Inside: A local parent reviews her visit to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Atlanta, GA. This place is one of the largest Hindu temples in the United States. It’s full of intricate details and was built entirely by hand!
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
If you’ve ever driven through Atlanta, you may have spotted a massive white temple just off the interstate. It looks like it belongs in another part of the world, and for the longest time, I assumed it was completely off-limits to visitors.
But here’s the thing—you can go inside! And it’s even more incredible than it looks from the highway.
Beautiful architecture at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
Quick Summary: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
📍 BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is an architectural masterpiece, made of 34,000 intricately carved pieces of marble and sandstone. It’s one of the largest Hindu temples in the U.S. and open to the public—for free!
✨ Things to know before you go:
🕘 Open daily from 9 AM – 6 PM
🧣 Shoulders & knees must be covered (wraps provided)
👣 Shoes must be removed before entering (be sure to bring socks)
🏛️ Best times to visit: 9 AM – 12 PM & 3:30 PM – 6 PM
🎶 Observe a Hindu ritual: Arti Ceremony at 11:15 AM daily
After exploring, stop by Shayona Café for authentic Indian cuisine—trust us, you won’t want to skip this!
A Temple Built Like a 3D Puzzle
The hand-carved intricate details of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir are simply amazing. This entire temple was constructed by hand with no steel reinforcement. Construction took just 17 months using 1.3 million volunteer hours assembling 34,000 intricately hand-carved pieces of Turkish limestone, Italian marble, and Indian pink sandstone. Each piece was carved in India and then shipped to Georgia via 300 containers to be assembled like a massive 3D puzzle.
The intricate details inside are stunning, with over 300 columns covered in elaborate carvings of animals, deities, and floral motifs. The dome, the final piece that completed the temple, is made up of 16 layers of stone, is supported by 13 columns. It weighs 6.2 tons and includes an elaborate chandelier of carved leaves.
Photography isn’t allowed inside, so you’ll have to take our word on that. But, plan your own visit so you can see it for yourself. You won’t be disappointed!
A Historic Tradition
Mandirs have been built using ancient architectural methods passed down for thousands of years. This particular Mandir is one of only six of its caliber in the U.S. and the largest in the Southeast.
The temple was built by generational temple builders from India, following traditional techniques that date back centuries. The structure is designed to last a thousand years, with features like a 2-3 inch movement allowance to withstand earthquakes.
The temple’s name, Mandir, comes from the Sanskrit words “man” (mind) and “dir” (place of stillness), symbolizing a space of spiritual peace.
FAQs & Tips for Visiting
If you’re like me and had no idea you could visit, here’s everything you need to know:
Yes, it’s open to the public! No reservations are needed for individual visits.
Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily (Best times: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM).
Entry: FREE!
Dress code: Shoulders and knees must be covered. Wraps are provided if needed.
Shoes: You’ll need to remove them before entering, so wear socks if you prefer.
Can kids visit? Absolutely! The carvings feature various animals, making for a fascinating treasure hunt—but remind them to be respectful, as this is an active place of worship.
Guided tours & audio guides: Available if you want more context ($5 for the audio guide).
Witnessing Hindu Rituals at the Mandir
For a deeper experience, consider timing your visit to witness one of the temple’s daily Hindu rituals:
Arti Ceremony (11:15 am daily) – A traditional Hindu prayer where lighted wicks are waved before sacred images while chants and music fill the space. This ritual has ancient roots, originating when lamps were used to illuminate deities in dimly lit stone temples.
Abhishek Mandapam (Multiple times daily: 9:00 – 10:15 am, 11:35 AM – 12:00 pm, 4:15 – 6:00 pm) – A ritual bathing ceremony where visitors can offer water over the sacred image of Nilkanth Varni while prayers are recited.
If your visit coincides with these times, it’s a great opportunity to observe or participate in these ancient traditions.
More Than Just a Place of Worship
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir isn’t just an architectural masterpiece. BAPS, the organization behind the Mandir, is the fastest-growing branch of Hinduism, celebrating its 50th anniversary with 118 Mandirs across the U.S.
The temple provides a space for the local Hindu community to gather, worship, and learn. On Sunday afternoons, 18 different classes are held for attendees aged 5 to 99, covering cultural and religious values. Over 1,200 people are fed as part of the temple’s services.
Spiritual leaders, known as sadhus or Hindu monks, reside at the temple, dedicating their lives entirely to worship and service. These monks give up personal lives, including contact with family, to devote themselves fully to spiritual practice.
Final Thoughts: Visiting BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
If you’re looking for something unique near Atlanta, this is it. Whether you’re interested in history and architecture, or simply want to step into a peaceful, awe-inspiring space, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is worth a visit.
And the best part? It’s free, welcoming, and right in our backyard. So next time you’re driving by, don’t just admire it from the highway—go in and experience it for yourself!
And Don’t Skip the Café!
Before you leave, stop by the Shayona café for some authentic vegetarian Indian cuisine. Open to the public, the café offers a variety of traditional snacks, meals, and sweets to try. The Mandir also has a catering program, making it a sought-after location for Indian weddings and celebrations.
📍 BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Atlanta 📍 460 Rockbridge Rd NW, Lilburn, GA 30047 📞 (678) 906-2277 ⏰ Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
And if that’s not enough, visit our Travel Guide to Georgia. It has lots to do, especially in the northeast part of the state near Atlanta and the mountains!
The International Cherry Blossom Festival returns to Macon, GA this year – under a four-hour drive from Greenville, SC – and promises to be an amazing experience with gorgeous cherry trees, live music, dog-friendly events, and family-friendly activities.
One of my favorite things about living in Washington, DC was the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Thousands of pink and white blooms lined the Tidal Basin near the Jefferson Memorial and it was always so stunning to see. It was like walking through another world. I had no idea there was a much closer Cherry Blossom Festival than traveling all the way to our nation’s capitol and it’s happening during Spring Break!
In fact, this festival started after William A. Fickling, Sr. traveled to DC, saw a cherry blossom tree that looked like the one in his backyard, figured out it was a match, and then started to propagate them in Macon, GA. The ones in Washington, DC were a gift from Japan in 1912.
Are you looking for Atlanta Black history sites to visit and learn about the Civil Rights Movement? Atlanta, GA has a number of important black history sites and parks, including the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr. We visited some of Atlanta’s Civil Rights historic sites, and gathered all the information you need for a visit.
America has a rich and diverse history. It’s filled with the good, the bad, and the ugly. Learning about as much of it as possible is essential to understand current affairs better. I recently combined our love for Atlanta with our quest for knowledge.
