Unicoi State Park & Lodge trail map [2009]

Unicoi State Park & Lodge Trail Map
1788 Highway 356 Helen, GA 30545 706-878-2201 Reservations: 800-573-9659 Emergency: 911 www.GeorgiaStateParks.org
Anna Ruby Falls
Anna Ruby Falls Visitor Center

by Falls Road

Anna Ru

Smith Creek Cabins

6 45

3

2

1

Unicoi Lake

7

C

B

A

356 2

1 8

3
17/75
7
6
4 5

Smith Creek Trail
356

17/75

LEGEND
Lodge & Restaurant Visitor Center Camper Check-In Cottages RV & Tent Camping Dumping Station Restrooms Tent Camping Beach House Picnic Shelter Squirrel's Nest Amphitheater Hiking Fishing Tennis Mountain Biking Swimming 6 Bike Trail Mile Markers Bottoms Loop Trail Frog Pond Trail Helen Trail Lake Trail (there are 8 numbered docks along trail) Mountain Bike Trail Smith Creek Trail Connector Trail Gravel Road Single-Lane Paved Road Two-Lane Paved Road Stream

UNICOI STATE PARK & LODGE
Nestled in the north Georgia mountains just two miles from the Alpine village of Helen, Unicoi is one of Georgia's most beloved state parks. Throughout the year, the park offers outstanding programs which focus on natural, cultural, historical and recreational resources. Groups can make advanced reservations for specialized programs. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking and biking on scenic mountain trails, especially those leading to Helen and Anna Ruby Falls. Craft lovers should not miss the lodge gift shop specializing in hand-made quilts and local pottery. Numerous picnic tables are located throughout the park.
The trails at Unicoi 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 trail heads, except the Unicoi Mountain Bike Trail, are located at the far end of the level 3 lodge parking area.
The hiking trails are for foot traffic only and the mountain biking trail is for bike traffic only.
ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Camping - Unicoi has 82 campsites: 51 tent/trailer/RV sites with water and electricity; 33 walk-in tent sites with water nearby but no electricity; and 16 Squirrel's Nest Platforms for group camping.
Cottage/Lodge - The park also has 30 cottages and a 100-room lodge for overnight or extended stays. The lodge serves conference groups, families, and individuals with guest rooms, meeting space, restaurant, and catering. The lodge also offers wireless Internet access.
Picnicking - Picnic tables, grills, and shelters are available on a first comefirst serve basis, with the option of reserving a picnic shelter up to 11 months in advance for fee.
Fishing - Uncoi Lake is stocked with catfish, bass, and bream. Lake fishing is allowed from the bank year-round. There are also 6 fishing docks around Uncoi Lake. All anglers age 16 or older must have a valid fishing license. Stream fishing on Upper Smith Creek, above the lake, is subject to Georgia's Trout Fishing Regulations. Lower Smith Creek, below the dam, is a Delayed Harvest Stream. From November 1 to May 14, this section is catch-and-release only with artificial lures with a single hook. A free permit, obtainable at the Lodge Front Desk is required, along with a $3 per day or a $30 seasonal ParkPass. All other normal license requirements (fishing license, trout stamp) also apply. From May 15 to October 31, the stream will be open to the harvest of trout under the general state regulations.
Boating - Only non-motorized private boats are permitted on Uncoi Lake. Canoes and pedal boats may be rented seasonally for a small fee at the beach area located on Anna Ruby Falls Road.
Swimming - Unicoi's beach is open for swimming during the summer months.
Tennis - Four lighted tennis courts are available near the lodge.
Beachhouse - A group/meeting facility with kitchen and gas grill overlooking Uncoi Lake is available for rent.
Hiking - Five hiking trails are located at Unicoi or nearby Anna Ruby Falls.
Planned Activities & Special Events - Unicoi's programming staff offers a variety of outdoor, environmental, and recreational activities as well as cultural programs, team-building activities and special events throughout the year. Programs are available for school, individual and corporate groups and the public.

