Example Trip Outline
Weekend Trip to Helen, Ga
Friday to Sunday
Starting from Atlanta and staying in Helen.
Hotels:
Hampton Inn
HelenSureStay by Best Western Helen Downtown
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Day1: Friday
Drive route 19 north
Chestatee Wildlife Preserve & Zoo (1hr drive)
Mount Yonah Trailhead (30min Drive) Parking is at the trailhead
4.3-mile out and back trail, up Mount Yonah. Hard trail. Plenty of views once at the top
Check-in hotel in Helen (12min drive)
Explore Downtown Helen, plenty of shops/food options
Day2: Saturday
Unicoi State Park & Lodge | Visitor Center @ Unicoi Campground (15min Drive)
Hike the Lake Trail - trailhead located at the visitor center 2.5-mile loop trail, Easy. Follows the lake edge
Anna Ruby Falls | Anna Ruby Falls Visitor Center & Gift Shop (Entrance fee)
Short but steep trail to see the magnificent waterfalls, plenty of benches for rest
Smithgall Woods State Park | Smithgall Woods Visitors Center (15min drive)
Laurel Ridge Trail - Trailhead located at the visitor center. 1.6-mile loop trail which climbs Laurel Ridge for mountain vista view at the top. Moderate to hard difficulty
Hike the Tsalaki Trail (paved) to the Wetland Loop Trail (beaver pond) - Trailhead located at the visitor center, 2.5-miles out and back trail, Easy difficulty on paved road
Day3: Sunday
North Georgia Wildlife Park and Safari (25min drive) Operating hours change often
Parking is on Elm Rd, across the street from the property
Drive Home