I’m glad that Atlanta is just a short drive away because I feel like we’ve barely scratched the surface! Georgia’s capital isn’t just the birthplace of one of the most iconic people from the Civil Rights Movement; it’s home to the stories of so many other important people in the Black History of America.
Black History Sites in Atlanta: Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
The place where Martin Luther King, Jr., was born and became the historical figure we all know is just about a block from where he was laid to rest. *Fun Fact: Did you know that Martin was actually Michael at birth? After a trip to Germany, Michael King Sr. was inspired by the religious leader Martin Luther and changed his and his 5-year-old son’s name from Michael King to Martin Luther King.
The MLK National Historical Park is a self-guided walkable tour, with convenient parking behind the social justice center, next to Ebenezer Church. It’s open rain or shine, so we didn’t let the sprinkle stop us. If your kids are inquisitive, be prepared to answer tons of questions.
For children ages 6-12, there is a Junior Ranger program they can complete. You can print out the official activity booklet at home and bring it with you to complete. *Fun Fact: Did you know that MLK was such a gifted student that he skipped grades 9 and 12, making him only 15 years old when he began college life at Morehouse.
Seeing the things currently open should take about 2 hours and is stroller-friendly.
Black History Sites in Atlanta: National Center For Civil and Human Rights
This modern center, dedicated to the fight for equal rights, is a place where you could spend the entire day. The exhibits include a lunch counter sit-in experience, view documents from Martin Luther King, Jr., attend a workshop, and more.
The Center is open Tuesday – Friday and Sundays 12 pm – 5 pm and Saturdays 10 am – 5 pm. The last entry is 4 pm daily.
Sitting in the shadow of the behemoth Mercedes Benz Stadium in the heart of downtown Atlanta is a beautiful home. To look at it, you wouldn’t know the history it holds from the outside. The century-old home (1910) was built by the first Black millionaire in Georgia, Alonzo Herndon. Born into slavery, Alonzo was 20 with just a few dollars in his pocket when he left the life he’d always known to find something better.
He cut his first head of hair, which led him down the success path that helped him create affordable housing in the Black communities. Mr. Herndon’s story is inspiring, and this beautiful home is a lasting legacy to all that this once enslaved gentleman overcame.
*Interesting Fact: His father was the plantation owner that his mother and brother were enslaved to. This aided them in being emancipated because the plantation owner’s wife wanted the reminder of her husband’s misdeeds out of view.
Long before John Lewis served 17 terms as a Georgia Congressman, he was a peer of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was one of the “Big Six” civil rights leaders who organized the March on Washington. The end of legalized segregation in the United States was primarily due to the things he did. John Lewis led what became the first of three separate marches from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, across the Edmund Pettus bridge in 1965.
Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and The Reverend Billy Graham, Lewis was ordained as a Baptist minister. In 2012, at the mural dedication, Lewis added the final touch to the work of art by painting the dot over the “i” in his last name. He passed away in the summer of 2020 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
*Fun Fact: In 1977, President Jimmy Carter put John Lewis in charge of a federal volunteer agency that oversaw programs including the Peace Corps. This was nearly ten years before he was elected to the House of Representatives for the first time.
The big city of Atlanta is hiding a wonderful place in its shadow. The suburb of Dunwoody, Georgia is just minutes from Atlanta, and offers guests affordable accommodations, delicious food, beautiful parks, and more!
Find out why the Atlanta suburb is one of our favorite Georgia destinations!
Are you looking for a fun weekend away this holiday season? Of course, holidays feel different in a big city like Atlanta, Georgia! So head west with our suggestions for holiday fun in Atlanta and its surrounding areas. Huge light displays, immersive art experiences, fun in the snow, and more await you and your family just a few hours away!
Places To Enjoy a Day Of Fun In and Around Atlanta
The energy in a big city during the holidays is unlike anything else. I can still vividly remember the first time I stood in Rockafeller Center as a child, with colossal light sculpture angels towering over me and people rushing past. For me, that big city energy is synonymous with the holiday season. Since I’m only able to get back to New York every few years and rarely during the holidays, the next best thing is Atlanta. There is even a Macy’s with an over-the-top holiday display! So hop in the car, and let’s go to the big city of Atlanta for some festive adventure!
Spending The Holidays in Downtown Atlanta
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ at Center for Puppetry Arts needs to be on your holiday bucket list if you are a fan of the classic stop-motion animation holiday movie. The exhibit and show run from November 2nd, 2024, through December 29th, 2024. Guests can see the film recreated with puppets from the original production! The Center for Puppetry Arts is also a must-see for Jim Henson’s Muppets and Sesame Street fans.
ATL Holiday Lights at Atlantic Station is a holiday light display driven or walked through. ATL Holiday Lights runs from November 11th, 2024, through January 2nd, 2024. Prices start at $25 per carload (drive-thru) or $15 per adult for the walk-thru version (Thursday nights only). Kids 15 and under get in free, and more ticketing info can be found on the ATL Holiday Lights website.
The Sugar Plum, Fairy Forest in the Buckhead Village District is the perfect place for unique holiday photo opportunities. The Sugar Plum Fairy Forest features pastel floral canopies, life-sized whimsical trees, and larger-than-life-sized flowers. Visitors will also get to visit with Atlanta Ballet’s Sugar Plum Ballerinas each Saturday, November 27th through December 18th, from 12 PM-6 PM during the Holiday Shop & Stroll events.
Celebrations In Light at The Children’s Museum of Atlanta includescelebrating Hanukkah, Las Posadas, Christmas, and Kwanzaa throughout December. The Museum also offers a family NYE celebration if you find yourself in Atlanta to kick off the New Year.
Dunwoody is home to one of the largest malls in the Southeast! In addition to all the shopping opportunities you could desire, Dunwoody offers so much more in the way of holiday fun! Some of the events you can enjoy while visiting Dunwoody during the 2024 holiday season:
Holiday Lights at Brook Run Park See the playground come to life with over 25k lights! This display is free to visit and is open nightly from December 1st-31st, from 6-10 PM.
Holiday Cookie Decorating Vino Venue invites all ages to enjoy this classic tradition of decorating Christmas cookies. Whether enjoyed with family or as a couple, this activity will surely provide a taste of the holidays. You must reserve your spot on their website.
Annual Holiday Artists Market Shoppers can find unique gifts at Spruill Gallery’s Annual Holiday Artists Market. Open now through December 23; the Gallery will be transformed into a winter wonderland featuring handmade gifts from 100 local artists, including ceramics, jewelry, photography, and home décor
Holiday Lights at Ravinia Gardens Enjoy live music, llamas, and the gardens in the Ravinia high rise complex that includes Crowne Plaza Hotel. The event starts on Thursday, December 12th, from 5 – 8 PM and continues throughout the season.
