HELEN GA... Great Food, Camping and Waterfalls // Unicoi State Park

This stop had everything we could ask for and more. For Owen... nothing beats great food. And for Lynn nothing beat great hikes. Throw in beautiful waterfalls and a secluded campsite and you've got the makings of a great stop as we continue on our loop camping at as many of the of Georgia State Parks as we can in November.
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Chapter/Segments:
00:00 Drive to Unicoi State Park in our Ekko
2:37 Heading Into Helen, GA
8:30 Unicoi State Park Needs Some Love
11:11 Back To Helen For Reuben Sandwiches
14:14 Anna Ruby Falls Waterfall Hike
20:31 Thoughts About Helen and Unicoi State Park
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[@rvwall-e]

Loved it all, but Maggie and the little girl - priceless! As for the older gentleman, good on you both. As always, your good hearts come to the fore. ❤❤❤

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you, it’s the small things that make the most difference.

[@jannettejohnson1100]

I love Helen, GA. Can't wait to go back!!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We loved it too! Thanks for watching.

[@user-gh8sl7iu3y]

Haven’t been toHelen or Unicoi since it all closed down throughout pandemic. Started going up there probably 20 years ago and it was so pristine that it was one of our top destinations. So sad to see it’s declining. Things are aging out but we still have our memories and dreams.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It is still a great place to go even it is declining. So many wonderful things in the area.

[@robertbonesio5498]

It’s a beautiful place. Thank you for making me home sick. 😊

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

You are welcome. I would be homesick too.

[@kimkavanagh6136]

Just came from Unicoi and visited Hofers on your recommendation. O.M.G.!!! I had a cream puff … literally THE BEST I’ve ever had, my husband said the same about his Apple fritter. We couldn’t stay for the Rueben but we will be going back …. Soon! We loved Unicoi a little more than you seemed too we think maybe your back didn’t let you appreciate it as much. Thanks for the Hofer’s info and yes we did the happy dance.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

So glad you enjoyed Homer’s. You might be correct about Owen’s back not letting us enjoy the park as much as we would have.

[@jenniferschade7553]

I was married in Helen GA in Unicoi State Park 26 years ago. I'm quite fond of the place. Hofers is my favorite restaurant for breakfast!!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

What a great place to get married. I’m sure it look quite different now. I hope you get to go back and visit from time to time.

[@sylviat8461]

We used to live near Atlanta and went to Helen often. Also lived in Germany for 3 years (thanks to the Air Force)!!! LOVE this area!!!!!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We loved this area too. Thanks for your service.

[@tobydavis5673]

You all are in one of my favorite Georgia destinations. My wife and I love the mountains in and around Helen. I’ve been to or through Helen 6 times this year. We were just there this past Friday November 25 for the Christmas lighting of the village. We enjoy your travel videos. We had an RV several years back and sold it as it was falling into disrepair. We’re considering purchasing another one in the near future. If so, we might see you two on the roads.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I agree there are so many great things to do in the Ga mountains, we can’t wait to go back. Hope to see you on the road.

[@cherylslatton3718]

I love Helen Ga. Used to live in Cleveland down the Hwy. At foot hill of mtheien is beautiful .miss the beautiful scenery there. Have fun. Blessings to you

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I can see why you miss it… it was a beautiful place that we just loved.

[@nancyskean6425]

What a beautiful state park. I could almost smell the leaves! Thanks for taking us along. Maggie sure enjoyed that stream!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Maggie always enjoys a good stream, but this one really surprised her… it was really cold.

[@timmartin4952]

Very kind of you all to be generous with that fine man. Your hearts are always doing the right thing. Owen, do hope you get relief and a permanent fix soon. Kind of you to support the local economy with purchasing the sandwiches and sweets!😉 Thanks for taking us along.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Owen’s back is going much better, thank you. We always try to support the locals, plus it’s so much fun… We appreciate you following along.

[@allencooper3622]

Been there twice would go again tomorrow, so peaceful there

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We will be going back too.

[@greygooseadventures5212]

OMG, we didn’t talk about it, but we love Hofers in Helen. Juanita will always do a Rueben for breakfast. BTW, we had so much fun even with all the noise and distractions. The laughter and fellowship was the best! ❤️❤️

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

There is nothing in this world better than laughter and fellowship with great people. Thanks so much for spending a couple of days with us. You are two of our favorite people!!!

