Unicoi to Helen - Octoberfest Lunch (Out and Back)

Join us for a fun fall hike from Unicoi State Park to Helen, Georgia, with a little Oktoberfest celebration in the middle. 🍂🥾🍺

Note: we are offering this same hike on two dates. Chose the one that works for you.

We’ll meet at Unicoi State Park and hike down into downtown Helen, enjoying the beautiful North Georgia scenery along the way. Once we arrive, we’ll take an hour or two to grab lunch, explore Helen, and enjoy the Oktoberfest atmosphere.

After lunch and some time around town, we’ll lace the hiking shoes back up and hike back to Unicoi State Park.

The plan:

• 🥾 Meet at Unicoi State Park in Helen
• 🍁 Hike from Unicoi into downtown Helen
• 🍺 Enjoy Oktoberfest and the festive atmosphere
• 🍽️ Grab lunch together
• 🎶 Spend an hour or two exploring Helen
• ⛰️ Hike back up to Unicoi State Park

It’s a great combination of hiking, fall weather, food, friends, and Oktoberfest fun!

Bring good hiking shoes, water, and money for lunch. Be prepared for the uphill hike back after we enjoy Helen!

Difficulty Level:
Easy/Moderate (Muddy in places, wear boots)
Distance:
6 Miles total
Estimated Duration:
Hike 2.7 miles - In Helen for 1-2 hours hike back to Unicoi 2.7. Total 6 miles.
Pace:
Strenuous, please be able to keep up a strenuous pace with the group.
Meeting Location:
Unicoi State Park Lodge at 1788 GA-356, Helen, GA 30545

10:00am sharp
Parking Info: $10 parking or GA Park pass .
Dog Policy:
See Unicoi policies.

Event Guidelines

• We will begin promptly at the listed time. Please arrive 5-10 minutes early so we can start together.
• This group is for people ages 18 and over who are Meetup members, and each person may bring up to one adult guest.
• Bring water, snacks, and any gear you may need (e.g., trekking poles, flashlight, rain gear). Boots are recommended for this hike.
• We welcome beginners. But if you are new to hiking or unsure if you can maintain the listed pace and duration, please do some prep walks in advance. Hikers who cannot keep pace may slow down or stop the group.
• If you decide to leave the hike for any reason, we request that you let someone in the group know.

Disclaimers - Required Reading

WEATHER
We monitor weather forecasts and may cancel based on them. However, each participant is responsible for monitoring the weather themselves and deciding whether to attend. We are not liable for weather-related incidents. Please use caution and come prepared for current conditions.

TRAIL DISTANCE AND CONDITIONS
Please be advised that the total distance, duration, and difficulty of the hike may vary due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to weather conditions, trail closures, detours, or terrain changes. Estimated distances are provided for general guidance only, and actual mileage may exceed these estimates.

PARTICIPATION
By participating in our hiking group, you acknowledge that hiking involves inherent risks and dangers, including but not limited to physical exertion, unpredictable weather conditions, uneven terrain, and encounters with wildlife. Our hiking group does not guarantee the safety or well-being of participants, and all individuals join at their own risk. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are physically and mentally prepared for the challenges of hiking and to take appropriate precautions to mitigate any risks. By joining our hiking group, you agree to assume all risks associated with hiking and to release our group, its organizers, and other participants from any liability or claims arising from your participation.

Photo via All Trails