The trails at Unicoi State Park are enjoyable year-round. In the spring and summer you will find colorful blooms and buds, in the autumn the mountains are adorned with an array of reds, yellows, and oranges as leaves begin to change. And the winter months allow hikers and bikers to enjoy scenic views of the area not available any other time of the year. All trailheads, except the Unicoi Mountain Bike Trail, are located at the far end of the level 3 lodge parking area. Trail maps are available at the front desk.
Bottoms Loop Trail
2 mile loop. Compacted Soil Surface. 1.5 hours. Rated moderate.
A moderate hike through rhododendrons, mountain laurels, and hemlocks that passes by remains of an old homestead. In the spring, you will find a variety of wildflowers and blooms. The trail crosses several brooks as it winds through a hardwood forest, and then meets the rippling waters of Smith Creek as it makes its way back to the lodge.
Frog Pond Nature Trail
1/3 mile loop. Compacted Soil Surface. 25 minutes. Rated easy.
A short walk around Frog Pond marked by interpretive signs and tree identification signs. Learn more about the wildlife that make Unicoi its home. Interested in a brief, informative stroll? This one is for you.
Unicoi/Helen Trail
3 miles, one-way. Compacted Soil Surface. 2 hours, one-way / 4 hours, round-trip. Rated moderate to strenuous.
Hike from Unicoi State Park to Helen on a moderate to strenuous winding trail that starts out as the Bottom Loop Trail, then continues through stands of rhododendrons and mountain laurels to cross Lower Smith Creek. The trail crosses several small streams and then intersects the Unicoi Mountain Biking Trail before reaching Unicoi Hill City Park in Helen.
Lake Trail
2.5 mile loop. Compacted Soil Surface. 2 hours. Rated easy.
This trail is mostly flat as it winds around the edge of the 53-acre Uncoi Lake. A pleasant loop trail with views of Uncoi Lake and surrounding mountains. A great fall hike for viewing leaves. Pick up a tree identification guide and learn how to identify trees common to Unicoi and the north Georgia mountains.
Mountain Bike Trail
7.5 mile loop. Compacted Soil Surface. 2.5 hours. Rated moderate to strenuous.
This exclusive mountain biking trail takes riders over mountainous terrain and over ridges with scenic overlooks. This trail, which is intended for experienced riders, has been used for several national and regional mountain biking racing events. It is marked with a white blaze and is intended to be ridden counter clockwise. The trail loops into a "figure 8" with half the trail on the "Unicoi side" of Smith Creek and the other half on the "Helen side" of Smith Creek. Riders may choose to ride the full 8 miles or can take an early exit and ride only the first half. Trailhead located at the Angler/Mt. Biking parking area.
Smith Creek Trail
4.8 miles, one-way. Compacted Soil Surface. 3 hours, one-way/6 hours, round-trip. Rated strenuous.
This is a U.S. Forest Service trail that goes from the Unicoi State Park campground to Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area. The trail is considered strenuous, and guests are encouraged to bring water, wear appropriate footwear, and plan for shuttling if hiking only one direction. Shuttle service is not provided by the park. Beginning at Unicoi, follow this trail through the Chattahoochee National Forest. This trail leads to the headwaters of Smith Creek and passes stands of rhododendron and mountain laurel.
An official website of the State of Georgia.
