Looking to explore another beautiful gem in North Georgia? This week I’m taking you to a unique spot just outside of Helen, Georgia called Unicoi State Park. I had never heard of this place prior to stumbling upon it this past Fall. My family and I were driving through the North Georgia Mountains enjoying the spectacular fall leaves when we decided to visit Anna Ruby Falls. Unfortunately, Anna Ruby was closed that day, so we took a detour and just kept driving. I am so glad that we did because we would have otherwise missed this gem.
We left the Anna Ruby Falls entrance and followed Anna Ruby Falls Road. A few minutes later, we pulled up to a parking lot with an incredible (but distant) lake view. We had no idea where we were or where the path would lead us but decided to get out and explore. We had made it to the beach! Well, the beach at Unicoi State Park that is. As I got out of the car, I noticed a beach house to the left and a handicap accessible pathway leading to some beautiful lake in the distance. The short walkway leads visitors to a platform with an incredible view of Unicoi Lake. From there, guests can take a few sets of stairs down to a picnic area, beach/swimming area, and boat house. There is a trail (Unicoi Lake Trail) that wraps around the entire park for anyone interested in taking the scenic route. I also noticed quite a few platforms around the lake allowing visitors to stop and admire the breathtaking views.
As I stood at the first platform adjacent to the beach house, I was in awe. The trees surrounding Unicoi Lake were bursting with fall color, and their reflection illuminated the water. How had I never been here before? Given that it was a weekday, there were no crowds. If the adventure had ended here, I would have still been impressed. However, we wanted to see what else this park had to offer, so we then drove further down Anna Ruby Falls Road. We pulled up to GA-356 which passes over Unicoi Lake/Dam. If you are driving on GA-356, you can park on either side of the lake and walk out to the grassy area overlooking the water and North Georgia Mountains. Just be cautious of the highway that runs alongside and don’t get too close to the guard rail.
I walked out to the grassy area overlooking the lake/dam and was blown away. If the views could have gotten any better, they did from this vantage point. Unicoi Lake was reflecting all the gorgeous fall colors. The sun was about to set, so the lighting was perfect on the North Georgia Mountains. I enjoyed seeing the expressions on visitors’ faces as they stood there in awe. It was a mixture of joy and disbelief that a place like this could even exist. Everyone was taking out their phones to capture a glimpse of how magnificent the views were. Hopefully my pictures and videos give you some idea, but nothing beats experiencing it in person.
While there, we also saw the Unicoi State Park Lodge, Smith Creek cottages, fishing areas, playgrounds, and walking trails. There are so many activities and reasons to go back. If you look on the Unicoi State Park website, you will see a list of available activities like archery, paddle boarding, bass fishing, kayaking, axe throwing, and ziplining.[1] While I won’t be trying out axe throwing anytime soon, it’s nice to see that there really is something for everyone. Starting this month (March), you can rent kayaks, pedal boats, paddleboards, and canoes.[2] Or you can enjoy one of the many walking/hiking/biking trails available. I recommend looking at the Unicoi State Park map to become familiar with the park before visiting. There is even a “Guided Nature Hike” available for $10.00/person and flyfishing classes for $25.00/person.[3] If you are looking to prolong your stay, you can book a room at the lodge, rent a cabin, or stay at a campsite. RV camping is also available. There are several “comfort stations” with bathrooms and showers throughout the park as well.[4]
What I Loved Most
The views! Unicoi State Park has no shortage of beautiful views. Of all the places I’ve talked about on the blog, this is one of my favorite Georgia Gems. Ok…they are all my favorites! Now that Spring is finally here, I look forward to going back and walking the Unicoi Lake Trail. We stumbled upon this state park because Anna Ruby Falls happened to be closed that day; I doubt I would be sharing this gem with you now had our original plan worked out. In addition, it is only two miles Northeast of Helen and offers spectacular views of the North Georgia Mountains. Even if the activities I mentioned above don’t interest you, I can assure you the breathtaking views will. Unicoi State Park has something to offer everyone, regardless of whether you want to walk, hike, fish, or just enjoy the view. I hope you check it out!
[1] Unicoi State Park & Lodge . “Unicoi Beach.” Unicoi State Park & Lodge - Helen, GA, 25 Apr. 2021, https://www.unicoilodge.com/adventures/unicoi-beach/.
[2] ibid
[3] Unicoi State Park & Lodge. “Adventures.” Unicoi State Park & Lodge - Helen, GA, 15 June 2021, https://www.unicoilodge.com/adventures/.
[4] Unicoi State Park & Lodge. “Camping.” Unicoi State Park & Lodge - Helen, GA, 17 Jan. 2022, https://www.unicoilodge.com/ga-state-park/camping/.
Comments