There are many reasons why people flock to this Alpine-inspired hamlet in the Southern Appalachians in such numbers that the town of 420 people draws as many as three million visitors annually. Helen is the third most popular tourist destination in the state of Georgia, which includes unique shops with architecture reflecting a German theme and popular events like the annual October Fest.
For those who are tired of the throngs of people, horse-drawn carriages filled with sightseers and the hustle and bustle of this tourist destination, Unicoi State Park is only three miles away and far removed from the commercialized atmosphere. And for those who are yearning to experience camping in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Unicoi has a variety of options for RVers, including handicap accessible sites and buddy sites.
The Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA-compliant RV sites are not a new feature at this state park, General Manager Bill Mish told The Buzz. The state added the sites in the late 1990s.
“We get several requests for these campsites, and we’re happy to be able to accommodate everyone who wants to camp here at Unicoi State Park & Lodge,” Mish said. He said there are no immediate plans to add more ADA sites. “We are exploring this possibility in the future but no set plans have been made just yet.”
The ADA was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by then-president George H.W. Bush. The goals of the legislation are stated to promote equal opportunity, full participation, independent living and economic self-sufficiency, according to information posted on the Georgia ADA Coordinator’s Office webpage.
Even with the mountainous terrain, constructing the ADA sites was not difficult to accomplish, Mish said. The sites are asphalt paved and level, with elevated fire rings and located close to accessible bathrooms. Crews were able to simply level and pave the sites to allow guests of all abilities to take in the natural environment of Unicoi.
And, it is important to note that the scenic beauty of the park and the mountains can be a challenge.
“Accessing some portions of our trails can be challenging due to the surrounding environment,” Mish said. “Nature being unpredictable, weather can also make things more difficult for any guest.” For RVers who are traveling together, the park offers a half-dozen buddy campsites, which Mish said are often requested and well used.
Squirrel's Nest primitive campsite in Unicoi State Park [Photo by Hilari Hemsworth Barton]
“Unicoi State Park & Lodge is the perfect place for avid campers and RVers, as well as more casual outdoorsmen and women,” Mish explained. “We have 82 campsites total, with 51 30- and 40-foot RV sites. All powered campsites are suitable for tent, trailer and RV camping.” Full hookup RV sites include water, power and sewer, a fire ring, grill and picnic table. Other choice camping sites have water, power, basic campsite amenities and a convenient dump station located nearby. Comfort stations and a playground are also offered to guests. But there are also options for those who want a less-civilized camping experience.
“The Squirrel’s Nest primitive camping platforms allow guests to ‘rough it’ and sleep under the stars,” Mish said in response.
Officially, the name Unicoi State Park was noted in a 1957 US Geological Survey. At that time it encompassed 278 acres but had been the site of recreation activities for decades, according to information provided by Bud Stinson, president of the Friends of Unicoi. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps built a camp along Creek, one of the sites of the discovery of gold from the 1800s in the Georgia mountains. That camp is no longer used, as it was submerged with the creation of the Unicoi Lake. The CCC also built the visitor’s center that’s in use in the park today, Stinson said.
Unicoi was located near the Unicoi Turnpike, a road developed by the Cherokee for commerce and travel within their traditional homelands in Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee, as well as other areas. In the 1930s, businessman and politician Charlie Maloof petitioned the state to replace the Unicoi Turnpike with a new highway, State Road 75, which is still one of the main routes from Helen north and south.
White County Area State Park, which would become known as Unicoi, was established by the state in 1945. From the original 278 acres established in its early days, Unicoi State Park now totals more than 1,000 acres, including the 53-acre lake. Surrounding the park is the Chattahoochee National Forest, and Anna Ruby Falls, a popular spot to see an easily accessible Appalachian waterfall.
“Our camping guests always enjoy fishing, hiking, grilling and the zip lines,” said Mish. “During the summer, we also offer concerts in the park, which are always a big hit.”
Unicoi offers an "Adventure Lodge" to campground and lodge guests. Activities included in this attraction includes hiking, fishing, shooting, archery and access to the zip lines. Other amenities include the on-site Creek Tavern and the Unicoi Lodge, and a shuttle to Helen.
The zip line experience offered at Unicoi considered one of the largest in the state. It is a two-line operation, with guests climbing 100-foot towers and zipping through the mountain forests within the state park.
Many of the parks recreational opportunities are accessible for most guests. The fishing pier and the Anna Ruby Falls National Park Trail are both paved.
“Other activities, such as those included in the Adventure Lodge Program, would be dependent upon the individual’s specific capabilities, but we are more than happy to accommodate guests in any way we can,” Mish said.
A stay at Unicoi is limited to 14-days. Guests must also have a Georgia State Park Pass, which can be purchased on site for $5. Rates vary based on the size of the camping site and time of year, ranging from $35-$60. Some discounts are offered to senior citizens and residents of Florida and Tennessee.
Unicoi is a pet-friendly park but does require pets to be on a short, sturdy leash. For those RVers who may be unfamiliar with driving the mountain roads to get to Unicoi, Mish has this suggestion: “Obey the speed limit and enjoy our many glorious panoramic views, letting nature surround you.”