12/27/2016 – Unicoi/Helen Trail and Bottoms Loop Trail – GA

Today’s hike was at Unicoi State Park near Helen, GA. Starting at Unicoi Lodge, we hiked the Unicoi/Helen Trail and on the return trip we did the Bottoms Loop Trail.

HIKERS – John Anderson, John Anderson, Jr., Phil Brownrigg, Joe Collins, Whitney Hutchinson, Bob Magee, Dave Norton, Mary Lu Norton, Bruce O’Connor, Jeanne O’Connor, Terre Pratt, Tony Presley, Vic Robson, Carole Wintle and Jack Wintle.

TRAIL INFORMATION – The trails at Unicoi are in excellent condition with good signage along the way. Much of the trail follows along beautiful Smith Creek with several nice footbridges along the trail. The difficulty rating is moderate with some hills but not extreme. Total hike today approx. 7 miles.

Directions: Just north of Helen, GA turn right onto Hwy 356 and drive past the lake and follow the signs to Unicoi Lodge on the right. Instead of starting at Unicoi Lodge, you can also choose to start in Helen at the City Park in Helen.

Another great day for a hike! Cloudy and cool with temperatures ranging in the low to mid 50’s F.

BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Pilieated Woodpecker, Mallard Duck, White-breasted Nuthatch, Blue Jay.

OTHER FAUNA: White-tailed Deer, Grey Squirrel

The start of today’s hike – Unicoi Lodge at Unicoi State Park.

Our two trails today.

Another great day for a hike on a beautiful North Georgia Trail.

Lots of nice views of Lower Smith Creek.

A nice footbridge over Smith Creek.

From the bridge, we can see that the water level is lower than usual due to drought.

The trails are very well marked.

A nice wildlife clearing.

Another view of Smith Creek.

Reflections on this beautiful pond

On the Bottoms Loop Trail

The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r) Bruce O’Connor, Vic Robson, Jeanne O’Connor, Jack Wintle, Carole Wintle, Terre Pratt, Dave Norton, Mary Lu Norton, Phil Brownrigg, Whitney Hutchinson, Bob Magee, Joe Collins, John Anderson Jr., John Anderson and Tony Presley.

SEE VIDEO OF THE HIKE BELOW!