December 16, 2025
Helen to Unicoi Lodge
near Helen, GA
Another beautiful day with sunny skies and temperatures between 36°F & 54°F. We had a large group of 28 folks today to hike to Unicoi Lodge for lunch together. The trail was in very good condition and seems have been improved, especially on the initial climb out of the trailhead in Helen. Not a lot to see, but it's always pleasant to walk along Smith Creek.
Today's Hikers: Ray Lovett, Phil Steele, John Cape, Sue Vaughn, Ken Pardue, Claudia Pardue, Gerald Richardson, Niko Smith, Bobbie Broussard, Stephanie Kromelis, Allyson Aldrich, Gregg Nuessly, Angela Evans, Jay Griffith, Debbie Griffith, Jane Brown, Ken Kellerman, Lynn Hotle, Rich Brown, Debbie Nuessly, Lynn Steele, Jenny Bell, Vic Robson, Renee Corbett, Jack Treadman, Beth McDonald, Heather Wall, Charles Hawkins, Beth Hawkins & Mike Bell.
The route
6.6 mi · 702 ft climbing · 3h 6m out, 2h 53m walking · 2.3 mph moving
Elevation
Hover over the profile to see the elevation and steepness. Your position will be shown on the map.
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
10 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (11)
Smith Creek as return from Unicoi Lodge A BIG group of hikers today. See photo caption for first names. Headed out of the trailhead in Helen. Very good trails Crossing Smith Creek Beth McDonald spotted these icicles on a log over Smith Creek. Lunch at Unicoi Lodge . . . hang on, the food will be here soon. Angela seems to have made a new friend today. Headed back after lunch. We took the short loop on the Frog Pond Trail on our way back. A last view of Smith Creek as we head home.