Unicoi State Park
A lake, a lodge, a zip line and trails to Helen and Anna Ruby Falls, all about 10 minutes from town
The short answer
Unicoi State Park sits on Unicoi Lake, which Smith Creek feeds, in the Georgia mountains right outside Helen. The North Georgia Mountains Authority and Coral Hospitality manage the park and lodge. You can come for a morning lap around the lake, stay the weekend in a barrel cabin, or fly across the treetops on a zip line. Fall is the park's showpiece season, with leaf color on the lake loop and plenty of traffic on weekends.
Where to stay
Lodge, cabins, glamping and camping
| Type | What you get |
|---|---|
| Lodge | 96 rooms (king, double queen and full beds), Wi-Fi, cable TV; 8 ADA rooms with roll-in showers |
| Cabins | 29 cabins: Smith Creek (2 bed, unplugged, wood-burning fireplace), Barrel (1 to 2 bedrooms, hillside) and Deluxe (3 bed, lake view, full kitchen) |
| Glamping | 4 safari tents with A/C and heat, a mini fridge, hammocks and a fire ring |
| Camping | About 100 campsites for RVs (30 to 40 ft), tents, primitive and ADA sites |
Rates change with the season; check unicoilodge.com or call 706-878-2201.
Where to eat
Three restaurants at the lodge
| Restaurant | Hours | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Unicoi Restaurant | Breakfast daily 7 to 10 AM | Southern and American cooking, stone fireplace. Reservations accepted. |
| Smith Creek Tavern | Lunch Sun-Thu 11:30 to 1:30, Fri-Sat 11:30 to 10. Dinner Sun-Thu 4 to 9, Fri-Sat to 10 | Full bar, live music; happy hour Fri-Sat 2 to 4. Parties of 4+ should call ahead (706-878-2201). |
| Anna's Italian Kitchen | Thu-Sat 4 to 8 PM | Italian dishes for sharing, 3rd floor. 706-610-2662. |
From the lodge's dining page. Hours can change, so call ahead.
Trails
| Trail | Length | Level | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Trail | 2.5-mile loop | Easy | Circles Unicoi Lake; the park's map calls it a great fall hike for leaf viewing. |
| Unicoi/Helen Trail | About 3 miles each way | Longer hike | Foot traffic only. Trailheads are at the far end of the lodge's level 3 lot (ParkPass applies there). |
| Smith Creek Trail to Anna Ruby Falls | 4.8 miles one way (the Forest Service says 4.6) | Longer hike | Anna Ruby Falls charges its own $6 admission at the falls and doesn't take the ParkPass. |
Grab a map at the visitor center (Sun-Thu 10 to 5, Fri-Sat 10 to 6). For the falls themselves, see our Anna Ruby Falls guide.
On the water and in the trees
Unicoi Lake paddling
Kayaks, paddle boards and aqua cycles rent from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, 10 AM to 5 PM, with the last rental at 4. Reserve 24 hours ahead at 706-878-2201. Details here.
Zip line
Screaming Eagle Zipline Tours: three levels, about $49 to $144 per person, ages 8 and up, 7 days a week 9 AM to 5 PM. Moonlight tours run Oct 24 and 31 ($84). Call 706-878-4740.
Other activities
The lodge lists archery, an air gun range, hatchet throwing, mountain biking and fly fishing classes. Call 706-878-2201 for prices and times.
Programs
This month's calendar includes crafting hours, wildlife presentations and outdoor family games. Check the lodge site for the current schedule.
Nearby: Smithgall Woods, area lakes, waterfalls and fall color.
Unicoi questions
Do I need a ParkPass for Unicoi State Park?
Yes, for parking: $10 per vehicle per day, or $70 a year. Diners at the lodge restaurants don't need it. Overnight guests pay the daily fee once per stay.
How big is Unicoi State Park?
1,029 acres, with a 53-acre lake.
How do I get to Anna Ruby Falls from Unicoi?
You can drive through the park to the falls or hike the Smith Creek Trail (4.8 miles one way). Anna Ruby Falls charges its own $6 admission for ages 16 and up and doesn't take the ParkPass.
Is there a zip line at Unicoi?
Yes. Screaming Eagle Zipline Tours operates in the park, 7 days a week 9 AM to 5 PM, with tours from about $49 to $144 per person for ages 8 and up. Reservations are strongly recommended; call 706-878-4740.
Can I rent a kayak on Unicoi Lake?
In summer, yes. Kayaks, paddle boards and aqua cycles rent from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, 10 AM to 5 PM, and you reserve 24 hours ahead at 706-878-2201.
Related Imagery from Around Helen
