Example Trip Outline

Length: Weekend Trip

Traveling: Driving

Season: Fall/Autumn

Location to visit: Helen, Ga

Event/Activity: exploring Helen and surrounding area

Starting Point: Atlanta, Ga

Hotel Options:

Hampton Inn

HelenSureStay by Best Western Helen Downtown

​​​​

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

* Website links for each stop will be provided as well as a few pictures if available. *