BOTTOMS LOOP TRAIL
1800 1750
FROM 1700 LODGE (clockwise) 1650 1600 1550
0 FROG POND NATURE TRAIL
1850 1800 1750 FROM
LODGE (counter-clockwise) 1700

PARK TRAIL DESCRIPTIONS AND OTHER INFORMATION

BOTTOMS LOOP Trail - 2 mile loop, Compacted Soil Surface 1.5 hours - MODERATE

RETURN

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.

1

2

RETURN

frog pond nature Trail - 1/3 mile loop, Compacted Soil Surface 25 minutes - 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.

1650

1600 HELEN TRAIL

1750 FROM
1700 LODGE

1650

1600

1550

1500

0

1

LAKE TRAIL

1850

unicoi/helen Trail - 3 miles, one-way, Compacted Soil Surface 2 hours, one-way / 4 hours, round-trip - 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

HELEN the Unicoi Mountain Biking Trail before reaching Unicoi Hill City Park in

2

3 Helen.

lake Trail - 2.5 mile loop, Compacted Soil Surface 2 hours - EASY

1800
1750 FROM
1700 LODGE (counter-clockwise)
1650

RETURN

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.

1600

0MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL

1

2

1800

1750

1700

1650

1600

1550

1500

1450 0

1

2

3

4

USFS SMITH CREEK TRAIL

2600 2500 2400 2300 2200 2100 2000 1900 1800 1700 0

1

2

5

6

3

RETURN

7

8

ANNA RUBY FALLS

4

mountain bike Trail - 8 mile loop, Compacted Soil Surface 2.5 hours - MODERATE TO STRENUOUS
This exclusive mountain biking trail takes riders over mountainous terrain and over ridges with scenic overlooks, and then back to Unicoi State Park. This trail, which is intended for experienced riders, has been used for several national and regional mountain biking racing events. 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 - 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.

SAFETY TIPS & ETIQUETTE
Tell someone your itinerary and expected return time.
Take a map, water, snacks, first aid kit, flashlight and whistle. Three short blasts on a whistle are known as a call for help.
Do not stray from trails. If you become lost, stay in one location and wait for help. This will make it easier for rescuers to find you.
Don't count on cell phones to work in the wilderness, but if they do, be able to give details about your location.
Invest in good hiking socks such as those found at sporting goods stores. Avoid blisters by carrying "moleskin" and applying it as soon as you feel hot spots on your feet. Available in the foot care section of drug stores, moleskin is like felt that sticks to your skin.
Be prepared for unexpected rain and wind which can lead to hypothermia. Always carry quality rain gear and turn back in bad weather. If you become wet or cold, it is important to get dry and warm as quickly as possible.
Dress in layers and avoid cotton. Today's hikers can choose from numerous fabrics that wick moisture, dry quickly and conserve heat. Many experienced hikers wear a lightweight shirt that wicks moisture, while carrying a fleece pullover and rain jacket.
Pack out all trash.
Keep pets on a leash at all times and clean up after them.
Do not pick flowers, disturb wildlife or take anything off the park.
Protect the park and help prevent erosion by staying on marked trails.

CLIMATE DATA FOR HELEN, GEORGIA

Avg. Avg.

Avg.

Month High Low Mean Precip. Record High Record Low

Jan 48F 27F 38F 7.11 in Feb 54F 29F 41F 6.42 in Mar 61F 35F 48F 7.60 in Apr 70F 42F 56F 5.28 in May 76F 51F 64F 6.55 in Jun 82F 60F 71F 4.93 in Jul 86F 64F 75F 5.59 in Aug 85F 64F 74F 5.29 in Sep 80F 58F 69F 5.52 in Oct 70F 45F 58F 4.31 in Nov 60F 37F 49F 6.08 in Dec 51F 30F 41F 6.23 in

84F (1985) 80F (1996) 85F (1974) 92F (2002) 96F (1962) 99F (1964) 100F (1986) 99F (1986) 96F (1957) 82F (1986) 84F (2003) 76F (1998)

-12F(1985) -1F (1958) 6F (1993) 21F (1960) 27F (1963) 36F (1984) 49F (1962) 44F (1968) 29F (1967) 20F (1962) 10F (1970) -6F (1962)