[@TimeoffwithCuzinEddie]

Wow! Y’all are in our neck of the woods. Our daughter went to college about 10 miles from Helen, and actually got married in that area. We love unicoi, but you are correct they don’t seem to allocate the money needed to maintain the state parks correctly. The state did recently purchase some off road motorized wheel chairs to be distributed to state parks. When you were coming through Clarksville you were about 10 miles away from Camp Toccoa at Currahee which is where the men from easy company (Band of Brothers) were trained. There is also a really good WWII museum in downtown Toccoa. Glad you are enjoying our state parks! Butch and Becky 😀😀

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We have really enjoyed your neck of the woods and have wondered why we have not been here before. Thanks for the suggestions, we will put them on our list for the next time we visit.

[@richardcoyle2635]

Looked like a nice place. Maggi said get in here.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It was a wonderful stay that I’m sure that we will return.

[@budgerber901]

I canceled surgery for herniated disc 50 years ago and opted for chiropractic. 83 years young ,no surgery, happy as a clam.🙏🙏

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Good to hear. We are making an appointment with the chiropractor as soon as we get home.

[@ronaldhicks5320]

I was a skeptic for years but chiropractors saved my butt twice. One fixed my knees when I was scheduled for knee surgery and one fixed my back this summer

[@gRosh08]

Thank you for sharing.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

You are so welcome and thank you for watching.

[@joeyeubanks5965]

Another nice video. Keep ‘em coming.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you. We appreciate you following along.

[@marciagainey5155]

Loved your taste of Unicoi and Helen. We’ve been there several times beginning back in the early 90s. Never camped but rented cabins or vacation homes and always found plenty to do and see. Good on y’all for giving the gentleman you met the walking stick. You’re never wrong when you have an impulse to do something kind. The world needs more kindness and regard for our fellow men and women. I know that man won’t forget you or your kind deed. Hope you’re feeling better, Owen. Back trouble is not for sissies and can definitely take the pep out of your step! Looking forward to your next stop - another place we’ve visited more than once. 🥰

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

There were so many things to do here and we didn’t have enough time to even scratch the surface. Owen back is getting much better but it take the pep out of his step for a couple of weeks. Thanks so much for commenting and following along.

[@lorichaulk5583]

A beautiful place

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We agree. Thanks for watching.

[@lisastayman6392]

We went to Anna Ruby Falls and Helen last year in October. Mountains are beautiful in October. However, I now know that I'm going to need knee replacements some day!! The trail was pretty steep and it was drizzling rain the entire walk. My dogs and husband pooped out in a very short time. Dobie has arthritis pretty bad in her hind legs. I went to the first platform and called it quits. We sure do like the same places in GA!!!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It was a very steep hike for sure… it sure was beautiful though. Thanks for your comment. Merry Christmas!

[@RoseOriginals]

Yup, always about the food! Thanks for showing us around this park it's definitely on our must do list. We're looking forward to the review of GA parks. Until next time, stay safe!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Think you'll love... something different to see... things to do... and great food. Hard to beat that.

[@larryvincent2098]

Kindness is a wonderful gift , and going above that by giving your walking stick , you two will be bless . Good things come to good people I always believe!!! What a beautiful, scenery, and great adventure. Thank you for sharing this wonderful video with me. . As always BS & BK & BC !!!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I’ve always believed in karma. What goes around comes around. Thanks so much for your comment it is much appreciated.

[@ncwomanparker1708]

Lol Maggie got out of that water fast, bless her. I like that state park. You guys are the best!!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I wish we could have shown more of Maggie getting in the water. I have never seen her move so fast. It was so funny.

[@ftkinsella]

That was a beautiful park and I just loved the falls. So much beautiful scenery. Well guys I'm alone, watching on my anniversary. It would have been 40 years but it's her first heavenly anniversary. Thanks for helping make an old man smile on a day that has been hard to. Cheers 😙🥂😘

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We think about you a lot and know it has been a hard year for you. Wish we were closer to you so we could pop in to keep your spirits us. Until then just know we care about you and are so thankful you've been a part of this journey with us. Happy Thanksgiving and as hard as it will be try to be extra thankful for those 40 years of memories. Cheers x3!

