Reservations
(800) 864-7275
Park
(706) 878-3087
FACILITIES AVAILABLE for May 18-20:
3-Bedroom Creekside Cottage / 4-Bedroom Smithgall Cottage / 5-Bedroom Dover Cottage / Picnic Shelters / Pioneer Campsites (Call park for picnic shelter and pioneer campsite reservations 706-878-3087.)
(as of May 15, 2012 - updated every 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:
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View by date Events
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 until Friday, Jun 15, 2012 9 AM to 3 PM
Tuesday, Jul 17, 2012 until Friday, Jul 20, 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 experiments that have a BIG impact. $65 or $75 if paid after May 28 for June's camp and after June 29 for July's camp. 706-878-3087. |
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Youth Fishing Days at Buck Shoals
3rd Saturday of Month 8 AM - 12 PM from Jun 16, 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. Occurs every third Saturday through September. $5 parking. 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. This camp is for 6-12 year olds who will be receiving their first badge (Deer) or second (Fox). We cannot accommodate activities for the Owl badge. Register by June 13. $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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Amphibian Monitoring Workshop
Friday, Aug 17, 2012 7:30 PM to 10 PM
| Georgia Adopt-a-Stream staff will review the natural history of amphibians, the reasons they are important, which species are found in Georgia, and lead a hike to view amphibians and learn frog calls. The intent of this program is to develop "citizen scientists" to help monitor numbers
and diversity of frogs and salamander species. Register by August 14. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Freshwater Wetland Workshop
Saturday, Aug 18, 2012 9 AM to 12 PM
| Adopt-A-Wetland (AAW) teaches citizens about freshwater wetland systems, their threats and importance, as well as how to identify hydric soils and plants. Come out to learn all about wetlands and how you can help collect data to promote their conservation and protection. $5 plus $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. Register by August 10. $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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