Reservations
(800) 864-7275
Park
(706) 878-3087
FACILITIES AVAILABLE for February 3-5:
3-Bedroom Creekside Cottage / 1-Bedroom Garden Cottage / Picnic Shelters / Pioneer Campsites (Call park for picnic shelter and pioneer campsite reservations 706-878-3087.)
(as of January 31, 2012 - updates are posted on Tuesday)
Smithgall Woods is an angler’s paradise. One of north Georgia’s premier trout streams, Dukes Creek, runs through this spectacular mountain property and is a favorite for catch-and-release fishing. To ensure a quality experience, the number of anglers is limited and fishing is offered only on certain days. As a result, anglers should call ahead for reservations. Five miles of trails and 18 miles of roads allow hikers and bicyclists to explore hardwoods, streams and wildlife.
Smithgall Woods is also an elegant mountain retreat, perfect for romantic getaways, small weddings or outings with friends. Five beautifully decorated cottages -- Creekside Cottage, Smithgall Cottage, Dover Cottage, Garden Cottage and Laurel Cottage -- provide a total of 14 bedrooms with private baths, telephones and television. Some cottages have porches along the stream, while others have private hot tubs. A 1-mile trail leads from the cottages to Dukes Creek Falls.
Smithgall Woods was acquired by the state in 1994 as a gift-purchase from Charles A. Smithgall, Jr., a noted conservationist and businessman.
Park Hours:
- Visitor Center, 8 AM - 5 PM
- Gate opens at 7 AM
- Trout fishing on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday (daily for cottage guests). Reservations required.
- All visitors must register at the Visitor Center.
- GeorgiaStateParks.org/SmithgallWoods
ACCOMMODATIONS & FACILITIES:
THINGS TO DO & SEE:
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:
OTHER:
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Make a reservation . . .
- 5 Cottages
- Reserve
- 3 Picnic Shelters, 2 Pioneer Camps, Group Reservations & Reunions
- call 706-878-3087 to reserve.
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Events
Hemlock Update and Winter Botany
Saturday, Feb 11, 2012 12 PM to 4 PM
  A report on the progress of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid treatment of our Eastern Hemlock trees will be followed by Botanist Jim Sullivan demonstrating how to identify plants in the winter. Winter Botany will include a short hike to identify nearby flora. Register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Make a Gourd-eous Birdhouse
Saturday, Feb 18, 2012 10 AM to 12 PM
| Learn to clean and prepare gourds for use as birdhouses. Gourd Artist Sherrie Sage will guide participants in proper cleaning, drilling holes for entrance and drainage, attaching wire hangers and optional painting. Gourds and all equipment provided. Go home with new skills and a new birdhouse! $15 or $20 if paid after February 3. $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Orienteering Meet
Saturday, Feb 25, 2012 10 AM to 1 PM
| Find the "controls" hidden in the woods using a detailed map and compass. Beginners can learn how the sport works at the 10:00 a.m. orientation. All participants must begin by 11:00 a.m. and be off the course by 1:00 p.m. Register by February 11. $2 plus $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Falconry Experience at Buck Shoals
Sunday, Feb 26, 2012 2 PM to 5 PM
| Learn about the art of falconry with Falconer Buster Brown, Secretary/Treasurer and DNR Coordinator with the Georgia Falconry Association. A short presentation will be followed by a live hunt. Register in advance. $20/adult if paid by February 10, $25 afterward. Kids free. $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Volunteer Training
Saturday, Mar 3, 2012 9 AM to 12 PM
| Learn more about this special conservation area and what volunteer opportunities are available. Register by February 29. The training will take place between 10:00 a.m. and noon with an optional tour of the park afterward. 706-878-3087. |
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Mountain Biking Basics Series
Sundays 1 PM - 3 PM until Mar 25, 2012
| This four-part series offers participants a "how-to" in mountain biking in cooperation with Woody's Mountain Bikes. Basic skill building will progress to longer rides over four weeks. Bike safety, equipment and gear will be discussed. Mountain bikes and helmets provided. Ages 12 and older... $100 of $110 if paid after February 17. $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Basic Land Navigation
Saturday, Mar 10, 2012 10 AM to 1 PM
| Learn basic land navigation. An explanation of the compass, true north vs. magnetic north, bearing/azimuth, terrain features and contour lines, application of the compass to the map and map to the compass, and pacing will all be covered... $15 or $20 after February 24. $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Flies and Fly Water
Saturday, Mar 17, 2012 9:30 AM to 12 PM
| In preparation for the upcoming spring fishing season, we will have a show and tell, helpful hints, and "how to" on fly tying, stream reading, casting and more. Hear a presentation on Stream Entomology (aka stream critters) by Wildlife Interpretive Specialist Sheila Humphrey. Register in advance. $5. Kids under 12 free. $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Women for the Woods at Buck Shoals
Saturday, Apr 14, 2012 10 AM to 5 PM
| Share the great outdoors with like-minded women on this beautiful unopened state park. Choose between classes in canoeing/kayaking, hiking, birding, wildflower walks and more. Registration forms will be available March 1. Register by March 30. $40 or $45 if paid after March 30. $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Youth Fishing Days at Buck Shoals
