Unicoi/Helen Trail also connects the two, on foot.
