Unicoi State Park & Lodge

Disappointing and Overrated It was not as great as I thought it would be. I think the website oversells the lodge. It says there are two restaurants but there is really only a type or sports bar type of place with a very limited menu. The lodge staff definitely is not friendly - almost every interaction I had with them, they had the demeanor of "I am talking to you only because I have to, but I would much rather not talk to someone like you". Not to mention there was an issue with a charge on my account and I was told I needed to speak to the manager, Susan Baxter, but she was in a meeting and would not be out for another thirty minutes. I waited a full 45 before I called but she was still in her meeting and she would call me back. Did Susan ever call me back? Of course not! Whatever the reason was is irrelevant because the fact is when a guest has a serious financial issue on their account and they are told someone will get in touch with them, someone should follow through. The saving grace was park itself, the zipline experience, Anna Ruby Falls, the hiking trails, and the kayaking. The staff members from the zipline (Dustin and Ethan), the lady working in the gift shop at Anna Ruby Falls, and the staff at the Visitor Center for the kayaking were so helpful, nice, and made up for what others lacked & I really appreciated them. Side note, the town of Helen turned out to be a "sundown town" and the people were NOT shy about letting it be known either.

We love staying here with our 12 year old son. There's so much to do and explore with him. This is out 3rd spring break here and we'll be back soon!

The scenery in the mountains was beautiful. The lodge seemed old and kind of depressing. However the staff was really great!