Hiking In State Parks Near Helen, GA
When you travel to the mountains of North Georgia there certainly isn’t a lack of available outdoor activities. Guests to the area often enjoy the beautiful scenery while fishing, swimming, ziplining, horseback riding, and hiking. For those who love a good hike, many wilderness parks near Helen, GA provide a great hike along with other outdoor attractions!
Have you ever hiked the wilderness parks near Helen? The area is teeming with trails! Some of our favorite parks for hiking in Helen, GA include:
This state park is situated on the shores of Lake Burton near Clarksville in the far northeast corner of Georgia. A 2,800-acre park, Moccasin Creek State Park offers visitors a wide range of fun outdoor activities and several great hikes.
- Hemlock Falls Trail A two-mile-long trail, Hemlock Falls is an out-and-back trail that follows an old railroad bed. The trail used to connect easily to the Hemlock Falls waterfall but hurricanes and snowstorms have toppled trees, making it difficult to reach the falls. Experienced hikers may choose to navigate the fallen trees to reach the falls but should proceed with caution. Along the trail hikers will hear the ever-present babbling of the river while they advance toward the falls. It is rated as an easy trail with minimal elevation gain.
- Interpretive Trail Perfect for children, this interpretive trail is flat and provides a wildlife observation tower. Kids, and adults alike, will be able to enjoy the outdoors while learning more about the wildlife that calls North Georgia home.
Unicoi State Park
Unicoi State Park, located just outside Helen, is one of the most beloved Georgia state parks and is perfect for those who love hiking in Helen, GA. There are a wide variety of hiking trails that are certain to fit every hiking enthusiast.
- Frog Pond Nature Trail This 1/3-mile loop offers visitors a short hike around Frog Pond with tree identification markers and interpretive signs. It is rated as an easy hike and highlights the wildlife of the North Georgia mountains.
- Bottoms Loop Trail If you enjoy hiking Helen, GA, and viewing beautiful native plant life this trail is for you! Bottoms Loop Trail is a moderate, 2-mile hike that takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete. You’ll enjoy viewing hemlocks, rhododendrons, and mountain laurels along the trail that winds its way through the forest to Smith Creek.
- Lake Trail This trail offers visitors amazing views of Unicoi Lake as the trail winds around the 53-acre park. In the fall this is the perfect trail for viewing the changing leaf colors while hiking Helen, GA. If you stop by the Visitor Center you can pick up a tree guide which will help you identify the trees present in the park.
- Smith Creek Trail A strenuous trail for serious hikers, Smith Creek Trail parallels the creek that runs from Unicoi State Park to Anna Ruby Falls. The trail is 4.8 miles long, one way. Hikers who plan on only going one way should plan ahead by leaving an additional vehicle at the end of the trail or arranging a shuttle. Please wear appropriate hiking shoes and clothing and pack your own water and food.
Fort Mountain Park
Located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, Fort Mountain State Park offers visitors a unique mix of both pine and hardwood forests and expanses of blueberry thickets. This blend of foliage provides beautiful scenery throughout the year and creates an incredible canopy to 
hike under. The park boasts an 885-foot stone wall believed to have been constructed by ancient Indians as part of their religious ceremonies.
- Lake Trail One of the best characteristics of this hiking trail is that it can be accessed from a variety of places in the park including the cottages, picnic areas, campgrounds, and the Big Rock Trail Parking area. Visitors are encouraged to hike the 1.2-mile loop in a counterclockwise direction which provides the most accessible trail.
- Gahuti Trail This 8.2-mile trail winds around the edge of Fort Mountain Park and is rated difficult to strenuous. Although the trail is scenic with amazing views it is also a very challenging hike. Seasoned hikers wanting a challenge while hiking in Helen, GA will not be disappointed with this trail that runs just below the summits of Fort Mountain and Cohutta Mountain.
Hiking the wilderness parks of North Georgia is a wonderful compliment to your next Georgia getaway vacation to Helen. The parks offer a variety of trails and incredible scenery to enjoy.
Which of these hikes are you looking forward to on your next trip to Helen?