[@ftkinsella]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle thanks so much my good friends. We had Thanksgiving in October. I guess Cabot beat Columbus so we Canadians celebrate early. Hahaha Just trying to get through the firsts of everything. Christmas and then her first anniversary of her passing. I have so many great memories and my girls never let me forget. We had a wonderful life, now she has to wait for me. God bless.

[@misswaddell9042]

Hofers is my favorite. They used to have a very good breakfast!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I’m sure they do especially if it’s as good as their lunch. Thanks for watching.

[@maryjones908]

Happy Thanksgiving! Prayers for healing🙏

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving to you!

[@trickpony3]

Helen Georgia like Leavenworth Washington were created as a recreation town to prevent economic ruin. They almost look the same but are not real German towns. Solvang Califorina on the other had is legit. It was created by 3 Danish men in 1911.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks for the information, we did read the town was created for economic purposes. If we get back out to California we will put Solvang on our list.

[@trickpony3]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle maybe on your next trek with Debbie and John👍

[@sherrykendrick1765]

I live about 25 minutes from Helen and know manty German speaking people in Helen.

[@sherriweber7105]

Ya that park didn’t look like a resort but it was good though. Beautiful park. Ya if was a resort it would have packed thus way is much better to camp. The food looked great. I love Rueben sandwiches. Yummy. What a cute town.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We were glad it wasn’t a resort, because we loved it just the way it was.

[@joycemoses2411]

Thank you for your kindness to the little girl and the old man! Thanks for the review of the campground. Owen, we hope your back feels better soon!!!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Kindness comes in so many forms… and your comment is one of them. Thank you.

[@KU9L]

So many places in the US have great German/Swiss/Amish/Menenite towns and many of them have great State/National/Corp of Engr Parks nearby too. And so many of them are also on the way to many of our personal favorite destinations in the midwest of which we feel we have only scratched the surface of over the years. Thanks for triggering many great memories and hopefully a few more to come!!!

[@KU9L]

Also, Starved Rock State Park on I-80 is another campground not to miss in Illinois, wonder limestone bluffs & Rick formations & camping.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks for the suggestion, we will put in on our list. I agree that we are only able to scratch the surface.

[@ladikmk]

Oh my, that’s such a beautiful park; my kind of place - lots of trees and waterfalls. Grew up eating Austrian & Russian foods so I understand the allure of a great Reuben and yummy baked goods. My Momma had a magic touch in the kitchen; we were very blessed to eat at her table because those meals were legendary - schnitzel (with veal), nut rolls, piroshki, kulich, etc. Hope you have a wonderful, blessed Thanksgiving and all three of you are doing well. Safe travels and a hug & big smooch for Maggie.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Your mom sounds like a great cook… I’m sure you learned a lot from her. What a wonderful thing to say “you were blessed to eat at her table”, the ultimate complement. Thanks for sharing.

[@donnieherring6429]

So glad I found yalls channel! We love Helen!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We loved it too and we're really glad you've found us. Stay connected.

[@kathleenjudge11]

Just wanted to drop in and tell you both how much I love following your travels. Just bought our own class B and will be experiencing your wonderful trips!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you so much! Congratulations on your Class B, we hope to see you on the road. Safe travels.

[@judystreich7333]

Well that was a pretty cool area to spend some quality time. Belly rubs for Maggie, because when you are a princess you deserve all the pampering that comes your way. 🥰 Happy travels.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Maggie is a princess for sure and tells us that quite often. She deserves it!

[@judystreich7333]

Have a great Thanksgiving. 👍🙋🏼‍♀️

[@pattyk8594]

Yay I got to see more of Maggie in this video! She's such a sweetheart to watch!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We always say Maggie is the star of our videos.

