Lodge Reservations
(800) 318-5248
Park
(706) 878-3087
- Named one of the top 10 Culinary Country Inns by "bon appetit" magazine.
- Named Georgia's Premiere Getaway by "BOA Magazine."
North Georgia's premier trout stream, Dukes Creek, runs through this spectacular mountain property and is a favorite for catch-and-release fishing. Five miles of trails and 18 miles of roads allow hikers and bicyclists to explore hardwoods, streams and wildlife. Trout fishing and van tours are offered only on certain days of the week, so visitors should call for a current schedule. The Lodge at Smithgall Woods is an elegant mountain retreat perfect for romantic getaways or corporate retreats. Five beautifully decorated cottages provide 14 bedrooms with private baths. Rates include accommodations, meals and activities. Smithgall Woods-Dukes Creek Conservation Area was acquired by the state in 1994 as a gift-purchase from Charles A. Smithgall, Jr., a noted conservationist and businessman.
Park Hours:
- 8 AM-6 PM / Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
- 7 AM-6 PM / Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday
- Trout fishing on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday only (daily for lodge guests).
- Reservations required.
- All visitors must register at the Visitor Center.
FACILITIES:
- 5,664 Acres
- 3 Picnic Shelters ($25-$50)
- Pioneer Campground (youth groups only; $15/person)
- The Lodge at Smithgall Woods ($195 and up)
- Visitor Center
- 5 Miles of Nature Trails
- Wildlife Viewing Stands and Food Plots
ACTIVITIES:
- Trout Fishing - reservations required, catch-and-release only
- Hiking and Bicycling - 23 miles of roads and trails, most closed during scheduled hunts
- Ranger Programs - reservations required
- Environmental Education activities - reservations required
- Guided Tours
- Picnicking
- Nature Photography
- Wildlife Observation
- Hunting - reservations required
- 2008-2009 Hunting Schedule - The Laurel Ridge Trail is in a safety zone and is open for hiking at all times, even during hunts.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:
OTHER:
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Events
Beginning Bee Keeping
Saturday, Jan 10, 2009 10 AM - 12 PM
| Learn about basic bee keeping and how to start a hive. Berry Wright has been a professional honey producer for 45 years. He will show bee-keeping equipment, how it is assembled, how to install bees into the equipment, and provide resource information... $3 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Winter Herbal
Tuesday, Jan 13, 2009 5 PM - 7 PM
| Herbalist and Interpretive Ranger Johnna Tuttle will discuss the use of herbs for strengthening immunity and treating the symptoms of viral illness. The plants Elder and Boneset will be highlighted. Demonstrations of herbal preparations will include a "medicinal" vegetable soup... $15 plus $3 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Fire: The Versatile Tool that Changed History
Saturday, Jan 24, 2009 9:30 AM - 4 PM
| Learn secrets of the Cherokee in expert pyre building, wood identification and selection, finding and gathering dry wood in a soaking forest, putting it together, and finally how to create fire in the old ways including the hand drill technique and the bow/drill as time allows... $60 plus $3 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Dulcimer-Making Workshop
Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 9 AM - 5 PM
| Assemble, sand and finish an all-wood Appalachian dulcimer with craftsman and musician Bob Thomason. All tools and supplies are provided. No woodworking experience is required. Register by January 23. $85 plus $3 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Falconry Experience
Sunday, Feb 1, 2009 2 PM - 5 PM
| Teacher/Coach Buster Brown will give a presentation about the sport/art of falconry and then take participants to the woods to see his red-tailed hawk hunt squirrels. Register by January 23. $20 plus $3 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Wine Weekends in the Woods
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays Feb 6, 2009 until Mar 1, 2009
 The Lodge at Smithgall Woods invites you to experience a weekend of fine wines and culinary pleasures. A wine expert will provide educational commentary. Lodge guests will dine on gourmet cuisine, prepared by our resident chef, Mac Parks... $3 parking. 800-318-5248. |
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Friends of Smithgall Woods Fundraiser
Saturday, Feb 7, 2009
| Have fun and contribute to a worthwhile cause at the same time. Money raised will help with conservation and education projects at the park, including treatment of our Hemlock trees for Hemlock Woolly Adelgid. $3 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Volunteer Training Day
Saturday, Feb 28, 2009 9 AM - 12 PM
| Want to be a part of the inner workings of Smithgall Woods? The park can use a variety of skills and talents. The training provides information about the park, its history, volunteer activities, and a chance to meet other volunteers. Register in advance. $3 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Flies and Fly Water
Saturday, Mar 14, 2009 9:30 AM - 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. Register in advance. $3 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Common Birds of Georgia
Friday, Apr 17, 2009 7 PM - 8:30 PM
| Sit back and enjoy Lisa Hurt of the Atlanta Audubon Society as she present slides of Georgia's birds. Participants may be surprised to learn which birds are native to our area. Spring migration and bird calls will be discussed. Register in advance. $3 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Birding by Ear
Saturday, Apr 18, 2009 8 AM - 10 AM
| During spring migration, many neo-tropical birds pass through Smithgall Woods. These small birds are often difficult to see, but their songs can be heard throughout the woods. Learn to identify them by their songs. Walking shoes and binoculars are recommended. Register in advance. $3 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Wildflower Fever
Saturday, May 2, 2009 10 AM - 12:30 PM
| Join volunteers Debra and Larry Davis for their 13th annual Southern Appalachian Wildflower celebration. Debra is a Master Naturalist and highly acclaimed botanical photographer... $3 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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JAKES Day
Saturday, May 9, 2009 10 AM - 2 PM
| JAKES stands for Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics, and Sportsmanship. Enjoy a day filled with reptiles, raptors, Forest Service and Forestry Commission exhibits, archery, shooting, primitive skills, raffle ticket drawings and free lunch. Co-sponsored by the National Wild Turkey Federation. $3 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Georgia Master Naturalist
Mondays Jun 1, 2009 until Jul 27, 2009
| In cooperation with the University of Georgia Extension Service, we will offer a nine-week training in conservation and wildlife issues relevant to our southern Blue Ridge ecoregion. Register by May 2. $150 plus $3 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Women in the Outdoors
Friday, Saturday & Sunday Jun 26, 2009 until Jun 28, 2009
| Women can learn outdoor skills including fly-fishing, shooting, spin-fishing, archery, and the natural environment. Register on www.womenintheoutdoors.org by June 19. co-sponsored by the National Wild Turkey Federation. Fee plus $3 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Fall Celebration
Saturday, Oct 10, 2009 12 PM - 4 PM
| Enjoy the natural beauty of the season with pioneer skills exhibits, hayrides through the park, traiditonal craft vendors, mountain music and hands-on activities for kids. $4 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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