The Downton Abbey Exhibition Is An Immersive History Lesson for fans and non-fans of the popular show! Visiting Downton Abbey During the Holidays is possible to see the Downtown Abbey Exhibition in nearby Sandy Springs, Georgia. Dressed up for the Holidays, guests can enjoy a Christmas tour of the exhibit and immerse themselves in the world of this well-to-do Crawley family. Select the Holiday Treat ticket package to receive a Cranberry Sparkler cocktail and British-themed sweet treat during your visit to Downtown Abbey.
Places To Enjoy Holiday Light Displays In Atlanta, GA
World of Illuminations is a mile-long drive-through attraction with nearly two million lights, all synchronized to music on a dedicated radio station. It will have you feeling like a kid, no matter how old you are! It will also have you feeling a bit in awe of all the work that must go into doing this on a homeowner level – this display had my eyeballs popping out! Don’t believe me? See for yourself! Two different presentations are available this year – one at Six Flags White Water and one at the Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Atlanta Botanical Garden Lights, Holiday Nights was voted the best holiday event in metro Atlanta by Atlanta Journal-Constitution readers. In 2020, the botanical gardens received nearly half of all the votes submitted! That’s quite a testimony! The walk-through tour is open through January 12th, 2024.
Lights of LIFE is one of the most under-rated light display attractions in the Atlanta area and one of the most budget-friendly! At just $10 a carload, this light display is a deal. There is also a walk-through portion that includes pony rides, a carousel ride, and more.
Festive Adventure Awaits at the Stone Mountain Christmas event, with a holiday-themed laser light show and visits with Santa. Then, after dark, you can hop on the train to see holiday lights and other surprises around the base of Stone Mountain.
Unique Holiday Experiences Near Atlanta, Georgia
Callaway Resort & Gardens Fantasy In Lights, voted one of National Geographic’s Top 10 Holiday Displays in the World, is a seven-mile drive-through display, plus a walkable village. Make the trip to Calloway Resort with the drive. In addition, You can stay overnight and make a winter-wonderful weekend trip!
Snow Island at Margaritaville provides guests with the chance to play in the snow and tube down one of the most thrilling snow tube hills in the country at 80 feet high and almost 600 feet long! Ice skating, smores making, and other winter fun await guests at this resort on Lake Lanier, between Atlanta and the Upstate.
The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is just one more holiday train ride option for fans of the Polar Express movie. Situated in the North Georgia Mountains, the one-hour holiday train ride includes holiday music, a reading of “The Night Before Christmas,” and a gift to Children of a Blue Ridge Scenic Railway jingle bell, candy cane, and activity packet. In addition, hot cocoa and other concessions are available to purchase while on the “Holiday Express.”
Wanting to go on a fun, winter weekend adventure snow tubing or skiing? We’ve got the best places to go within a couple hours’ drive of Greenville, SC for winter fun.
If you haven’t dreamed of sipping hot chocolate inside a ski lodge and cozying up in front of a hot fire while reminiscing about your time on the slopes, this is the year to dream and make it happen. And the good news is that you don’t need to go far at all from Greenville, SC to have an awesome winter adventure.
These recommendations are all places that we’ve been to personally and have enjoyed with our families. They are also all open after the hurricane and are truly in need of tourism. We need them to be there for years to come! So you can not only plan a great weekend with your family but also help WNC businesses to stay afloat.
Where To Have a Winter Weekend Adventure
Sapphire Valley in Cashiers, NC
The Sapphire Valley Resort hosts skiing and snow tubing usually starting in mid-December. Their target opening date is December 14th, 2024. They also have an amazing thing called the Great Outhouse Race, which consists of outhouses decorated in all kinds of interesting themes that race on skis down the mountain. It’s even more than it sounds, promise. That happens President’s Day weekend.
The resort itself is beautiful and every time I’ve gone, I have used AirBnB or VRBO to book a condo. You can purchase the amenity card for a few dollars per person and that gives you access to the warm indoor pool, sauna, fitness center, and game room. The Sapphire Valley Resort is only about 90 minutes from Greenville.
Snow tubing at the Sapphire Valley Resort
Maggie Valley, NC
Maggie Valley is right next to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and just beautiful. They have a main street area but it’s along a busy highway so you’ll need to use your car to move around to different shopping areas. The shops have all local goods and they are just adorable.
Maggie Valley also has great snow tubing and skiing at Cataloochee. At the time of writing this (2024), they are open for the season! We recommend staying at Buffalo Creek Vacations, a bison ranch 25 minutes away that has cabooses and cabins perfect for families. As if that’s not enough incentive for staying at such a cool place, Buffalo Creek participates in the Kids Stay & Ski Free program where kids ages 17 and under are able to ski for free with a paid adult on non-holidays Monday-Friday (they must stay on the property on a non-holiday Sunday-Thursday and ski the next day). For example, if two parents buy two lift tickets, then two kids get their lift tickets for free.
Caboose rentals
Beech Mountain, NC
Beech Mountain is known for their beautiful ski resort and amazing views. They will open for the season on November 28th, 2024. We especially love Beech Mountain for their family-friendly aspect. They have really awesome restaurants for families, an adorable general store in the middle of town with one of the best breakfasts you’ll ever have, and free/cheap activities around the mountain.
In the winter, they offer free snow tubing on a hill in the middle of town plus, of course, their ski resort. We stayed at the Pinnacle Inn Resort, a collection of condos and rentals right in the middle of the action at Beech Mountain, provided by Beech Mountain Chalet Rentals. We could walk to three restaurants, the general store, playgrounds, and the Visitor Center. It was the perfect location plus it has a warm indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and fitness room.
Nearby is Sugar Mountain, which also has a ski resort. We have not been there but it is another option in the area.
Skiing at Beech Mountain | Photo courtesy of Beech Mountain
Blowing Rock, NC
Another quaint mountain town, Blowing Rock has the Appalachian Ski Mountain nearby, which is perfect for families. They will open on November 27th, 2024. Classes taught by the French-Swiss Ski College at Appalachian Ski Mountain are beginner, intermediate, or private. After trying out the bunny slope and managing the stops and starts just fine on our own, we opted to not take the ski class but when we head back up this season with all of the kids, I’ll definitely sign the younger ones up for the class.