[@iucp101]

Back in the 80s Unicoi was a great, well kept park. That`s where we actually decided we were campers.. We were never very impressed with Helen because we enjoy nature more than touristy stuff. As a retired orthopedic nurse I highly recommend a heating pad to use first thing in the morning and before doing activities like hiking and an ice pack to use when you feel an increase in pain or after strenuous activities to reduce inflammation. A TENS unit and back strengthening exercises will help, too. Also, sitting for extended periods of time are one of the worse things for your back, so you may want to invest in a lounge type chair like a zero gravity recliner. Back surgery is a very last resort and I've seen many people that had surgery and were no better and lots even had worse pain afterwards. Hopefully you will feel better soon. Georgia has some great state parks. Our favorite is Roosevelt SP in Pine Mtn. FDR`s Little White House and Callaway Gardens are must see places in that area, too.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks so much for all the suggestions on places to visit, we will have to put them on our list for the next time, and we will be back. We also appreciate all the great advice for Owen’s back, we do have a Ten’s unit that we travel with, but this time it didn’t seem to help a lot. We will probably try to purchase a gravity recliner for our next long trip, as you mentioned sitting was the hardest part. I’m also going to try and get him to visit a chiropractor when we get home.

[@FollowThomas]

North Georgia is beautiful so many great parks and places. I've stayed in Unicoi campground when hiked Appalachia trail but I need to go and just explore the state park. Helen is such a beautiful town been there many times. Another nice episode. 👍

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks, we are impressed you hiked the A.T. (Way to go!!!).

[@Carmencita1464]

Wow Love all your adventures!!! Can’t wait to see more adventures!!! Maggie such a Beautiful girl loves water and she has a place in my heart. Always enjoy watching her 🥰🥰

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you so much, we appreciate you watching and for your kind comment.

[@horizon42q]

Nice area.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Yes, it is!

[@myradee8903]

I so glad you enjoyed it I live in Sautee about 5 miles from Helen I love it here

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Love that you read others comments and join in. Thanks for being so much a part of our journey.

[@sandrap3047]

I love Helen! I haven't been there in years. Fall colors are beautiful! Waterfall is too! I'm excited you're going to Vogel! I grew up going there every summer because my Dad lives in Blairsville. The lake is so cold! Love those beautiful north GA mountains! Can't wait to see your video next week! Have fun!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We have been loving this GA mountain trip. It has been our first to all these parks and we have loved all of them.

[@christinaputney659]

I'm so glad you are doing a tour of Georgia. As east coast residence it's nice to get a review of a state that we haven't considered camping. It's always been a throughway to Florida for us beings we have family there. Next time we head down to Florida from South Jersey we will have to make time to stay in Georgia for a bit. Helen seemed like a sweet little town and the hiking looked beautiful. As always, thanks for taking us along.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We’ve always done the same and only camped at the coast of Georgia on our way to Florida. The Northern part of Georgia is just beautiful and a place we will return. Thanks so much for watching.

[@lindadelcampo4294]

When you go to Vogal state park go to sawmill restaurant. Great breakfast and lunch.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We did go there and it was delishious. .

[@lindadelcampo4294]

We met both of you at Tallulah gorge state park around Halloween. It was great meeting you both and Maggie.

[@richardburguillos3118]

Thanks for taking us along and sharing the adventures… Another destination to add to the someday list.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

You are so welcome and thank you for following along.

[@bennyboggus2869]

Hey Lynn and Owen. We are now home from Vogel SP (where we ran into you) and have finally caught up on your latest videos. We didn't realize when we saw you that Owen was dealing with back issues. Glad he's doing better. We've enjoyed the videos, especially this most recent one about Unicoi SP and Helen. So happy you got to enjoy some of the wonderful state parks in Georgia. Really looking forward to the next video.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you Benny. It was a joy to meet you two. Glad you made it home safely. We’ve had a great time exploring Georgia’s state park, they have all been special in their own way. We will be back.

[@susanstrickland6774]

You definitely enjoyed Helen at the right time, much nicer when it's not so busy. Kind of you to share your walking stick. Anna Ruby is beautiful. Maggie is so sweet. 🙂👍

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We were lucky for sure. Owen does not like crowds too much so it was great that it was a lot less crowded. Thanks for the kind words.

[@jamesgritz404]

Nice video I just joined your channel

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks for joining, much appreciated.

[@chriswhittington294]

Try two hiking poles. I always thought one was enough, but when I tried two...it really makes a difference! We hike a lot.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks Chris. I've done that before too but we have to juggle hiking, filming and a dog on a leash. Usually I have a hiking pole and a tripod... one for each hand. Would be cool if they made a hiking pole that doubled as a tripod though.

