Reservations
(800) 864-7275
Park
(706) 878-3087
FACILITIES AVAILABLE for March 12-14:
Pioneer Campsites, Picnic Shelters (For Pioneer Campsites or Picnic Shelters, please contact the park direct at 706-878-3087.)
(as of March 9, 2010 - updates are posted on Tuesday)
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 is offered only on certain days, so visitors should call for a current schedule.
Smithgall Woods is an elegant mountain retreat perfect for romantic getaways, intimate weddings and 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. A one-mile trail leads from the cottages to Dukes Creek Falls (cottage guests only).
This quiet 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 cottage guests).
- Reservations required.
- All visitors must register at the Visitor Center.
- www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/SmithgallWoods
FACILITIES:
ACTIVITIES:
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
Flies and Fly Water
Saturday, Mar 13, 2010 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 plus $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Fly a Kite in the Buck Shoals Sky
Saturday, Mar 20, 2010 1 PM to 3 PM
| A short lecture on weather will be given and then participants can bring their kite to fly in the open space of Buck Shoals. $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Wildflower Twin Lakes Hike at Buck Shoals
Saturday, Apr 17, 2010 4 PM to 5:30 PM
| Enjoy the spring foliage including wetland species of plants. The hike difficulty is moderate and less than 1 mile long as we follow a stream that runs from a pond to a lake. Register in advance. $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Southern Appalachian Wildflowers
Saturday, Apr 24, 2010 10 AM to 1 PM
| Larry Davis, naturalist and educator, will take participants into the diversity and folklore of our mountain wildflowers. His talk will feature images by Debra H. Davis, botanical photographer, naturalist, and lecturer. A wildflower hike on Laurel Ridge Trail will follow. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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JAKES Day
Saturday, May 8, 2010 10 AM to 2 PM
 JAKES stands for Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics, and Sportsmanship. Enjoy a day filled with reptiles, raptors, Forest Service, EMS, and other exhibits, archery, shooting, primitive skills, raffle ticket drawings and free lunch. Co-sponsored by the National Wild Turkey Federation. An additional $1 for parking goes to Friends of Smithgall Woods. $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Youth Fishing Days at Buck Shoals
Saturday, May 15, 2010 8:30 AM to 4 PM
Saturday, Jun 19, 2010 8:30 AM to 4 PM
Saturday, Jul 17, 2010 8:30 AM to 4 PM
Saturday, Aug 21, 2010 8:30 AM to 4 PM
Saturday, Sep 18, 2010 8:30 AM to 4 PM
| 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 and rods. Some rods are available for loan. Call for directions to "Buck Shoals." $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Birding by Ear
Saturday, May 22, 2010 8 AM to 11 AM
| Learn to identify birds by their songs with Lisa Hurt of the Atlanta Audubon Society. The highlight of the walk will be identifying difficult to see neo-tropical birds that pass through the park during the warm season. Walking shoes and binoculars are recommended. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Common Birds of Georgia
Saturday, May 22, 2010 1 PM to 2 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. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Amphibian Monitoring Workshop
Friday, Jun 11, 2010 7:30 PM to 9:30 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... $5 plus $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Junior Ranger Camp - Deer Badge
Thursday, Jun 17, 2010 until Friday, Jun 18, 2010 9 AM to 2 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 their Jr. Ranger Deer badge on Friday. This camp is for 6-12 year olds who have not previously participated in the Junior Ranger program. $25 for two day camp. 706-878-3087. |
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Jr. Ranger Camp - Fox Badge
Wednesday, Jun 23, 2010 until Friday, Jun 25, 2010 9 AM to 2 AM
| Activities, hikes, and games expanding upon the Jr. Ranger activity book will help Jr. Rangers learn about the natural world while having fun. Participants will receive their Jr. Ranger Fox badge at the end of the week. This camp is for 6-12 year olds who have completed the Jr. Ranger Deer Badge. $30 for 3 day camp. 706-878-3087. |
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Smithgall Eco-Kids Camp
Tuesday, Jul 6, 2010 until Friday, Jul 9, 2010 9 AM to 3 PM
| Children ages 6-12 can learn about caring for the earth while having fun! Eco-friendly crafts with recycled paper, wrestling with endangered species, and Leave No Trace activities will give kids plenty of time in the woods to inspire them as young earth stewards. Register by June 29. $60 includes snacks $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Introduction to Nature Journaling
Saturday, Jul 24, 2010 9 AM to 1 PM
| Make a simple saddle-stictched booklet and learn techniques for recording your close encounters with nature. Artist Linda Lindeborg will help participants explore ideas for themed journals, learn basic drawing techniques, and investigate nature prints and rubbings... $25 plus $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Gold Fever
Saturday, Aug 21, 2010 9 AM to 12 PM
| Gold mining is a fascinating part of the history of Smithgall Woods and the surrounding area. Hear more about the history of gold mining with a local historian as well as the geology of the area, then hike the Martin Mine Trail. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Mountain Herb Day
Saturday, Sep 11, 2010 9 AM to 1 PM
| Immerse yourself in the rich tradition of healing with medicines made from local plants. A medicinal plant hike and medicine making demonstration will also be included with a focus on stocking the winter medicine cabinet. Interpretive Ranger and Herbalist Johnna Tuttle is the instructor... $25 plus $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Southern Appalachian Mushrooms
Saturday, Oct 2, 2010 until Saturday, Oct 30, 2010 10 AM to 1 PM
| Learn why mushrooms are critically important to the survival of our ecosystems. Debra H. Davis, Georgia/Southern Appalachians mushroom expert, naturalist, lecturer and botanical photographer, has studied Georgia mushrooms for over two decades. A non-collecting identification foray will follow... $15 plus $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Fall Celebration
Saturday, Oct 9, 2010 12 PM to 4 PM
| Enjoy the natural beauty of the season with hands-on pioneer skills exhibits, hayrides through the park, traditional craft vendors, mountain music, and apple cider from a hand-cranked press. No registration required. Parking includes an additional fee of $1 to benefit Friends of Smithgall Woods. $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Smithgall Women for the Woods
Saturday & Sunday 8 AM from Oct 23, 2010 until Oct 24, 2010
| Women, get your fill of shooting a bow, fishing, and firing at this event for women, instructed by women. Learn new skills and make new friends. Register by October 8. $50 + $5 camping fee. $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Basic Land Navigation at Buck Shoals
Saturday, Nov 13, 2010 9 AM to 11 AM
| We will discuss and learn to use a map and compass. Afterwards, we will put our skills to the test. Bring your compass if you have one; if not, we will have a supply. $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Basket Making with Natural Materials
Saturday, Nov 13, 2010 10 AM to 3 PM
| Fall into the rhythm of weaving with basket maker, Jan Stansell of Black Mountain Crafts. Leave with a completed bread basket to keep or give away at the holidays! Register by October 29. $20 plus $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Specials