The hills at Appalachian Ski Mountain are not so intimidating that a beginner is terrified, but they are plenty challenging enough for when your son or daughter (or you) become a bit of an “expert” after spending a day on the slopes. It’s a small enough mountain too, with one main ending spot for all of the slopes, that you can feel confident allowing your older children the freedom to go down slopes without you if that’s more your speed as well. In fact, those facts make it an excellent choice for beginning skiers and skiing families.
We’d recommend staying at the Hemlock Inn right in downtown Blowing Rock. The rooms are so beautiful and cozy and the owner is very kind.
Hayesville-Highlands Outpost, NC
Even though the Magical Mountain Resort and the Highlands Outpost are about an hour apart, we still think pairing these two places for a weekend getaway is perfect because the resort is just that amazing. It’s a fairy tale-themed resort with Alice in Wonderland cabins, a Harry Potter Midknight double decker bus, and so many more amazing and whimsical cabins. Highlands Outpost has amazing snow tubing and a mountain coaster. They are currently open for the 2024 season.
Lanier Islands, GA
Just a two-hour drive from Greenville lies Lanier Islands in Georgia. You really don’t even need to leave this place for your weekend of fun since they have snow tubing, restaurants, and a game room and arcade all on site. Snow tubing happens at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands and the tubing run is an astounding 575 feet long! They also have ice skating and a play area where you can have snowball fights. All of the winter activities are now open for the 2024 season.
We visited in the warmer months and have all you need to know about the local area, best place to stay, places to eat, and things to do in addition to the snow fun at Margaritaville.
Snow tubing at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands | Photo courtesy of Discover Lake Lanier
Where will you go weekend adventuring this winter?
Are you looking for a special way to celebrate the holiday season this year? Christmas at Stone Mountain Georgia is a great choice! Looking for a special activity to enjoy with your family that is outdoors and festive? Have you considered a trip to Georgia’s Stone Mountain Park, for their Christmas Celebration? We spent opening day as a guest of Stone Mountain Park to check out what a holiday trip to the Georgia attraction will look like.
For even more holiday fun, don’t miss the Ultimate Holiday Guide to Greenville, SC. It’s packed full of things to do, gift ideas, events and more!
Stone Mountain Georgia provides a unique mountaintop view of the Atlanta skyline. Oddly enough as much time as I spend in that area of Georgia, I had never been to the park despite being just minutes away.
Staying at Stone Mountain
At about 2.5 hours from the Upstate, Stone Mountain is definitely doable as a day trip, however an early start is highly recommended so you can get the most out of your day there.
If you decide to make a weekend of the trip, there are so many activities to enjoy at Stone Mountain Park, in addition to the seasonal attractions and the mountain. Guests can enjoy 7 hiking trails, watersports, biking, golf, and more. You can spend the entire weekend within the confines of the park with several different options for overnight accommodations.
Stone Mountain Campground features over 400 RV, pop-up, and Tent sites. As well as Yurt, Safari Tent, and RV Rentals. If you’ve ever wondered what RV like would be like, you can rent a stationary one to try it out!
Hike-it or Ride Up the Mountain in Style
The top of Stone Mountain is accessible to everyone, you just need to decide which options are the best for you and your family, before planning your trip.
Hiking to the top of the 2.2 mile trail is rated as extremely difficult and strenuous. Despite this rating, it is also noted as being kid friendly and we saw families on the trailhead. I asked in my local family hiking group for feedback, and plenty of Upstate families have successfully scaled the mountain. I didn’t know that hiking to the top was an option beforehand, and look forward to trying this the next time we visit.
The trailhead has it’s own parking lot at the rear of the mountain. You will need to park at the trailhead to hike the mountain, and then drive to the other side for the Christmas attraction. I suggest arriving early to start your hike, prior to the Skyride opening at 10am. That will give you a much quieter experience at the summit.
For an additional fee of $5 per person (ages 3+) added to your attraction pass purchase, you can enjoy a ride on a swiss-style cable car to the top of the mountain. The car only takes 3 families at a time, so timed reservations are required. I highly suggest you purchase them in advance. Due to the reduced capacity, the tickets sell out early and it would be a shame to miss the view from the top. The time you reserve is a a tool to help staff space out guests, so don’t panic if you’re a few minutes late or early and be patient if you find they are running behind.
The Skyride opens at 10 am, and I suggest getting there as close to then as possible. The Christmas attraction doesn’t open until later (12 pm-2 pm depending on the day), so you can enjoy the mountain, and then head down and do all the things that are part of the holiday festivities.
I suggest getting to the park ahead of the scheduled attraction opening, to give you time to get through the ticket line without wasting time you could be having fun.
During the day you can enjoy several different holiday shows on the Memorial Lawn located at the base of the mountain. (See the entertainment schedule for your day’s show times)
During The Day :
Tinseltone Carolers (15 minute show)
Aaron Radatz : The Magic of Christmas (20 minutes show)
A Wish for Snow (15-minute show)
After The Sun Sets :
Enchanted Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (6 pm nightly)
Christmas Lasershow (10 minutes)
We found a bench and the perfect spot to watch the lasershow in the “Louisianna” viewing spot located on the west side of the lawn.
The Polar Express: The Experience (12 minute show)
Snow Angel’s Christmas Parade & Fireworks Finale (8:45 pm nightly)
In addition to the shows on the lawn, there are several others tucked away in spots around the Crossroads Area of the park.
MIstle Tales (10 minute show)
Frosted Fables (10 minute show)
A Christmas Carol (20 minute show)
James Maltman: Elfin Around (10 minute show)
The Scenic Railroad offers guests a 40-minute ride on a 1940’s train around the base of Stone Mountain. Passengers will be treated to a telling of “The Gift” during a stop at the halfway mark of the 5-mile trip. We boarded the train right at sunset and got treated to both daylight and nighttime views of the area, it was perfect! Grab a drink and a potty break before getting in line, because you might be waiting for about an hour in line.
Great Locomotive Adventure Golf is a glow-in-the-dark mini-golf experience that starts at sundown. Try to head this way in between shows after dark.
Skylights spectacularly turns the zipline course area into a walk-thru light experience, with a surprise in store for guests.
Stone Mountain Christmas Tickets
Purchase Attraction & Parking Passes for admission to Stone Mountain Christmas Ages 2 and under – Free Ages 3 to 11- $34.99 Age 12 + – $39.99 VIP tickets are $10 more Parking – $20
Tickets include:
Summit Skyride 10 am – 4 pm
Scenic Railroad
Dinosaur Explore
Dinotorium
4D Theater
Mini-Golf
Historic Square
Christmas Drone & Light Show
Santa’s Big Flight
Christmas Parade
Tickets do not include Flight to the North Pole attraction.