[@eleanormassaro5195]

You guys are in my favorite area where I have been vacationing since 2004. I first stayed in Blairsville Georgia and fell in love with the area. I’ve been exploring the possibility of retiring up there! Anna ruby falls is one of my favorite falls to visit. Helton Creek Falls is another good one! I loved this video!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you so much. We love this area too. We did not get to see the Helton Creek Falls but I’m sure we will be back and it will be on our list for next time.

[@eleanormassaro5195]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle It’s a very easy hike to Helton Creek Falls, it’s a very short hike. It’s not as big as Anna Ruby falls, but it’s still very pretty, and The Road to get there is almost across from Vogel State Park, you go through a small neighborhood and then it becomes a dirt road that goes to the falls

[@JodysJourney]

I use Pinterest boards to save ideas for places to visit. Definitely putting Hoffer’s on my Georgia board. 😊👍🏻

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Yep! It was that good too!

[@annsmith6772]

Awesome adventures again. Loved the little town.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you, we appreciate you watching.

[@sherriweber7105]

Great video! Nice to hear Maggie speaking to you. Not sure what she was saying but it sounded like she wanted you to come into the Rv. But not too sure! Glad you had fun. Nice park and that was nice if Owen to give that gentlemen his walking stick. I would have to because it helps with other people less fortunate. Hope you have a great week and see you next. Hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving!🍁🦃🍽

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We love it when Maggie talks to us and always encourage it. Thanks for joining this week and we hope you also have a wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving.

[@funzeevanzee]

Fun beautiful places.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I agree. Thanks so much for watching.

[@garychristison763]

Really enjoyed this. I want to hike at least some of the Georgia part of the Appalachican Trail and a map search shows Helen GA is really close. Looks like a really great area to explore. May your back get better. Love a good reuben.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It looks like the AT goes through some beautiful places in Georgia. I think hiking the AT would be an awesome accomplishment.

[@kiwirose4196]

Maggie was being bear aware at the end lol

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

She is pretty aware and often times warns us. Thanks for watching.

[@mikemanjo2458]

Good morning, sweet friends! We are bound to run into each other at some point...we have this exact trip coming up for us soon...Anna Ruby Falls and all. We booked back in April, so I was excited to see what y'all had to say about it all. We're definitely going to try the 9+ ratings! Lynn, you and I are definitely kindred spirits! I was saying to the video, I'd have just given the gentleman the walking stick and about that time, Owen said, "Lynn said, 'give him the stick'." ❤ Sweet Maggie...definitely got some German in her. 😘 Love from SC, Jane ❤🙏 See you next week! 😊

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

If you go to Hofer’s get one of the twisted donuts, they melt in your mouth and of course the Reuben was at 9+. We have loved all these GA state parks, a really pleasant surprise. When we first saw the gentleman that Owen gave his stick to he was pulling himself up the path by pulling himself along using a fence that was on the side of the trail, it broke my heart. It was just a small gesture, i just hope it help him… I will say he was a trooper and nothing was going to stop him. Seeing things like that make me realize how blessed we truly are. Thanks so much for this online friendship we have created. I do hope to meet someday so I have give you a big hug.

[@mikemanjo2458]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle I will definitely try the twisted doughnut and the Reuben sounds good, too. (That’s my sister’s favorite sandwich.) We have enjoyed the GA parks we’ve been to. I’m looking forward to Unicoi, although the bear activity makes me a little worried. Y’all made such a difference for the man on the trail. I’m sure he’ll never forget you. I’m a hugger, too! Y’all have a great week!❤️🙏🏻Jane

[@arkansastraveler7698]

One of our local rv dealers was advertising a rv like yours while I was watching.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

That’s pretty ironic. I guess they know what we are watching and try to match adds to match, Interesting.

[@FromShetoMe]

Wow. I wanna go!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We’ll go with you.

[@deangraboskey2564]

Hello, i've had back issues for many years and a pharmacist recommended an ointment with Arnica in it. Its a natural pain reliever and helps in healing. I've used it on leg cramps also and it works very well. I bought it at Meijer but i believe that Walmart has it also. I hope your back to 100% soon.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Owen found some last week and it really helped. Thank you.

