Unicoi State Park

My friends and I came here to camp over the weekend. This place gets busy during October because of the Helen Oktoberfest so make your reservations early. It is really pretty during this time of the year with the leaves changing colors and the weather is quiet nice (if it is not raining). If you are camping, I highly recommend coming here to set up camp while there is day light. We arrived to the lodge to check in around 10pm on Friday night and it was hard to navigate to the camp ground. Although the folks at the lodge gave us a map and directions, it was really dark and hard to understand how the camp sites are set up. We ended up paying for two campsites (probably only needed one) for 7 people. The people at the lodge said the campsites are only 10 by 10 but some camp sites are actually large enough to put two (or even three) tents. You will also need to pay for a parking permit ($ 5) that is valid for the duration of your stay (carpool when possible).
The facilities are good — there are pits and picnic tables at each camp site and there are comfort stations (bathrooms and laundry). The lodge also sells firewood in case you forgot to bring them. There are some trails around the area, but if you are tired or just want to enjoy the scenic views. The lake trail is very easy and right next to the camps.
My friends and I all enjoyed our stay here. One advice: Avoid picking a campsite by campers who bring the young infants (Don’t understand the rationale of bringing babies, but people bring them…) unless you enjoy torturous infant cries all night.

Beautiful park just outside of Helen. You have to drive through this state park to access Anna Ruby Falls.
After visiting the falls, we paid the $ 5 parking fee to have a picnic lunch at one of the numerous picnic areas. We also spent a couple of hours at the swimming area of the lake and enjoyed the clean, refreshing water. We even rented a very nice paddle boat for only $ 15 per hour which the kids loved. I was against renting the paddle boat because I remember how difficult they were to operate when I was a young boy. These paddle boats have come a long way!

Really enjoyed our stay at the lodge. Live music in the tavern. Good buffet in the restaurant. The staff went above and beyond to help get us to our room. I have a knee injury and need to avoid stairs. The manager took care of my luggage and walked us to the room, avoiding all stairs. The view is spectacular. Wish we had time to stay longer…

This may be a good state park with good options for family fun including swimming, camping, hiking, etc i refuse to stay here due to the price increase compared to other GA state parks. I believe this is one of the so called private state parks. They make it difficult for the regulars to camp here on a regular basis. I would much rather spend less money at Fort Mtn, Vogel or Cloudland Canyon

Great park for hiking, fishing and relaxing. We stayed in a barrel cabin. I understand they are renovating all the cabins. It was clean and comfortable, except for broken and missing flooring in the kitchen and rusted out flooring in the cramped bathroom. The deck was great to sit and enjoy the lake views.

Came to the lodge for a spring break get away and found a great lodge and great trails. The room was clean and the house keeping staff were helpful and friendly. Would come here again :)
Checked in on a Monday and thought we would head to Helen for lunch… everything was closed. Ended up at the local IGA at their sandwich counter not too bad for a quick bite, the sandwiches were large and we probably could have shared. Make sure you check out the beautiful scenery!

I hope the park remains as good as it was before a contractor took over the lodge. See my review there. The annual craft show has gone to tacky town.

Beautiful park in north GA. It’s literally 3 minutes from downtown Helen, and just worth going. there are a few different hikes for different levels. If you just want to walk around the lake, thats very easy. Its called the Lake loop trail. 2 hours of walking around the lake, there are docks you can walk out on that offer pretty views, and some woodsy areas. You pass a bathroom which is nice, and places to sit. many picturesque spots along the way. I would have liked to hike to the top, it’s moderate to strenuous and takes 4 hours.
You park at the lodge, go inside and get your parking pass (5 $) and then walk to the bottom (where you came in) and there are your trail entrances. Go here, then check out Anna Ruby Falls for a day of amazing nature!

I came here recently to do a hike up to Anna Ruby Falls. I found this to be an exceptional state park to visit for a few reasons. Keep in mind I visited only for a day trip and can’t speak to the experience of camping overnight.
FIrst, on a summer weekday shortly after school began in most areas of North Georgia, there were very few people. It was nice not to have to deal with crowds. At Anna Ruby Falls, there was one other family there at the same time, and then after they left I had the observation platform to myself.
Second, there are a number of different trails in the park ranging from easy to strenuous. I took the Smith Creek hike, which was designated as strenuous. It provided a good workout but was not difficult for someone in reasonable shape. It’s about a five mile hike each way up to Anna Ruby Falls and traverses several creeks along the way. There is a bit of elevation gain along the way and very heavy vegetation. The trail is narrow but well marked, so it’s not possible to get lost.
Third, the scenery is outstanding. Anna Ruby Falls is a wonderful site to visit with several cascading waterfalls. With all the rain this year it was flowing strong. They have some observation platforms at the base of the waterfall where it was nice to site and enjoy a lunch I packed for the visit, and then take the five mile hike back to my car.
I also stopped by the lake on the way back and took a look at the trail around the lake. The lake is serene and placid and beautifully mirrors the sky above. Next time I visit I’d like to also try the hike around the lake and enjoy the scenery more.
Another advantage is the close proximity to Helen, where you can stop by before or after your trip and enjoy the touristy atmosphere there and maybe get a beer if you are inclined.

