December 29, 2009
| 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). It was a cool day to hike with temperatures mostly in the 20’s and 30’s. Total hike today – 8.5 miles.
HIKERS – 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 and Carole Wintle. TRAIL INFO. The Lake Trail is a 2.5 mile easy loop around the 53 acre Lake Unicoi with views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The Unicoi/Helen Trail is a 6 mile easy to moderate round trip route from the upper parking lot at Unicoi Lodge to the Helen City Park and Hoffer?s bakery. The trail winds through stands of rhododendron and mountain laurel and crosses Smith Creek where several fly fishermen appeared to be enjoying the day. Both trails are wide and well maintained. Total hiking distance today – 8.5 miles – mostly easy. 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. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: zero BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Pileated Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Crow, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Chickadee and Junco. |
 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. |