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     Smithgall Woods

Reservations (800) 864-7275
Park (706) 878-3087

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. Smithgall Woods is an elegant mountain retreat perfect for family, friends and group getaways and retreats. There are five beautifully decorated cottages - Creekside Cottage, Smithgall Cottage, Dover Cottage, Garden Cottage and Laurel Cottage - providing 14 bedrooms with private baths. This wonderful mountain retreat 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)
  • 5 Cottages (seasonal rates) - Creekside Cottage ($299/up) | Smithgall Cottage ($399/up) | Dover Cottage ($399/up) | Garden Cottage ($149/up) | Laurel Cottage ($149/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:


  Make a reservation . . .
  • 14 Lodge Rooms - Reserve
  • 3 Picnic Shelters - Reserve
  • 1 Pioneer Camp - Reserve
  • Group Reservations & Reunions
    (5 or more lodge rooms) - Reserve
  

Events
Get Outdoors Georgia Georgia Master Naturalist
Mondays 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 Mondays from 9am to 4pm. Registration closed May 22.  $150 plus $5 parking. 706-878-3087.
Get Outdoors Georgia Junior Ranger Days in Helen
Wednesdays 9 AM - 12 PM until Jul 29, 2009 
Activities, hikes, and games bring the Jr. Ranger activity book to life! Children 7-14 can work towards their Jr. Ranger badges as they learn about the natural world. Register in advance.  $5/class plus $5 parking. 706-878-3087.
Get Outdoors Georgia GO Georgia Day Camp
Weekdays 9 AM - 3 PM from Jul 13, 2009 until Jul 17, 2009 
Children ages 7-10 can earn their GO Georgia badge. GO Georgia advocates healthy behaviors and being active in the great outdoors. Activities will include nature photography, nature journalling, and hiking on the Appalachian Trail. Register by July 3rd.  $60 includes snacks $5 parking. 706-878-3087.
Get Outdoors Georgia Youth Fishing Days
3rd Saturday of Month 8:30 AM - 4 PM from Jul 18, 2009 until Aug 15, 2009 
Children and their special "big person" can fish in one of two ponds stocked with catfish, bass and bream. Fish caught in the ponds can be kept. Bring your own bait and rods. Use the Hwy. 75 entrance to the park. $5 parking. 706-878-3087.
Get Outdoors Georgia Gold Fever
Sunday, Aug 9, 2009 9 AM to 12 PM
Gold mining is a fascinating part of the history of Smithgall Woods. Hear more about local gold mining and area geology, see gold specimens, and watch a panning demonstration. Register in advance. $5 parking. 706-878-3087.
Get Outdoors Georgia Mountain Herb Day
Saturday, Sep 12, 2009 9 AM to 1 PM
Immerse yourself in the rich tradition of healing with medicines made from local plants. A hike to see late summer medicinal plants in the wild and a product demonstration will be included. Register by September 4.  $20 plus $5 parking. 706-878-3087.
Get Outdoors Georgia Southern Appalachian Mushrooms
Saturday, Oct 3, 2009 10 AM to 12:30 PM
Saturday, Nov 7, 2009 10 AM to 12:30 PM
Learn why fungi are critically important to the survival of our ecosystem. Following a slideshow and lecture by botanical photographer Debra Davis, participants will have an opportunity to participate in a non-collecting identification foray. Register in advance. $5 parking. 706-878-3087.
Get Outdoors Georgia Fall Celebration
Saturday, Oct 10, 2009 12 PM to 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. $5 parking. 706-878-3087.
Get Outdoors Georgia Nature Photography Workshop
Saturday, Nov 14, 2009
Get the shot you want with guidance from Nature Photographer Joel Blacher. A working knowledge of your camera is required. Register by November 6.  $55 plus $5 parking. 706-878-3087.
Basket Making with Native Materials
Saturday, Dec 5, 2009 10 AM to 3 PM
Fall into the rhythm of weaving with basket maker Jan Stansell of Black Mountain Crafts. Leave with a near complete basket to keep or give away at the holidays. Register by November 27.  $20 plus $5 parking. 706-878-3087.
Get Outdoors Georgia Holi-Day Camp
Monday, Dec 21, 2009 until Wednesday, Dec 23, 2009 10 AM to 3 PM
Dip candles, make crafts, sip hot cider, and burn off lots of holiday energy at this action-packed day camp for kids ages 7-9.  $20/day or $50 for all three. 706-878-3087.

  Address/Directions
Smithgall Woods
61 Tsalaki Trail
Helen , GA 30545

Mailing Address
61 Tsalaki Trail
Helen, GA 30545

 Located on Ga. Hwy. 75 Alt, 3 miles west of Helen.

 
 
Make reservations using the options above or call 1-800-864-7275 (Monday-Friday, 8AM-8PM; Saturday-Sunday, 9AM-5PM EST).
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