Home of the world’s largest zip line, Historic Banning Mills is a gem hidden just outside Atlanta, GA. We stayed for a weekend and have all the details on this location ideal for adventurers.
Thank you to Historic Banning Mills for hosting us!
Banning Mill is only an hour outside of Atlanta but feels a world away. And once you get there, you don’t need to leave for anything. You can have all your meals at the lodge. You can spend your entire time going from adventure to adventure or just relaxing.
It’s so close to that elusive all-inclusive experience that makes time away a true getaway because you don’t need to worry about going anywhere else or meals or entertainment – it can all be booked together ahead of time. And Banning Mills is just that: a true getaway. You get to experience nature in very unique and exciting ways and have that chance to reconnect with your partner or family.
Banning Mills is also well within easy driving distance from Greenville at just over three hours (could be a bit longer depending on Atlanta traffic).
History of Banning Mills
Banning Mills was a originally part of the Creek Indian tribe land, led by Chief William McIntosh, who was half Creek Indian. When the white settlers came in the early 1800s, Chief McIntosh fought alongside Andrew Jackson, dined with President Thomas Jefferson, and eventually became a wealthy businessman who owned a plantation very close to Banning Mills. In 1825, he signed the Treaty of Indian Springs, which infuriated the Upper Creek Native Americans, who came to his home and killed him. He is buried where he died at McIntosh Reserve, now a county park.
In the mid-1800s, a textile mill was developed along the hidden Snake Creek gorge, which operated through the Civil War. It fell into disrepair until 1878 when Arthur Hutchinson bought it and made it into a paper mill, creating the birthplace of the modern paper industry. It thrived and a town was built to accommodate all the families who worked at the mill. By 1895, Banning Mill had ten mills, including two pulp mills, a sawmill, and a grist mill – all of which were within a mile of each other. The town was also the first to produce electricity in Georgia. Historical documents state that people from Atlanta would ride down in their buggies just to see lights turn on and off!
On several trails throughout Banning Mills, you can see the ruins of the old mills and the crumbling chimney of one of the original homes of a family who worked at the mill. Many of the trails you walk on were old roads, now covered in years of dirt, leaves, dust, and roots, that connected the mills and the town. One of the trails, the Creekside Trail, was the trail used by the Creek Indian tribe to traverse Snake Creek. I learned that after my kids and I had walked on the trail and it was just a moment of reflection to think what that must have been like for the tribe. I get to see the same things they saw and I just felt connected to that history and those people, just for a moment.
Conservation Efforts
When Mark and Donna Holder bought the property in 1998, they were focused on conservation and didn’t really know about the history of the place. There are several unique ecosystems within the property plus wildflowers, mushrooms, and wildlife. When they started designing and building the zip lines, they were extremely conscious of working with nature rather than against it. This is entirely obvious when you walk the hiking trails and spot the zip line platforms – they are nearly invisible, which is exactly how they were meant to be when built.
Mark’s extensive military and flight career turned out to be an excellent background for designing and building zip lines and adventure courses. Both Mark and Donna run a high adventure consulting business where they help other adventure companies design and build their zip lines. They’ve helped design adventure parks all around the world with an eye on preserving nature and surrounding ecosystems.
The Birds of Prey exhibit and nature talks are also part of their conservation and education efforts as they seek to help people understand more about these birds and their habitats. In the spring, Banning Mills offers guided hikes to explore the wildflowers and other flora and fauna native to the area.
As the business grew, Mark and Donna’s four kids got involved in running and operating it, making Banning Mills a family-run business, which is actually a nonprofit so they can focus exclusively on conservation and adventure. Banning Mills is 300 acres but it’s right in the middle of more than 1,000 protected acres of wilderness, which I think is part of the allure of the place. As a guest, I felt like I was in the middle of nowhere, completely apart from the world and in my own little slice of paradise.
Adventures
There are endless adventures to be had at Historic Banning Mills. You could probably spend a week here and not get to all of them. All pricing is listed on the website. And the guides will take photos of you during your adventures so you don’t need to worry about documenting all the awesomeness. They are emailed/messaged to you for free afterwards.
Crazy Squirrel Course
There are two Crazy Squirrel rope and zip line courses: tier one can be done by someone as young as four years old and tier two is a lot more advanced and kids must be nine years old for that one. These are great for both kids and adults and are a fantastic introduction to the world of aerial adventure.
Tier 1 consisted of several bridges and obstacles and a few zip lines. After gearing up and going over safety precautions, my kids and I hit the course. Our guide, Jack, was super funny and very chill. He showed us a great time on this course as we navigated the shaky bridges and giant swinging balls. It was a lot of fun and took us about 45 minutes or so to go through the whole thing.
The safety features they have are a continuous belay system which means you are never disconnected from the cable at all. It took a bit to learn how to work them and get into our gear but once we figured it out, it was easy. I was definitely proud of my kids for learning how to do it on their own and saw it as a great confidence builder for them.
Tier 2 of the Crazy Squirrel did indeed look crazy. Jack said you are pretty much guaranteed a good three hours to go through all the obstacles on that course. We saw multiple platforms on the same trees as the level 1 course and many, many more obstacles. It looked like it would be really fun.
Eco Tour Spider ATVs
I knew my kids and I were riding spider ATVs before we went but I really had no idea what we were in for. So these spider ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) were created by a paraplegic engineer. He wanted a way to experience nature and the trails so he created the Swincar – aka spider ATV – which is controlled by your hands and where each wheel is on its own suspension system. This means one wheel could be in a ditch and other on level ground but the driver remains level. Plus, these things are powerful and can go over roots, rocks, dirt, gravel, you name it. The cars are all electric as well.
I drove one car with my youngest daughter in the seat behind me and our guide took my other daughter. After he explained how the cars worked and got us our helmets and made sure our seat belts were properly secured, it was off to the test track to make sure I could safely operate this thing. The test track was a short loop, off-road trail where I could get a feel for the car.
I was awful at driving this thing, which my daughter eagerly pointed out at every turn. Because it’s electric and controlled by just my fingers by pushing a small lever, even a little pressure makes the car go fast, which meant a lot of stopping and starting and jerking. I loved it.
Once I was comfortable driving the car, which took all of five minutes and more backseat driving from my kid, we were off to the woods. Not only did we traverse most of the 300 acres of Banning Mills but we did most of it on the trails, some of which my kids and I had hiked earlier in the day. I haven’t had that much fun in a while! And we got to go over bridges in the woods, see the three lakes that reflected the gorgeous leaves changing colors, and even rode over the 760-foot-long suspension bridge on the cars – twice. I only got stuck once and figured out how reverse worked so I think it was a win overall.