[@eleanormassaro5195]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle Lynn, if you could could I get the name of that product? I have problems with pain in my shoulders. As a matter fact as I sit here writing this to you I have an ice pack on my arm!🤷‍♀️

[@deangraboskey2564]

It's called Arnicare gel

[@twilightshealy4152]

I live about an hour & half away from Helen. It's a booming place during the summer & Octoberfest...winter is its slowest months. Please don't just Helen due to a visit in It's off-season. It is probably a bit more busier on weekends.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Yeah... we timed it to miss Oktoberfest for sure. Loved the whole experience!

[@cthompson4583]

Hey just wanted to know new to your channel where was the rv park you stayed at. Saw that Unicoi was a member only park. 😳 thank you and truly enjoyed your video.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We stayed at Unicoi State Park in the campground area and we were not members, this was filmed fall of 2022 so I wouldn’t think things have changed. It was very convent to Helen.

[@David-jo4gt]

Was that the walking stick from the thin cookie guy? You both have good hearts. You done good. Thanks for taking us along, happy tails and safe travels.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

No, the walking stick was not from the cookie guy. The stick are ones that we’ve used for many years that was collapsible for easier storage.

[@jillcarlson2076]

Another stubborn man huh Lynn!?!? Owen, if your back is out of place, you need to have an adjustment on your back or it may not get better. Bless you all! This is Thanksgiving week coming up so Happy Thanksgiving! 🥰💕🙏

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Happy Thanksgiving to you. Owen’s back is much better but we are still planning a trip to the chiropractor when we get home and yes Owen is very stubborn.

[@jillcarlson2076]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle 💕🙏🥰

[@paulac5830]

Good video. I was not impressed with Helen, Ga. I guess I was comparing it to Gatlinburg. We ate breakfast at Hofer's on our way out and enjoyed it.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Helen is very touristy but it seems to have a lot to do. We enjoyed the area around it as much as we did the town. It is hard to be compared to Gatlinburg.

[@RoadsofLife]

Regret to hear your back is not doing well. Has a doctor recommended anything? Please get yourself checked out... you and Lynn love hiking and I would hate to see you not able to do the things you really enjoy. Love you guys (and we haven't even met yet!). Be seeing you!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Owen is feeling better, but we will get him checked out when we get back home. Thanks so much for caring, it means so much. We love you too!

[@goldenfalcon21]

Love all the new places you are taking us all to. Which doggie trailer do you have and how are you connecting it to your Rad Minis? We have the Rad Rovers and want to take our puppies with us. Happy travels and many Blessings for the New Year.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It is a Schwinn Rascal Bike Pet Trailer. We have a link to it in our Amazon store if you are interested here’s the link www.amazon.com/shop/VanTrekkingLifestyle, in in the “bike” sections. Maggie loves it, but it does take a lot of room to bring it along.

[@goldenfalcon21]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle Thank you so much for the trailer info, how do you attach the bike trailer to your electric bike?

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

@@goldenfalcon21 It comes with an attachment that bolts on... we leave it on one of the bikes all the time.

[@GaryNichols50]

The "resort" includes a hotel-type resort and is across the highway and up the road about half a mile. The part you are in is just the state park portion. As for the run-down park trails and other substandard amenities in the park, Unicoi is one of six Georgia state parks that are not managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources like all the other state parks. Instead, those six state parks & resorts are managed by a third-party for profit company. Consequently, those six parks are in much worse condition as the private company management is more concerned with maximizing profit over visitor experience. In fact, I had planned to campground host there for 5 months, but I left after less than three months because of the poor park management and support.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks for sharing all this information. I did not realize that the State did not manage it. It does make sense considering all the other state parks were in such great shape.

[@michaelbecnel63]

Looked like a great park that just needs a little TLC. Awesome hike at the end....Happy Trails 🐕 Happy Thanksgiving 🦃

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It was a great park and we enjoyed it tremendously even if it did need some TLC. Thanks for watching.

[@douglaslambert579]

Check out Vogel, has a beautiful lake and reflections.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Watch this Sunday 😂😂👍👍❤️

[@elizabethmayberrysilk8788]

Great video do you do the tennis ball trick for your back.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

No, we have not tried the tennis ball trick, but i will look it up. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@elizabethmayberrysilk8788]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle So you lay down on the tennis ball on the sorest part of back it will hurt but within ten minutes usually the back muscles start unlocking.

