Picnic Spots

Key Points

Diverse Picnic Settings: The Helen area offers distinct picnic environments ranging from the convenient, Bavarian-themed Riverside Park downtown to the rugged, conservation-focused seclusion of Smithgall Woods and the amenity-rich Unicoi State Park.

Regulatory Landscape: Visitors must adhere to strict alcohol regulations. Public consumption is generally prohibited on city streets and within state park public-use areas. River tubing has specific ordinances banning coolers and glass to protect the Chattahoochee River ecosystem.

Culinary Logistics: Premier local provisioning options include Betty’s Country Store for custom deli sandwiches and Hofer's Bakery for authentic German pastries and breads, facilitating high-quality impromptu picnics.

Helen sits right at the headwaters of the Chattahoochee River, and the town has done a good job of building public green spaces along the water. These spots give you a place to spread out a blanket and eat without fighting for a restaurant table during the busy tourist season.

On Edelweiss Strasse, the City of Helen Riverside Park is the main public picnic area in town. It is an easy walk from the shops but feels like a different world from the busy Main Street sidewalks.

Facilities and Amenities: The park features a well-maintained picnic shelter, a playground, and clean restroom facilities, making it particularly suitable for families. The aesthetic of the park aligns with the town's mandated German Alpine architecture, featuring cobblestone alleys and picturesque towers that frame the river view.

Atmosphere and Usage: The park is situated near the Cool River tubing outpost, providing picnickers with a vantage point to observe tubers floating down the Chattahoochee. It is characterized by a "dream-like" and peaceful atmosphere, particularly on weekdays or early mornings when crowds are thinner.

Parking and Accessibility: Unlike many downtown areas where parking is scarce, Riverside Park offers ample open parking space, facilitating the transport of coolers and picnic gear.

Before you pack a cooler for your riverside picnic, know the local rules about alcohol and the river.

Alcohol Policy: The City of Helen enforces strict open container laws. It is unlawful to consume alcoholic beverages on public rights-of-way or public property, including parks and sidewalks. While some local variations exist in Georgia (such as "to-go cup zones" in Savannah), Helen does not permit open containers in these public spaces.

River Protection Ordinances: For those combining picnicking with river activities, strict environmental protections are in place. City Code 46-22 prohibits the possession of coolers, glass containers, and alcohol on the Chattahoochee River within city limits. Tubers are restricted to one plastic bottle of water (maximum 32 oz) per person to prevent littering. The Helen Police Department actively patrols the riverbanks to enforce these rules.

Located approximately two miles northeast of downtown Helen via GA Hwy 356, Unicoi State Park is a 1,023-acre facility centered around the 53-acre Smith Lake (commonly known as Unicoi Lake). It offers the highest density of picnic infrastructure in the region, catering to everything from solitary hikers to large corporate events.

Unicoi State Park distributes its picnic facilities across several distinct "sites," allowing visitors to choose between lakeside views, forest seclusion, or proximity to swimming areas.

Individual Picnic Tables: Numerous tables and grills are scattered throughout the park, available on a first-come, first-served basis. These are located on platforms, flat open areas, and along Smith Creek.

Group Shelters: The park features multiple covered picnic pavilions (shelters) equipped with tables, grills, water, and electrical outlets. These must be reserved in advance for a fee (typically $45-$75) and are ideal for planned gatherings.

Site #1: Situated on a forested point above the swimming beach. It offers seclusion but requires a walk to reach the restrooms at the beach house.

For premium events, the Beach House overlooks Unicoi Lake and can accommodate up to 75-100 guests. It includes a rock terrace and provides direct access to the swimming beach, making it the most upscale "picnic" option within the park system.

Unicoi is one of the few locations in the North Georgia mountains offering a designated swimming beach.

Swimming: The park maintains a designated sand beach on Smith Lake. Swimming is permitted during the summer, though no lifeguards are provided; swimmers must stay within roped-off areas.

Boating: Seasonal rentals for canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats are available at the beach area. You can paddle around the lake after lunch without moving your car.