The whole tour lasted about 90 minutes, which included our guide stopping at historical points along the trail to show up the old ruins of the paper mill and town plus check out where the birds of prey are located at the property. Guided tandem spider ATV tours are $199 and single ones are $139.
Some of the spider ATVs are wheelchair accessible and are a wonderful option for those with lesser mobility. You must have a valid drivers license to operate the spider ATV and be at least 16 years old for the single car and 18 years old for the tandem car.
Hiking Trails
Historic Banning Mills is known for its amazing bridges and whoa, we can confirm that these bridges are amazing. The longest one on the property – 760 feet long – spans the Snake River where the original dam at the mill was placed. It’s a swinging bridge and quite the adventure crossing it. It definitely sways and is really high but we never felt unsafe. We really enjoyed the bridges plus they make for amazing photos. There are more than 100 of them on the property although most are on the zip line courses. But the longest ones you can cross without any equipment. On the long swinging bridge closest to the Main Lodge, you can see the Flight of the Falcon zip line, which is the longest zip line. We could see where it started on the big tower way above the gorge but we couldn’t see where it ended!
There are 15 miles of hiking trails and three ponds to visit at Historic Banning Mills. You can hike all over the property as a guest and while the trails are open to the public, it is $7/person to hike them.
We especially enjoyed the Creekside Trail as it was directly next to Snake Creek. We saw some people zip-lining above and had great views of some of the bridges.
World’s Longest Zip Line & World’s Highest Climbing Wall
Banning Mills is home to the world’s longest zip line at nearly 3,400 feet long (that’s about three-quarters of a mile!). It’s called Flight of the Falcon and you are in a horizontal position and can reach speeds up to 55 mph. I so wanted to do this but my youngest was too small so now we have to go back when she grows a bit. It looks so amazing. The zip line was so long when Banning Mills was installing it that they had to use a helicopter.
One of the other zip lines is about a half mile long and is called the Screaming Eagle. Guests go crazy fast on this one, about 75 mph. Again, on my list!
Banning Mills is also home to another record-setter: the world’s highest climbing wall. It’s 140 feet high with nine climbing lanes and two rappel walls. It’s part of the Adventure Wall and where guests will start their Screaming Eagle zip as well. My fearless 8-year-old was really hoping to do this one but she didn’t make the weight requirement (60 pounds). It costs $35/hour to climb this monster.
There are four levels of zip line adventures you can do at Banning Mills and if you decide you want to add on more things, you can do that as well. Each level increases in speed and height so you may not want to the fun to end. There are multiple packages and add-ons for zipline tours, which you can read through on their website. Be sure to take note of the height, age, and weight restrictions before you go so you know what to expect. Given this kind of high adventure experience, safety is the first priority, and the staff and guides are expertly trained. All of the policies are for the safety of the guests and guides.
Other Activities at Banning Mills
Horseback Riding
Banning Mills has stables on their property where they offer horseback riding through their trails. Kids have to be at least 10 years old to do this activity.
Birds of Prey
Banning Mills hosts Birds of Prey talks throughout the year where they have a Master Falconer come and give a talk and demonstration about the falcons, eagles, and owls they have right there on site hidden amongst the trees. I was so hoping we would have been able to see this since I have a fascination with all of those animals. You can see the owls and the bald eagle, whose name is Liberty when they aren’t doing shows. Shows are $7/person and kids 4 and under are free.
Kayaking
Banning Mills is very close to the Chattahoochee River and runs kayak trips over the summer. The trips are great for beginners since they only have Class I and II rapids (smaller rapids).
Night Zip Lining
These tours are only available a few nights a year and they look amazing. The lodge had one of these happening on one of the nights we stayed and it was so cool to see the guides with glow sticks on their helmets and hear the people whooping on the zip lines in the dark. All we could see were lights moving and zip line towers lit up with lights. I definitely want to do this also!
Accommodations
Stay in a Tree House
There are several tree houses at Banning Mills all over the property. Ours was a two-story tree house with a tub, king-size bed, and bathroom on the lower floor and up the spiral staircase was a room with a bunk bed. There was a microwave, a small table, and a balcony as well. It was just beautiful and really, who doesn’t want to stay in a tree house and fulfill that childhood dream?
We loved the gas fire stove and balcony especially. The leaves were putting on quite the show so we felt like we were, well, in the trees, as close as possible to the leaves and glory of nature. It was super cool and relaxing. Our tree house also had an awesome rope bridge as an entrance. My kids thought this was the neatest thing ever. I mean, I did too.
The entire place was well-thought out to provide for that getaway and relaxation that we seek when we go on vacation plus very comfortable to provide for ample rest so you have all the energy you need for your adventures. The tree houses also have a jetted tub, which would probably feel really great after a long day of adventuring.
Banning Mills has brand new tree houses as well that are a bit more spacious than the one we stayed in but just as relaxing and comfortable. There are truly plenty of options for you to enjoy a unique experience at this place.
Cabins & The Lodge
Other accommodations at Banning Mills are lodge rooms, which are more like typical hotel rooms and are usually booked when groups come in for retreats.
There are also pine log cabins and larger family cabins available for rent. Just remember these are not luxury accommodations. It’s not the Ritz. These are modern cabins and tree houses in the woods.
Dining at Banning Mills
All rooms except the family cabins, which can fit up to nine guests, include breakfast in the morning. The breakfasts we had were awesome – bacon, eggs, biscuits, fruit, coffee, oatmeal, waffles, sausage, and orange juice. There is a beautiful terrace room at the Main Lodge that overlooks the creek with some zip lines overhead so the view is perfect. Since we went in late October, the colors of the leaves were incredible. I could have stared out those windows all day.
For lunch and dinner, guests can reserve meals at the lodge but they must do so when they check-in or before.
There is a sit-down gourmet meal served nightly by reservation, which my kids and I did one of the nights we stayed at Banning Mills. We had to make our meal choices when we got there, which included an appetizer, salad, entrée, and dessert. They prepare these to be shared by two people but the kitchen can do single dishes. Kids’ meals of chicken fingers, pizza, spaghetti, and other items are also available.
If you’d rather enjoy a meal in your tree house or other accommodations at Banning Mills, you can order a souvenir backpack that you get to keep, two large sandwiches, chefs’ choice salad, cookies, crackers, and bottled water.
If you’d rather eat out, Banning Mills lists several location restaurants in their guidebook in your room that you can choose from that are 15-20 minutes away by car.