This small park in north georgia, just outside of helen is a beautiful little gem. my parents, mother specifically, have been taking us up here for years. theres several little trails that take you in and around the surrounding forest. there’s a lodge for overnights and i hear they have an excellent all you can eat trout meal.
everything has already been said about this place. this is just a sentimental review of an extremely beautiful part of north georgia nature.

Beautful!

This place is AWESOME! Very beautiful and many trails to venture out on. We did the Lake Loop and thought that it was perfect for the insanely hot day that was coming along.
I look forward to going back and hiking the other trails and even camping for a night

Stayed 3 days in a two bedroom cabin. We walked the lake trail, frog pond and loop trails. The lake trail has the beauty of the lake while the frog pond looks like a stagnant pond full of mosquitoes. The loop trail seemed longer than we expected but was full of wildlife. We saw a few black snakes.
We caught 15 keeper bream from the lake, the bass seemed to have a uppity attitude since they would see the bait but then turn their noses to anything you would throw.
Very beautiful park, plenty to do, quiet.

What can I say about Unicoi State Park that hasn’t already been said. It is a wonderful and beautiful park ran by the state of Georgia.
Unicoi State Park offers a little bit of something for everyone. At Unicoi you can hike, bike, fish, camp, swim, or just plain be lazy if you like. This past weekend we went camping at Unicoi and enjoyed hiking, fishing, and being lazy while we were there. The campsites are great, we were able to place 2 tents in one site, hang up a hammock, and build a big campfire in the fire pit; it also had a build in picnic table in the site. A few yards away from the campsite was a very nice (but small) lake which had a trail to hike on leading around it, also was able to catch a huge .10 lb crappie out of it.
While roughing it in the outdoors we loaded up the suv and headed for the town of Helen (a whole mile away). In Helen we were able to enjoy some of the local flavors of town such as German sausage, German beer, German music, and other scenery that the town offers.
Once back at camp we cooked dinner over the open fire pit and were worn out. Needing a shower badly I had to only walk about 10 yards away to the public showers near the campground. So while you are «roughing» it, you can also pamper yourself as well.
Unicoi State Park is a wonderful place and the only issue we had the whole time we were there is the other campers. If you go during peak season be prepared to deal with lots of people camping out around you. Other than that, it is a nature lover’s and sportsman’s paradise.

Great example of our State Park system done right! There are cabin rentals, camp sites, and a lodge with motel style lodging available for your overnight stays. There are numerous hiking trails, a very strenous mountain bike trail, and trout fishing in Lower Smith Creek. There is also a lake with a beach and boat rentals. Lots to do and see here, and you are just outside of Helen, GA — Georgia’s 3^rd most visited city.

Unicoi State Park is my local favorite.
The lake loop hike is a great easy hike after work. Its beautiful and we have even seen bear tracks along the way. There is also a trail that runs from Unicoi to the town of Helen. Its a fun way to spend the afternoon.
The mountain bike trails at Unicoi are challenging and make me cuss, but they have also helped me to gain confidence and build up some mad skilz in the woods.
I look forward to attending the Festival of Trees every Christmas in the Lodge, its so beautiful to see all the decorated trees donated by local businesses.
We have attended functions in the lodge and the food was good. I do take issue with the wine though. Being in the heart of GA Wine Country, they should have local wines not Yellow Tail or other generic stuff! I’m not taking a star off for that, its a very minor point but something they need to consider.

I recommend taking a hike around the Lake. It is so beautiful, I can only imagine that it must be breathtaking during the Fall.

Gave the Squirrel’s Nest a try over the weekend and LOVED it. No need to set up a tent — just grab your sleeping bag and hike on over into your little shelter! Pretty cheap too at $ 15 a night, though you’re at the mercy of your squirrel mates. Being that we went over Oktoberfest in Helen, we were treated to the soothing sounds of Rebecca, a girl who is the prettiest and has the highest IQ in all the land. Thankfully the cops knew where to find this pretty girl and handed out tickets to the group of rowdy beer swillers — she shut up (mostly). Snoring was also pretty loud, but this is just me warning you to bring ear plugs and not be that obnoxious brat who thinks you can wake up an entire campsite to announce your social status and drunkeness to everyone else. :)
I would still do this again as it’s way easier than manhandling my tent, and at least Rebecca gave us a mighty nice story for the morning!

This park is pretty cool. The welcome center had the cutest old couple I have ever seen. They were telling stories of their partying days and how they have visited most of the parks in the state. My girlfriend and I were doing the same thing this summer. However we kept to North Georgia. I did not enjoy this park as much as I did Red Top Mountain. I live a lot closer to Red Top so that may play a role. If you do go here I vote you pass on checking out Anna Ruby Falls! You have to pay extra and compared to the other state Waterfalls it’s pfff. I’m saying that based on the pictures lolz. There is a chance I will go back here in the fall for a camping trip. Also to the person who mentioned alcohol in a state park, this has never been a problem for me as long as you don’t draw attention to yourself. A solo cup can go a long way.

We have camped at several GA State Parks and this is one we keep coming back to. It’s beautiful, the bathrooms are clean, hiking and biking trails are in abundance. Helen is down the road if you want to get out of the woods for a little while. Great getaway place!