23rd Annual Alpine Helen Volksmarch
April 26, 2025
Fun, Fitness, and Friendship
10k/5k Hike on the Helen to Unicoi Trail & 5k Walk on the Hardman Trail
Alpine Helen Volksmarch Club
Volksmarch History
Volksmarching, (German “Volksmarsch” for people’s march), is non-competitive walking/hiking that developed in Europe in the mid-late 1960s.
Vision, Values, and Goals
The AHVC believes that hiking is an adventure that should be accessible to everyone. We hope to encourage lifelong fun, fitness, and friendship for all ages regardless of their background or experience level.
Our Club
The AHVC is made up walkers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts, who are dedicated to providing memorable experiences in the beautiful city of Helen, GA. Our club is part of the American Volkssport Association, (#0994).
Annual Alpine Helen Volksmarch
April 26, 2025
Fun, Fitness, and Friendship
The Alpine Helen Volksmarch includes a 10k and 5k hike along the Helen to Unicoi Trail. The Volksmarch also features a 5k walk through Helen and along the Hardman Heritage Trail, which is a flat path suitable for strollers, wheelchairs, and dogs.
The Hike and Walk Begin at the Bodensee Restaurant, 64 Munich Strasse, Helen, Georgia 30545
Registration will begin at 8:00 AM and continue through 11:00 AM. The first 200 who register will receive a swag bag with 2 bier coupons, German food coupon, raffle ticket, and more!
Helen to Unicoi Trail
The trail head is located in Unicoi Hill City Park, in the city of Helen. You will cross lower Smith Creek and wind your way through mountain laurels and stands of rhododendrons. The first half of your 10k hike ends at the Lodge at Unicoi State Park.
Hardman Heritage Trail
Walk alongside history on the beautiful Helen to Hardman Heritage Trail. This trail follows the Chattahoochee River from Hardman Farm State Historic Site to Alpine Helen. The trail is ADA accessible and pet friendly.
German Festival after the Hike/Walk
Those who complete the walk/hike may participate in an authentic German festival at the Bodensee Restaurant featuring German Bier, German food, and German music. A raffle, sponsored by the Helen Rotary Club, will be held with amazing prizes from Helen businesses. German attire is encouraged, but not required.
Year-Round Volksmarch Hike
Overview
Beginning on January 1, 2025, the Alpine Helen Volksmarch Club is offering an AVA sanctioned self-guided 10k hike through Helen, GA to the Unicoi Lodge and back. Registration and the hike starting/ending points are located at the Helen Welcome Center, 726 Brucken Strasse, Helen, GA 30545. The Year-Round Volksmarch Hike includes directions, a trail map, an AVA book stamp, and a payment envelope. The cost of the self-guided hike is $5 per person.
Details
The Helen to Unicoi trail is an established trail in hilly terrain with a difficulty rating of 3C. Restrooms are located at the Unicoi Lodge, along with food and beverages for purchase at the Unicoi Restaurant and Smith Creek Tavern. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail, but it is not accommodated for strollers and wheelchairs.
Volksmarch Sponsors
AHVC Partners
AHVC Events Schedule
| Date/Time | Description | Location |
| December 5, 2024 | AHVC Holiday Dinner Party | Bodensee Restaurant, Helen, GA |
| January 1, 2025 | Year-Round Hike Launch | Helen Welcome Center, Helen, GA |
| April 26, 2025, 8:00 AM Registration | 23rd Annual Volksmarch | Bodensee Restaurant, Helen, GA |
Helen, GA
Located in the heart of northeast Georgia, the alpine town of Helen takes its inspiration from the villages of Germany, complete with the building style of downtown shops and restaurants. Set against a scenic backdrop of mountains, forests and river banks, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to the cobblestone streets of Germany’s famed Bamberg or Lindau as colorful shops dot the landscape and the heavenly aroma of authentic German fare takes to the breeze.
Besides all of the unique shops, exceptional restaurants, and comfortable hotels, Helen offering travelers outdoor sports like tubing, hiking, biking, and mountain coaster rides. There are several vineyards nearby to enjoy wine tasting and of course, authentic German beer is available throughout Helen at many of the restaurants and taverns. The Helen area has both Native American history and an arts community in nearby Sautee Nacoochee.
Unicoi State Park & Lodge
Located just two miles northeast of Alpine Helen in the gorgeous North Georgia Mountains is the ultimate mountain retreat destination. Unicoi State Park & Lodge is centered around beautiful Lake Unicoi within the Chattahoochee National Forest. The park offers unparalleled hiking trails leading to Anna Ruby Falls and Helen. Smith Creek, a peaceful tributary of the Chattahoochee River, winds from the base of the Anna Ruby falls to Unicoi Lake and is a celebrated trout fishing spot. At Unicoi State Park & Lodge, there is no shortage of reasons to unplug and explore the great outdoors. Whether you are planning a romantic getaway, a family excursion or a corporate event, the range of accommodations and activities at Unicoi State Park & Lodge are sure to delight. Visitors discover an array of outdoor adventure and relaxation opportunities including archery and target shooting, fly fishing, paddle boarding, boat rentals, zip lining, mountain biking or simply lounging lakeside on the beach. We believe in Southern hospitality and pride ourselves on hosting both large events and intimate vacations. We offer seasonal vacation deals, as well as convenient wedding and meeting packages. Planning an adventure to Unicoi State Park & Lodge is easy no matter the size of your crew.
To learn more about scenic beauty paired with spectacular customer service, please select the link below to visit the Unicoi State Park & Lodge website for more information.