Packages
I did say in the beginning of this story that Banning Mills is so close to that elusive all-inclusive experience. And it is. You just have to be sure to add on everything you want when you book or when you arrive for your trip. Once you arrive, you don’t need to leave the property for the entirety of your trip if you choose to book all your meals and adventures there (I recommend you do because they are all amazing).
There are several adventure packages to choose from depending on what you want to do. There are a couple of getaways, adventure, and room packages which include meals, zip lining, eco-tour spider ATV tours, and lots more. Most are for two people but just call Banning Mills and they will help you to put together a package for your family or to fit your needs and desires. They are very accommodating and just a wonderful group of people who want guests to have an amazing stay
Best Ages to Experience Banning Mills
This is always something to consider when planning family getaways, right? You want something that is fantastic for everyone. My kids are 8 and 11 and my youngest could do limited activities because of her age and weight. She wanted to do the Flight of the Falcon but we’ll have to wait a few years. That said, we were able to do the Crazy Squirrel Tier 1, hiking trails, and the Eco Spider ATV Tours, which kept us quite busy. If we had gone in the summer, we would have been able to enjoy the swimming pool as well. So there were definitely enough activities to keep us active but also provide that downtime to just relax.
I think if you have teenagers and are looking for adventure, book this place. If you and your partner are always on the lookout for the next thrill, book this place. I’m already thinking of coming back when my kids are a bit older because wow, the options are endless for the super cool and unique experiences you can have together.
And the memories you could make here with your kids would just be so priceless. This is the opportunity to really connect with your kids/partner, to get away from technology for a bit, and to just be together while doing something super fun.
My Honest Mom Review
For myself, relaxation involves hiking or kayaking, or something outdoors. This was a relaxing weekend for me because I captured that elusive feeling of really getting away from my normal, everyday work, from deadlines I have coming up, and whatever else had been on my mind the previous week. Staying in a tree house, wandering around the hiking trails, learning the history of the property, and enjoying those amazing views from the swinging bridges was very special.
Connecting with my daughters, even while one was telling me how awful of a driver I was for an hour, was fantastic. Our time is short with our kids and intentionally making the most of the time we have together is of utmost importance. This is a truly amazing place to make that happen.
I also want to give a shoutout to the staff at Banning Mills. Everyone was so kind, considerate, and accommodating. I know working in hospitality can be hard but everyone we met was wonderful and friendly.
Are you looking for a beautiful place to enjoy the outdoors with your family? Consider a trip to Anna Ruby Falls. It is so worth the drive from nearby Helen, GA to enjoy this beautiful double waterfall. We love the paved trail that keeps this gorgeous spot accessible for so many. We have all the details to help you plan your visit to Anna Ruby Falls, Georgia.
About Anna Ruby Falls
Located adjacent to Unicoi State Park Anna Ruby Falls is actually a spectacular twin waterfall, as two waterfalls combine to form Smith Creek. The taller waterfall cascades down 153 feet and its twin drops about 50 feet. There are many gorgeous waterfalls in North Georgia, but this one is unique. Not just because it’s a double waterfall, but because the trail is paved making this a really family-friendly spot to enjoy nature.
The Anna Ruby Falls Trail
The paved hiking trail begins at the Anna Ruby Falls Visitor Center where you will find restrooms and a gift shop, plus several scenic picnic areas along the creek at the Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area.
It’s just under a mile hike along the paved trail to get to the falls and back.
The paved down-and-back trail to the falls has a moderate to steep incline at times, as it follows the boulder-lined banks of Smith Creek to the falls. While there are a few steep sections, the trail is well-maintained and the pavement makes the trip much easier.
It’s a very pretty trail, and though short, it’s worth a trip in and of itself. There are multiple overlooks and observation decks to enjoy the falls for a while before returning back down the trail.
Lion’s Eye Trail
Near the parking lot, you’ll also find the very short Lion’s Eye Trail. Its a 0.1 mile paved trail with braille interpretive signage.
Near Anna Ruby Falls
You’ll find Anna Ruby Falls just a short drive from Helen, GA and right next to Unicoi State Park.
How far is Anna Ruby Falls from Helen, GA?
It’s about a 15-minute drive from Helen, Georgia to get to Anna Ruby Falls. It’s a beautiful area. So whether you start your day in Helen and head to the falls, or begin with a hike and end with a trip to Helen, make sure to do both. The alpine town is quite unique. Check it out in our piece on Helen, GA.
We love to grab a pretzel when we visit Helen! The holiday decorations are always fun, too!
You’ll drive through a portion of Unicoi State Park on your way to the gate to Anna Ruby Falls. If you’re looking for more hiking, the hike around the lake at Unicoi State Park is pretty and family-friendly.
Our family always stops at Sweetwater Coffeehouse when we are in the area. The staff is so friendly and it’s just a super cute mountain town coffee shop. We found it by accident as we drove through the area on our first visit and now we make a point to stop whenever we are in the area.
They are open 8 am to 6 pm daily, and it’s about a 20-minute drive from the falls parking area to Sweetwater Coffee.
Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area, National Forest 3455 Anna Ruby Falls Road, Georgia Fee is $5 per person aged 16 and up. Free for kids 15 and under. Open 9 am to 5 pm daily- last admission is 4 pm. Closed the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Thinking about a trip to Unicoi State Park in Georgia? Unicoi State Park hosts some unique ways to get outdoors with your family. We sent contributor Kristina to check out their barrel cabins and soak up all the adventure she and her kids could handle for a few days in Northern Georgia.
Accommodations at Unicoi State Park were given to us so we could review the park but the opinions henceforth are those solely of the author.
As much as I’d love to take a few months or even a year off to show my kids the world and have all kinds of epic adventures, it’s not happening. It’s not possible for most families. What is possible? Lots of places within driving distance of the Upstate to have amazing adventures.
One such place we recently visited – only two hours away – and made those memories that I was hoping to share with my kids, instilling adventure into their developing personalities, and satisfying my own wanderlust.
Unicoi State Park, part of the Georgia State Park system, is only two hours away from Greenville and has everything a family could want for a great trip – camping, cabins, a lodge, zip lining, swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, archery, you name it. And the quaint German town of Helen is a mere five minutes away by car or 90 minutes by hiking.
Staying in a Barrel Cabin at Unicoi State Park
I’ve never ventured into the North Georgia mountains or a Georgia state park so I had no idea what to expect. We stayed at the park in a barrel cabin, which is pretty much like it sounds. My kids were in awe when we pulled up. They said “we are staying in that? How cool!” It’s fun to amaze your kids.
