What’s so wonderful Unicoi State Park?


One Word: Everything!

Georgia Unicoi State Park is minutes (2 miles) north of Helen, Georgia, the Alpine village. Outdoor enthusiasts have the opportunity to hike 12-miles or bike 8-miles of some of the most beautiful scenic mountain trails anywhere in this country.

Besides cottages, picnic tables, picnic shelters, and tent, trailer and RV campsites, Unicoi State Park has a 100-room lodge with restaurant and a 53-acres lake with beach swimming and concessions. Canoe and pedal boat rentals are available.

What I enjoy about the park is the attractions that the park offers to a day-tripper like me. If I drive over to Helen or somewhere close by Unicoi Park, a stop in the park is a must. On this trip I ate the lunch buffet at the Unicoi Lodge Restaurant.

For about $9 I got a drink and a desert with the all food I cared to enjoy. Eating at Unicoi Lodge was a relaxing time to enjoy the Mountain View and a meal rather than being rushed to the next vacation activity. After the meal we drove to Ruby Anne Falls. It is right around the corner from the lodge. Well, actually, a long corner.

Interestingly, I had to drive through the Unicoi State Park and onto the Chattahoochee National Forest to get to Ruby Anne Waterfalls, which is run by the US Forest Service.

But, back to Unicoi State Park. Besides all of the hiking, fishing, swimming, cabins, and camping at the park, I enjoy the special events they have. It is amazing how much they offer. They sponsor Saturday evening concerts, visiting artists, Senior Ranger Wednesdays, and all kinds of special days.

Special days are all about family education. Examples are learn the birds, spring wildflowers around Unicoi, astronomy night, fireside arts and crafts, folk life tradition, and festivals of trees.

Other special days are all about fun (with educational backdrop). Examples are National Trail Day, July 4 celebration, Memorial Day blast, Deck the Halls, Arbor Day and outdoor day.

If you want more information on Unicoi State Park facilities and events, click here to go to the Official Unicoi State Park website

Click here to read about my visit to Anna Ruby Waterfalls.


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