Inns, Lodges, Resorts
Article and featured photo by Polly Dean
April 2021
Convenient to Helen, Georgia and numerous streams, Unicoi State Park Lodge and cabins are a great option for fishermen that are visiting nearby waters. There is plenty to keep the non-fishermen in your group satisfied too, including shopping in Alpine-themed Helen, hiking, zip lining, paddle-boarding, target shooting, mountain biking and more. Scenic hiking trails lead to nearby Helen and the beautiful Anna Ruby Falls.
The park offers plenty of activities for non-anglers. Photos by Jimmy Jacobs
The 1,050-acre state park is centered around Lake Unicoi within the Chattahoochee National Forest. Smith Creek, a tributary of the Chattahoochee River, is one of the state’s five delayed-harvest trout streams, with that portion of the creek located on the park’s property.
The lodge is rustically designed with 100 comfortable and cozy hotel rooms. Some are adjoining for larger families. The lodge has WiFi and the updated rooms are designed with Southern hospitality in mind.
Frog legs for dinner! Photo by Polly Dean.
Meals are delicious, satisfying and a cinch with the on-site Unicoi Restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. There is even the Smith Creek Tavern, a great place to swap fish stories with family and friends while sipping craft beers and specialty drinks. The catering staff is adept at providing food and beverage for special events and group outings.
The Smith Creek Tavern. Photo by Polly Dean
After our days of fishing, it was a treat to head to the Smith Creek Tavern, located in the lodge, for an adult beverage. We grabbed a meal at the tavern or we opted for the diverse menu within the restaurant. All were convenient, delicious and satisfying. The lodge even had the outdoor firepit lit and blazing each night. If the fire wasn’t going, a quick request at the front desk had someone out lighting the fire in a hurry. It really was the ideal place for socializing with others and ending each day.
The lodge offers packages that combine accommodations, meals and adventures so guests can enjoy a full experience while visiting. The staff regularly updates the packages and specials to keep them current and interesting. The lodge really does compliment the multiple fishing opportunities offered in the area and is a great way to complete your angling experiences.
The lodge rooms are comfortable and offer some great views. Photo by Polly Dean.
Unicoi State Park also has 30 cabins of varying sizes for rent, along with 82 tent campsites, as well as 51 RV hookup sites. Whether planning a romantic get-away or an adventure, Unicoi State Park offers a host of accommodations and activities for all ages and levels of adventure-seekers.
Photo by Jimmy Jacobs.
Unicoi State Park is dog-friendly. Canine companions are welcome at the designated cabins or any campsite. Service animals are always welcome at the state park and lodge.
