Unicoi State Park Lodge - Helen

We came here to hike and found the park to be beautiful, but very confusing. There are numerous hidden trails, but there are no clear directions! Although there's a map available, the signage is quite limited, making it difficult to navigate. We only managed to find one trail near the visitor center and discovered that nine others were hidden away. It was quite disappointing. If you're here to hike, be prepared for a lack of organization—I'm not sure why they even have a visitor center! We really only saw the lake and campground during our visit.

The experience was underwhelming unless you're interested in zip-lining or walking along long trails with little to see. On the plus side, it's dog-friendly and the trails are easy to navigate. There’s also a cozy restaurant, although it has limited hours. There are plenty of cabins available, and I would assume they are of decent quality.

Unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to eat at the lodge, but the area is incredibly well-maintained and peaceful. We enjoyed walking to Anna Ruby Falls and exploring some of the trails in the park. All of the park staff we met were very helpful and friendly. We truly loved our time here.

It's a fantastic park for long walks, offering stunning views of the lake. It's perfect for spending an entire day with family and friends. The shelters are equipped with water, electricity, and restrooms conveniently located nearby. There’s also a small beach that's great for both children and adults.

A note for elderly or disabled guests: be sure to request a room on the ground floor since there are no elevators and it can be quite a hike if you’re in a building other than Building C. As a younger couple, we enjoyed being on a higher floor, but I understand how it could be challenging for others. The shuttle service and driver were fantastic—a huge convenience! It made our stay even better since we didn't have to deal with traffic or parking fees. The shuttle drops you off at the local county store, which is conveniently located near all the main shops and restaurants. This is definitely a plus for those visiting during Oktoberfest! We will surely choose to stay here again on our future trips to Helen. It was a great experience overall. I’m sharing a breathtaking photo of the sunset we enjoyed!