Barrel cabins at Unicoi State Park
Barrel Cabin Amenities
The barrel cabin we stayed in is one of several in the park. It had two bedrooms, a pullout couch, a full kitchen, living and dining rooms, and a porch with rocking chairs where you could see one of the trails and catch glimpses of the lake. It’s a good size and can fit six people.
My favorite was the kitchen because I try to stay in places that have cooking areas because it saves me so much money on eating out. This cabin was a win.
In my barrel cabin, the two bedrooms were upstairs, while the full bath was downstairs. I thought it may be an issue for middle-of-the-night bathroom runs for my daughter but it worked out fine.
The barrel cabins were designed and built in the 1970s as an experiment to lure people into the park to enjoy all of the wonderful outdoor activities the park offers. Needless to say, the barrel cabins were a hit, and generations later, people can still stay in this odd, but useful and functional, structure.
The cabins are built on stilts and are in a little barrel cabin village, nestled within the forest and right off the lake trail that loops around Unicoi Lake. The interior is all wood and although not completely updated to Chip and Joanna Gaines’ standards, they are clean, comfortable, and have air conditioning and heat. There are cabins from one-bedroom up to deluxe three-bedrooms.
One special thing I loved about the barrel cabin is the symphony of sounds when it rains – the structure has tin on the outside so the rain is beautiful. Sit on the covered porch and just listen. You haven’t experienced the beauty of rain until you’ve heard it on a tin roof.
Other options for lodging
If you’re into primitive camping, have an RV, or want a
space more like a hotel room or even a large cabin, the state park has all of those
available as well – and plenty of them. The park is spacious and has lots of
room for everyone.
Prices for barrel cabins and other lodgings vary widely based upon season. Accommodation reservations are available online. Some of the accommodations in the park are pet friendly.
Unicoi State Park Beach
Unicoi State Park has a small but beautiful beach swimming area. I loved this for my young kids and they enjoyed the shallow water. We brought sand toys and spent a good chunk of time there enjoying the warm day on the sandy beach. The water is not more than four feet deep, maybe even less. Mountain beaches are great.
Although we didn’t rent boats during our visit, several options for enjoying the water are available: paddle boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. There is a boat house right at the beach where you can rent whatever you like, although call ahead for reservations during the busy summer and fall seasons to make sure you get what you want.
Unicoi Beach
Hiking
There are numerous trails throughout the park to stretch
your legs.
Lake Trail
The Lake Trail loops around Unicoi Lake and is an easy hike and a beautiful way to see the lake. We took it in parts after dinner and my kids enjoyed it.
Smith Creek Trail
The Smith Creek Trail is over eight miles and is more difficult. Check out AllTrails before you go to plan ahead for any unforeseen challenges.
Lake Trail at Unicoi State Park
Unicoi to Helen Trail
The Unicoi to Helen Trail was on my list but we didn’t get
to it. It’s a six-mile roundtrip hike from the park right into Helen, the famed
Bavarian-themed village. It’s of moderate difficulty but a great way to get in
some exercise before enjoying beer and brats and then hiking back (or taking the
free shuttle to the park).
Anna Ruby Falls
Anna Ruby Falls, the waterfalls named after the daughter of a Civil War general, is located in the park up a paved 0.4 mile trail. It’s straight up so it may take you some time while you catch your breath but it’s magnificent. I failed to capture the beauty of the falls on camera but needless to say, if you can make it here during your trip, do it.
There is a $5/person fee for anyone ages 16+. And there is a cute little gift shop on site as well as restrooms and picnic tables.
Unicoi State Park is actually an adventure lodge as well,
hosting an enormous zip line course, an archery range, an airgun range, and fishing
on-site.
Zip Line Course
Kids have to be at least six-years-old to do most of the adventures so we weren’t able to do what I was hoping for this time around, which means we have to come back. But we did see many of the zip lines and platforms and it looked incredible. Many of the lines go right across the gorgeous lake and everything else looked like it was part of the forest.
In the fall, I can only imagine the tapestry of colors that the forest showcases. Fall is one of the busiest times of year for Unicoi State Park because of the changing of the colors of the leaves.
Being from Greenville, I always think “go north”, go to the Blue Ridge Parkway or up in the mountains near Asheville. But the mountains of Northern Georgia put on quite the show as well. Imagine zip lining and hiking through the forest that time of year!
One of the zip line platforms
Archery
I was quite bummed we weren’t able to participate in archery while at the park. I love the sport and my girls are learning quickly as well. If you have your own bow and arrows, you only pay $5 to use the range.
Otherwise, it’s $25/person for a lesson and range time. If you haven’t felt the pull on the string, your fingers tugging and feeling for the right moment, and that last breath you take below you let the arrow fly, you’re missing out.
Fishing
The park also teaches fly fishing lessons. I’d absolutely do if I had the patience of a saint, which I don’t. I imagine it would be an enlightening and enjoyable activity – the photos alone would probably be worth it- but I may need a little convincing to get me away from the archery range.
More adventures
Boats and mountain bikes are available to rent and other activities, like s’mores at a campfire, happens at night as well as GoPro rentals and GPS scavenger hunts. Adventure pricing is available online.
The location couldn’t be better
Unicoi State Park is just five minutes from Helen, Georgia and all the restaurants and activities of the Bavarian village. We certainly made use of the proximity of the park by grabbing ice cream and chocolate truffles as well as taking a tubing trip with Cool River Tubing down the Chattahoochee River.
The park runs a free shuttle to Helen as well – just call the lodge 30 minutes before you want to leave – which saves money on parking in town.
Also nearby are fantastic hiking trails in addition to the
ones at the park itself. We did the High Shoals Falls Trail, only about a 25-minute
drive from the park, where we saw Blue Hole swimming hole and High Shoals Falls,
both of which were worth the 2.5 mile hike.
Day-use area at Unicoi State Park
Unicoi State Park has a huge day-use area with a playground, lots of picnic shelters, creek access, and restrooms.
My kids loved the playground and a swimming hole looked ideal for hot weather, which we totally would have used if we had more time to spend that day. The park has many picnic shelters spread throughout the park that visitors can rent.
Day-use area at Unicoi State Park
Adventure is calling
There are few things I’d rather do with my kids than explore the outdoors. The best part is that you don’t need to go far from Greenville in order to fulfill that desire.
There is so much to enjoy at Unicoi State Park that you’ll want to come back the minute you leave, wishing you had the time to have more adventures. You don’t even need days and days to savor that quality together and make memories that will stay with you and your family for years to come.
So what’s holding you back? You can’t have too much fun in the mountains.
Have you been to Unicoi State Park?
For more ideas of places to see and things to do in Georgia, see our Guide to Georgia Travel.
