Skip to content

December 29, 2009

Unicoi to Helen Trail - GA

This final hike of 2009 took us to Unicoi State Park where we hiked the Lake Trail (2.5mi) and the Unicoi to Helen Trail (6 mi. round trip). Total hike today - 8.5 miles

Directions

Unicoi State Park is just beyond Helen. After passing through the downtown area, you will turn to the right onto Highway 356 (look for the signs to Unicoi State Park). Drive to the lake parking area. Another great day for a hike! Fair and cold with temperatures ranging from 25 to 42 degrees F

Conditions

It was a cool day to hike with temperatures mostly in the 20's and 30's.

Hikers (14)

  • John Bellamy
  • June Bellamy
  • Karen Brown
  • Phil Brownrigg
  • Dan Euliss
  • Pam Euliss
  • Bob Magee
  • Dick Metzgar
  • Wanda Miller
  • Wayne Miller
  • Bruce O'Connor
  • Jeanne O'Connor
  • Vic Robson
  • Carole Wintle

Flowers in bloom

zero

Birds identified

Pileated Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Crow, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Chickadee and Junco

Photos (14)

  • The trailhead at the lake
  • Starting the lake loop on a cold morning!
  • The trail follows the shoreline of Smith Lake.
  • Beautiful views of this nice mountain lake!
  • Nice viewing deck.
  • Nice trail signs.
  • Another great day for a hike!
  • Stump of the week!
  • Lots of water along the trail!
  • Lunchtime in Helen!
  • Old folks take over the playground!
  • Not to be outdone!
  • OFHC hiking gear left on the table as the hikers take a shopping break in Helen.
  • The OFHC gang for today's hike. (l-r)John Bellamy, Carole Wintle, Dick Metzgar, Vic Robson, Bruce O'Connor, Phil Brownrigg, June Bellamy, Karen Brown, Jeanne O'Connor, Wanda Miller, Bob Magee, Pam Euliss, Dan Euliss and Wayne Miller.