Unicoi State Park and Anna Ruby Falls Scenic Area
A unique North Georgia state park and home to one of the most spectacular waterfalls east of the Mississippi.
Helen, Georgia is within easy driving distance from many vibrant southern cities—Atlanta, Athens, Chattanooga, Asheville, and, well, we could go on! Just north of Helen, a small and incredibly fun town defined by downtown architecture befitting an Alpine village in Germany or Switzerland, is Unicoi State Park and Lodge. Because this park is one of the most lush and inviting environments we’ve visited in ages, this is the inaugural site for our new “Park Pass” series. Park Pass will be your guide on an unforgettable journey through America's most treasured and interesting state parks.
Unicoi State Park is comprised of 1,050 acres of protected land in northeast Georgia’s Blue Ridge corridor, and the 53-acre Lake Unicoi is the crown jewel at the heart of the park. A walk around the lake is an intuitive, meditative way to begin a visit, as is a hearty breakfast at the Unicoi State Park Lodge. You can also paddleboard, kayak, sign up for a zipline course, fly fish, bird watch, capture photographs, and simply breathe deeply and take solace in the absorbing landscape.
The state park borders the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, which contains the stunning Anna Ruby Falls—this is one of dozens of awesome waterfalls in this region, and a must-see for its dramatic and sequential drop along a rock facing. We’ve gathered a few travel tips to virtually transport you to north Georgia until you can get there on your own!
Anna ruby falls scenic area
This is an easy drive from the Unicoi State Park Lodge, with its own parking area. Just adjacent to the lot is an accessible walk, suited for those exploring by wheelchair and with a need for visual support (interpretative signs are also in braille) called the Lion’s Eye Trail. For all, this is a nice start or end to the visit, as the trail is a quiet, shaded, and easy walk along Smith Creek.
After popping into the Visitors Center, take a short 0.4 mile paved trail with modest elevation gain to Anna Ruby Falls. The walk itself is so lovely, as the falls create a soundbath and the forest is cool and enveloping. The falls are a (greater than!) 150-foot drop, and a double cascade.
Now part of the the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, the site is managed by the non-profit Find Outdoors (previously Cradle of Forestry in America Interpretive Association.) Entry fees are $5 per person for those 16 and older, and an annual pass can be purchased. (State and federal passes are not valid at this location.) You can also get here on foot by hiking (4.5 miles one way) on a blazed trail from the state park.
Unicoi lodge
Built in the 1980’s, the lodge not only hosts individuals and families enjoying the park’s natural beauty, but also group events, weddings, meetings, and conferences.
Breakfast and dinner are served with a tranquil view of the Appalachian Mountains, and the lodge also has a cozy pub for additional relaxation. Sign up for zip lining courses that range from easy to challenging at the gift shop in the lodge— and there, find many local goodies like candles, soaps, sweets, coffee, guidebooks, t-shirts, and other souvenirs. The lodge has hotel style rooms, while throughout the park are cabins as well as RV and tent campsites.
Visit www.unicoilodge.com to arrange lodging.
Click through the photo gallery below for a closer look at several of the park’s natural features and lodging options!
Barrrel cabins, Unicoi State Park, photo by Derek Wright.
Innovative recreation
Originally created by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the park was renamed to Unicoi Outdoor Recreation Experiment Station in the 1960’s. New concepts, like barrel cabins, designed at the University of Georgia, were installed. One and two bedroom cabins, all with one-bath, are available for short term lodging. Reserve at www.unicoilodge.com
Screaming Eagle Aerial Adventure
Part of Adventure Lodges of Georgia, this zip line adventure course has a variety of levels and distances (for those age eight and older) that crisscross the entire state park. Advance reservations are highly recommended and the most current pricing is available at www.unicoilodge.com.