[@sherrykendrick1765]

I live about 25 minutes from Helen, and maybe 20 years or so ago there was many German speaking people there, there are still a few. Go to Cleveland for a Walmart.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Went to Cleveland... well not Cleveland, OH... Thanks for the tip and for watching

[@sherrykendrick1765]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle hahaha. Yeah not Cleveland Ohio.

[@thomashaas3671]

Owen I have a back like yours it goes out when I least expect it so I carry a portable Tens unit that I can wear all day. You may want to look into gettin one. It sure helps me Look for one on Amazon

[@budgerber901]

Chiropractic .!🙏

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We have a tens unit and Owen has been using it and it has helped a lot… he has been taking it easy and is feeling better. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We will be making an appointment when we get home.

[@denimru4637]

Lynn what is the brand of your backpack?

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

The backpack is a cheap camera bag from Walmart the name on the bag in ONN. Here’s a link if you are interested. www.walmart.com/ip/onn-DSLR-Camera-Carrying-Backpack-Water-Resistant-Digital-Camera-Bag-with-Adjustable-Pockets/575674730. We like it a lot… it is something we take turns carrying.

[@arkadventure2]

Do you think your bed in your EKKO is contributing to your back pain? Hope you get some relief soon. I was wondering if you ever considered a LTV Wonder as an alternative to your Ekko? It has a similar floor plan, and I bet the bed is more comfortable! Thanks for your videos!!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It is not why I hurt it but it may be delaying getting better or at least making it harder to get comfy at night. We love the LTV Wonder and have considered one. What held us back was wanting AWD and 4 season... for now anyway. Thanks for the kind words. Glad you love the videos.

[@jasff69]

Thanks for this great video. In your opinion, I have a 34 Ft. Class C with a tow dolly, can I make it up to this park or if you had my setup, would you drive and use this State Park?. I would like to use Unicoi as my camp when visiting Helen.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Yes, absolutely! At worst if you see it being too narrow you can unhook and just drag the dolly and drive the 2 vehicles. There were lots of bigger rigs in the park and there are several loops. They list the site length on their website so you should be able to pick on that is deep enough. Having a car while there would have made our trip there better too. Good luck!

[@bigpapaporsche1]

I am curious, why don't you store your Bikes in the Back Compartment vs your Bike Rack?

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Hi Pat. We have a video about that subject where we tried to get them in the garage area. We were successful but they took up so much room we would not be able to take water toys, Solo Stove, and other items without having to constantly move everything every time and we bought the Ekko to stop from having to do that kind of shuffle all the time. And... it felt like it would be a back breaker for me... having to reach inside and pick them up while bending over. We may change our minds about that but for us I think it depends on the trip and the things we have planned. Thanks for the question.

[@funzeevanzee]

They will give you a ticket in some places in Florida for not being in "designated" parking spots. They seem to be very strict in some Florida areas. Just a heads up. I was told by security officer a few times when I was on partial grass. Got a ticket in one area when i tried was in more than one spot for my cargo trailer holding my electric wheelchair. Especially be aware if there's a sign that says parking in designated spots only. Frustrating. We were even told to leave or get a ticket when I already paid meter for all the 3 or 4 spaces I took.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks for the head up. We will keep our eye open.

[@guero1814]

I live in Georgia I been there couple tines this is exactly what I'm going to do when I retired iwull selling my house and buy me a motorhome and driving a cross de America.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Good luck with your plan, it has been alot of fun for us, but it’s not for everyone.

[@sandrajordan3802]

My grandson almost got bitten by a copperhead at the mill outside of town.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I wow! Thanks for the heads up.

[@tracker5849]

Discount...even if your not georgia resident?

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Over 62 yes.

[@loisbaker1916]

Three years not utilized or maintained.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

The park? If that's what you mean then, yes, we agree. It certainly showed.

[@rickystowe3531]

Jesus is coming repent of your sins be ready praying 🙏 for everyone seek his face stay in the word

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you for your comment.

[@jjbar8285]

Keep that money away from Unicoi please. Let's don't ruin that spot like everything else.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

You are right, we did love it just the way it was.

[@robintaylor1084]

You should have tried the Hansel and Gretel fudge kitchen. Absolutely the best in Helen. Living in the area it's extremely hard not to drive down and get it on a weekly basis.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We will put in on our list for next time, I’m sure we will be back. Thanks for suggestion.