Helen to Unicoi Trail

Please join me for a hike on the beautiful Helen to Unicoi Lodge Trail. We will leave Unicoi Hill Park in downtown Helen and follow the trail to scenic Smith Creek, following along Smith Creek until we break away in order to climb to Unicoi Lodge, passing through an open field with a spectacular distant mountain view. We will stop at the lodge for about 15 minutes for a bathroom break and water while resting in the rocking Adirondack chairs on the front porch. Mint Julips are optional. This is really tough duty folks. We will then hit the trail again for the return trip to Unicoi Hill Park, turning onto Lower Bottoms Loop Trail, which will eventually come back to the main trail, taking us on in to Helen.

I counted a little over a bagillion ferns along both sides of the trail, including some large areas that were completely covered in ferns.  There are almost that many Mountain Laurel and Rhododendron along the trail. The Mountain Laurel bloom in May, while the Rhododendron bloom in June.

This is a great opportunity to have the experience of North Georgia Mountain hiking, without actually climbing a mountain.  How can you beat that? We will cover 6.5 miles with an elevation gain of about 730', so this is not a hike for beginners. There are about 3 (maybe 4) moderate hills, but nothing too strenuous. The rest of the gain consists of gentle inclines.  

Please arrive by 9:50 for a hike description and introductions. Arrive earlier if you need to visit the restrooms at Union Hill Park.  The hike will start promptly at 10:00. Parking is free and is usually plentiful before 10:00.  If you arrive late, you may need to pay for parking nearby.

Be sure to enter Union Hill Park, Helen in you GPS.  If you enter Union Hill Trail, you will be taken to Unicoi Lodge. I speak from experience.

Coming into Helen from the east, you will cross over the river and go about 2 blocks until you see a gazebo on the hill to the right. If the waterfall is running, you will see it, too.  The next street is White Strasse ( this is Helen, after all). Turn right onto White Strasse and the park will be on your right just up the hill.

Coming into Helen from the west, you will cross the river and turn right onto Main Strasse. White Strasse will be on your left just before you get to the gazebo, and before you get to the middle of town.