The Runner’s Guide to Alpine Helen and the North Georgia Highlands

Key Points

Diverse Terrain: The region offers a mix of flat, paved historic trails (Helen to Hardman), rolling state park single-track (Unicoi), and grueling mountain ascents (Hogpen Gap, Yonah Mountain).

Race Capital: Helen is a hub for major endurance events, including the Helen Holiday Half, the Helenback Marathon, and the brutal Hogpen Hill Climb.

Helen, Georgia sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and while the town is known for its Bavarian architecture and cobblestone sidewalks, what surrounds it is what runners care about: seriously hilly terrain, singletrack through rhododendron thickets at Unicoi State Park, and mountain roads that will have your lungs burning in the best possible way. Whether you're looking for a flat, scenic jog along the river or a hill climb that'll test your limits, North Georgia has something for you.

This guide covers everything from paved riverside paths to backcountry trail runs to the organized races that draw runners from across the Southeast. Here's what you need to know.

While the mountains dominate the skyline, the Nacoochee Valley offers flatter, paved options that blend athletic pursuit with historical sightseeing.

The Helen to Hardman Heritage Trail

For road runners seeking a rhythmic, safe, and scenic route free from highway traffic, the Helen to Hardman Heritage Trail is the crown jewel of the village. This ADA-accessible, 10-foot-wide paved path runs parallel to the Chattahoochee River, connecting the heart of Alpine Helen to the historic Hardman Farm.

Distance: 1 mile one-way (2 miles round-trip).

Terrain: Paved, mostly flat with boardwalk sections over wetlands.

Trailheads:

Helen: Alpine Helen parking lot off Edelweiss Strasse (behind the water park).

Nacoochee: Hardman Farm State Historic Site, 143 Hwy 17, Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571.

Nacoochee Village and Valley

For a longer road run, the roads radiating from Nacoochee Village offer rolling hills and pastoral views of the Sautee Nacoochee Valley.

Location: Nacoochee Village, 7050 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545.

The Route: Starting from the village (home to Habersham Winery and Unicoi Outfitters), runners can head east on Hwy 17 (utilizing wide shoulders where available) or explore the quieter side roads of Sautee.

Caution: These are active country roads. Early morning runs are recommended to avoid tourist traffic.

The core of Helen's running scene lies within its two primary state parks, which offer trails ranging from groomed paths to technical backcountry scrambles.

Unicoi State Park & Lodge

Located just two miles north of Helen, Unicoi is the epicenter of local trail running. The park features a lodge, camping, and a network of diverse trails.

Address: 1788 Hwy 356, Helen, GA 30545.

Phone: 706-878-2201.

Parking: $5 daily ParkPass required.

Primary Running Trails:

Bottoms Loop Trail:

Smithgall Woods State Park

For runners seeking solitude and conservation-minded routes, Smithgall Woods offers a pristine environment. Note that conservation is the priority here; off-trail travel is strictly prohibited.

Address: 61 Tsalaki Trl, Helen, GA 30545.

Phone: 706-878-3087.

Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Visitor Center registration required).

Parking: $5 daily ParkPass.

Key Running Options:

North Georgia is a hotbed for endurance racing, attracting athletes from across the country. The following is a calendar guide to the region's premier events.

The Hogpen Hill Climb

Date: Scheduled for January 17, 2026 (Annual, mid-January).

Distance: 18K (11.2 miles) and a 5K "Piglet" option.

The Challenge: Billed as "one of the toughest races in North America," this road race starts at Unicoi State Park and climbs relentlessly up the Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway to Hogpen Gap.

Elevation: Finish line elevation is 3,485 feet, with over 2,000 feet of climbing.

Beneficiary: Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Georgia.

Vibe: A test of pure grit. The weather can range from freezing rain to snow. It is a cult favorite among Southern runners.

The Helenback Race Series

Date: Scheduled for April 18, 2026.

Organizer: GUTS (Georgia Ultrarunning & Trailrunning Society).

Distances: Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K.

Course: Utilizing the trails of Unicoi State Park and the Chattahoochee National Forest, this race is notorious for its heat and humidity (if late spring) or mud. The marathon course typically includes a cutoff at "1st Blood" (Mile 9.6) and a climb up Tray Mountain.

Start/Finish: Helen, GA (near the Festhalle or riverside field).