Unicoi Lake Loop Trail
An easy 2.5-mile walk around Unicoi Lake, about 10 minutes from downtown Helen
The short answer
If you want a real walk without a real climb, this is the one. The Lake Trail circles Unicoi Lake, a 53-acre lake in a 1,029-acre state park, and it stays close to the water so you get a different view of the shoreline every few minutes. It's easy enough for kids and grandparents, and it's the park's most popular leaf-looking loop in autumn.
Start near the lodge, pick a direction, and keep the lake on one side of you the whole way. The trail map at the visitor center shows the current route and any detours, so grab one if you're unsure. Bring a camera for early mornings, when the lake is usually calm before the wind picks up.
Park facts
From Georgia State Parks and Unicoi Lodge
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Lake Trail | 2.5-mile easy loop around 53-acre Unicoi Lake |
| Park hours | 7 AM to 10 PM, year-round |
| Visitor center | Sunday to Thursday 10 to 5; Friday and Saturday 10 to 6 |
| Parking | ParkPass $10 per vehicle per day, or $70 a year (50% off for seniors 62+, 25% off for active military and veterans, in person) |
| Phone | 706-878-2201 |
| Lake activities | The park lists a swimming beach, paddle boarding, boat rentals and fishing. Call 706-878-2201 for seasonal schedules |
Make a day of it
Pair the loop with the rest of the park
Anna Ruby Falls
Drive on through the park to Anna Ruby Falls: a 0.4-mile paved trail each way to twin falls. It costs $6 (ages 16 and up) and takes no ParkPass. See our trail guide.
Walk to Helen
The Unicoi/Helen Trail is a 3-mile foot trail to town. See the Helen to Unicoi guide.
On the water
The lodge lists a swimming beach, paddle boarding, boat rentals and fishing. Call 706-878-2201 for what's running this season.
Stay for dinner
Three restaurants sit in the lodge (table below). If you only dine, you don't need the ParkPass.
| Restaurant | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unicoi Restaurant | Daily 7 to 10 AM (breakfast) | Southern and American, with a large stone fireplace |
| Smith Creek Tavern | Sun to Thu 11:30 to 1:30 and 4 to 9; Fri and Sat 11:30 to 10 | Craft beer, live music; parties of 4 or more should reserve |
| Anna's Italian Kitchen | Thu to Sat 4 to 8 PM | Third floor of the lodge; 706-610-2662 |
Hours are from unicoilodge.com and can change; call 706-878-2201 to confirm.
Lake loop questions
How long is the Unicoi Lake loop?
The Lake Trail is a 2.5-mile loop around 53-acre Unicoi Lake. The park estimates about 2 hours.
Do I need a ParkPass?
Yes, to park at Unicoi State Park: $10 per vehicle per day or $70 a year. Guests dining at the lodge restaurants don't need the pass.
Is the lake trail easy?
Yes. The park trail map describes it as an easy loop and a great fall hike for viewing leaves.
Can I swim in the lake?
The park lists a swimming beach called Unicoi Beach. Call 706-878-2201 for seasonal swimming dates.
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