3rd Saturday of Month 8 AM - 12 PM from Apr 21, 2012 until Sep 15, 2012
| Children and their special "big person" can fish in a lake stocked with catfish, bass and bream. Fish caught can be kept. Bring your own bait (no corn) and rods. This event is not at Smithgall Woods, but at Buck Shoals, a nearby unopened state park. Call for directions... $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Kids Day at the Park
Saturday, May 19, 2012 10 AM to 2 PM
| Hands-on exhibits in outdoor sports, recreation and environmental education give kids a chance to learn ways to stay healthy and appreciate the great outdoors. Kids can earn a badge through active participation. Archery, animal exhibits, compass games, air rifles, stream critters and more. $6 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Georgia Master Naturalist
Monday, Jun 4, 2012 9 AM to 4 PM
| In cooperation with the University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry, this eight-week training is in conservation and wildlife issues relevant to our southern Blue Ridge ecoregion. Meets Mondays through July 30. Register by May 18. $195 for the series and certification ($175 if registration is received by May 1 and a Friends of Georgia State Parks membership is purchased). $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Mad Science Camp
Tuesday, Jun 12, 2012 9 AM to 3 PM
Wednesday, Jun 13, 2012 9 AM to 3 PM
Thursday, Jun 14, 2012 9 AM to 3 PM
Friday, Jun 15, 2012 9 AM to 3 PM
| Nature is full of science lessons, but you probably won't be doing these experiments at school. Each day of camp will provide a new understanding of the underlying principles of the natural world, made fun through safe experiements that have a BIG impact. $65 or $75 if paid after May 28. 706-878-3087. |
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Junior Ranger Camp
Wednesday, Jun 27, 2012 until Friday, Jun 29, 2012 9 AM to 3 PM
| Activities, hikes and games will keep busy minds and bodies occupied as we learn about the natural world while having fun. Participants will receive Jr. Ranger badges on Friday after completing activities... $45 for three-day camp or $50 if paid after June 13. 706-878-3087. |
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Botanical Preparations I
Saturday, Jul 28, 2012 9 AM to 12 PM
| Infuse, decoct, and tincture some of the bountiful plants of the season. Students will participate in making medicinal preparations including teas, oils, salves, liniments, and tinctures. Take home an oil and a liniment. $30 or $35 if paid after July 14 $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Botanical Preparations II
Saturday, Aug 11, 2012 9 AM to 12 PM
| Encapsulate, poultice, and juice plants for common ailments. This class will include demonstration and hands-on preparation by students. Take home herbal pills and a syrup. Register by July 28. $30 or $35 if paid after July 28. $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Gold Fever
Saturday, Aug 25, 2012 9 AM to 12 PM
| Hear the history of local gold mining and geology. The morning begins with a presentation depicting cultural influences that lead up to the 1828 Georgia "gold rush." A hike on the Martin Mine trail provides an opportunity to interpret the scars that gold mining efforts left on the landscape... $5 plus $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Women for the Woods II
Saturday & Sunday 8 AM from Sep 29, 2012 until Sep 30, 2012
| Women, get your fill of fishing, orienteering, shooting a bow, and much more at this event for women, taught by women. An evening meal around the campfire and optional camping provides the perfect ending to this active day. $60 plus $5 camping fee or $65 plus camping fee after September 15. $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Fall Celebration
Saturday, Oct 13, 2012 12 PM to 4 PM
| Enjoy the natural beauty of the season with hands-on pioneer skills exhibits, hayrides, traditional craft vendors, mountain music, and apple cider from a hand-cranked press. No registration required. $6 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Make Your Own Basket
Saturday, Nov 10, 2012 10 AM to 3 PM
Saturday, Nov 17, 2012 10 AM to 3 PM
| Fall into the rhythm of weaving with basket maker Jan Stansell of Black Mountain Crafts. Leave with a completed berry basket to keep or give away at the holidays. Advance registration required. $30 by October 26 or $35 after. $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Spice Up the Holidays for your Health
Saturday, Dec 1, 2012 10 AM to 12 PM
| Enjoy the aroma of cinnamon wafting from a pot of apple cider. Explore traditional and modern uses of common holiday spices like cinnamon and ginger for medicinal purposes. This class is a treat for the senses. Take home a tea preparation for yourself or a gift. $20 if paid before November 17 or $25 after. $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Holi-Day Camp for Juniors
Tuesday, Dec 18, 2012 10 AM to 3 PM
| Kids, give your parents time to buy more presents while you enjoy almost-winter in the great outdoors. Outdoor play-time is mixed with indoor craft-time to keep noses warm and spirits high. Kids ages 6-8. Register in advance. $25 or $30 if paid after December 4. $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Holi-Day Camp II
Wednesday, Dec 19, 2012 10 AM to 3 PM
Thursday, Dec 20, 2012 10 AM to 3 PM
| Finding the Yule Log in the woods has become part of the Holi-Day Camp tradition. Kids ages 9-12 can enjoy a bit of fun and skill in orienteering, along with learning about Appalachian holiday traditions and more. Advance registration required. $45 for both days or $55 if paid after December 5. 706-878-3087. |
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Specials
Make a Reservation