December 20, 2022
Helen to Unicoi State Park Lodge
Distance
6.3 mi
Climbing
748 ft
Difficulty
Easy
Type
Out & Back
GPS track availableView on AllTrails →
Another great hike beating the cloudy and rain- threatening skies with temperatures around 40 degrees throughout the hike. The trail was dry and in very good condition without many rocks, roots or steep hills making it an easy hike. A short section of the trail is along Smith Creek providing the nicest views and sounds of the hike. We enjoyed lunch at Unicoi Lodge before heading back to Helen taking the Frog Pond and Bottoms Loop Trails to vary our paths.
The route
6.3 mi · 748 ft climbing · 3h 0m out · 2.1 mph moving
Elevation
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- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
12 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (12)
A pleasant view along Smith Creek enroute to Unicoi Lodge Today's hikers (L-R) Back: Linda, Kuber, Ray, Londa, Ken, Phil, Dick & John; Middle:Jenne, Bruce, Jenny, Angela & Lynn; Front: Joe, Trushna, Beth, Vic, Renée, Gary & Mike Waiting . . . A dry trail in good condition. A nice bridge across Smith Creek and trail beyond. The meadow leading up to Unicoi Lodge. You can't be more positive about life that Dick Metzgar on his 87th birthday! So it was the last piece of apple strudel. Let them eat cake! And, we did! We took both these side trails on our way back and thankfully, no rain this year! Same old Frog Pond, but it helps vary the scenery on our way back. Another look at Smith Creek on our way back. These hikers do have a better side, but they are all in the witness protection program. Leatherleaf Mahonia. There is something blooming in the winter!