State Parks and National Forests

Plan a visit to a State Park during your Helen, Ga getaway. Experience beautiful waterfalls and trails or go fishing and swimming in the beauty of the North Georgia Mountains.

Located just 5 minutes north of Helen, Unicoi State Park is one of the most popular parks in Georgia. Featuring outstanding natural beauty and a wide range of amenities including beautiful waterfalls, many miles of hiking trails, 7 miles of mountain biking trails, also fishing, swimming and boating on Unicoi Lake.

Location: Helen, Ga

Phone:(706) 878-2201


Anna Ruby Falls, Richard Russell Scenic Hwy, the Appalachian Trail, Brasstown Bald. These are some of the special places you can find in the Chattahoochee and Oconee National Forests; some are well developed and well-known facilities. Some are little known jewels tucked away in the back country.


Five miles of trails and 18 miles of roads allow hikers and bicyclists to explore hardwoods, streams and wildlife. Come fish in crystal clear trout streams of the Dukes Creek Watershed, or hike through wildflower covered trails on the Blue Ridge Escarpment at Smithgall Woods State Park, a masterpiece of nature.

Location: Located on Ga. Hwy. 75 Alt, 3 miles west of Helen

Phone: (706) 878-3087