Reservations
800-864-7275
Park
706-878-3087
FACILITIES AVAILABLE for May 24-27:
Picnic Shelters / Pioneer Campsites (Contact park directly for Pioneer Campsite reservations 706-878-3087.)
(as of May 21, 2013)
 Smithgall Woods State Park Business Plan
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. Six beautifully decorated cottages -- Creekside Cottage, Smithgall Cottage, Dover Cottage, Garden Cottage, Parkside Cottage and Laurel Cottage -- provide 17 bedrooms with 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.
- $5 parking. Annual passes available.
- GeorgiaStateParks.org/SmithgallWoods
ACCOMMODATIONS & FACILITIES:
THINGS TO DO & SEE:
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:
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Make a Reservation
- 6 Cottages
- Reserve
- 3 Picnic Shelters, 2 Pioneer Camps, Group Reservations & Reunions
- call 706-878-3087 to reserve.
- Reserve
View by dateEvents
Wildflower Hunt
Friday, May 24, 2013 1 PM to 3 PM
  Enjoy the gentle pastime of stalking wildflowers. Today's hunt will take place on the Martin Mine Trail. Plant lore, medicinal use, and identification will be highlighted. Donations welcome. $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Exploring Mushrooms
Saturday, May 25, 2013 10 AM to 12 PM
| Explore mushroom natural history, ecology, and lore with Dr. Julia Kerrigan, a mycologist at Clemson University and co-founder of the South Carolina Upstate Mycological Society (SCUMS). Begin in the classroom with an introduction to the kingdom Fungi followed by a walk exploring fascinating fungi in the forest and their roles in the ecosystem. Register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Survive Buck Shoals Day Camp
Monday, May 27, 2013 until Thursday, May 30, 2013 10 AM to 3 PM
| A 4-day camp for ages 12 and older. Learn and practice basic survival skills. Bob Finke, retired Master Sergeant from the Army Special Forces, will get campers started with basic lessons and then campers practice the skill sets taught. $90 or $100 if paid after May 17. 706-878-3087. |
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Junior Ranger Camp - Deer Badge
Tuesday, Jun 11, 2013 until Thursday, Jun 13, 2013 10 AM to 3 PM
| This three day camp explores the Georgia State Parks Junior Ranger program. Campers earn their first badge in the series by honing their observation skills in the park. For ages 7-12. Register in advance. $45 or $50 if paid after May 31. 706-878-3087. |
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Youth Fishing Days at Buck Shoals
3rd Saturday of Month 8 AM - 12 PM from Jun 15, 2013 until Sep 21, 2013
| 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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Kids Day at the Park
Saturday, Jun 15, 2013 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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Junior Ranger Camp
Wednesday, Jun 26, 2013 until Friday, Jun 28, 2013 10 AM to 3 PM
| Activities, hikes and games teach Junior Rangers about wildlife and how to care for our natural resources. Participants will receive Junior Ranger badges on Friday after completing activities. This camp is for 7 to 12 year olds who will be receiving their second (Fox) badge. Register by June 14. Campers must already have their Deer badge to attend. $45 for three-day camp or $50 if paid after June 14. 706-878-3087. |
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People Helping Pollinators
Monday, Jul 8, 2013 10 AM - 3 PM
Additional dates between now from Jul 8, 2013 and Jul 12, 2013
| Campers ages 6-10 learn about the fascinating world of pollinators, why their job is so important, and how they help humans. Crafts and art projects as well as science will keep kids entertained and provide cool retreats on hot days. Register in advance. $70 or $75 if paid after June 21. 706-878-3087. |
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Eco-Kids Camp II
Weekdays 10 AM - 3 PM from Jul 22, 2013 until Jul 26, 2013
| Kids learn to be stewards of the earth in this fun and active day camp. Thinking outside the box about how we can sustain our natural resources, kids have hands-on opportunities to make a difference. Recycled art and capture the flag will round out the activities. Register in advance. $70 or $75 if paid after July 5. 706-878-3087. |
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Go Georgia Camp
Tuesday, Jul 30, 2013 until Friday, Aug 2, 2013 10 AM to 3 PM
| Earn the Gopher badge from the Junior Ranger program. This badge is all about being active in the outdoors. Features a hike on the Appalachian trail, canoeing, and fishing. $45 or $50 if registration is paid after July 15. 706-878-3087. |
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Entomology Homeschool Camp
Weekdays 10 AM - 3 PM from Aug 5, 2013 until Aug 9, 2013
| Homeschoolers, learn science the fun way, with bugs! Entomologist Amanda Rose Newton will help you explore things you never knew about the insect world -- ways to collect and view insects, where to find them, how to identify them. This bug extravaganza is open to any student available these dates. For ages 10 and up. $90 prior to July 22, $100 after. 706-878-3087. |
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Gold Fever
Saturday, Aug 24, 2013 9 AM to 12 PM
| Hear the history of local gold mining with a local historian and Smithgall's Interpretive Ranger. 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 in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Women for the Woods at Buck Shoals
Saturday, Sep 14, 2013 8 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, fly-fishing, firearms and more. Price includes a fire-cooked lunch. $45 or $50 if paid after August 30. $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Survival Preparation and Skills Course at Buck Shoals
Saturday, Oct 5, 2013 until Saturday, Oct 26, 2013 10 AM to 3:30 PM
| In this two part series, learn the psychology, planning and equipment necessary for survivial. Venomous snakes, spiders, insects endemic to Georgia, survival medicine, basic wild foods will all be touched upon. The second day includes field exercises in shelter, fire building, field expedient weapons and water procurement. Instructor Bob Finke is retired from the U.S. Army Special Forces. Register in advance. $60 if paid by September 15; $70 after $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Fall Celebration
Saturday, Oct 12, 2013 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. $6 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Edible and Medicinal Plants of Fall
Saturday, Oct 19, 2013 10 AM to 3 PM
| Explore the bounty of medicinal and edible plants available in north Georgia forests and fields. The focus will be on plants that can be utilized in the field with little preparation. Safety protocols and identification of particularly important plants will be key topics. Advanced registration required. $35 or $30 if paid by October 4. $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Make Your Own Basket
Saturday, Nov 2, 2013 10 AM to 3 PM
Saturday, Nov 23, 2013 10 AM to 3 PM
| Make a beanpot basket with Jan Stansell of Black Mountain Crafts. Spend a day crafting a basket and go home with a completed basket to keep or give away at the holidays. All materials included. Advance registration required. $38 if paid by October 15, or $45 after. $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Land Navigation at Buck Shoals
Saturday, Nov 9, 2013 until Saturday, Nov 16, 2013 10 AM to 4 PM
| In this two part series students will learn basic use of the compass, features of a map and how to use a map with a compass, pacing, and application of skills learned. Participants must be able to hike up hill in a wooded area for up to two hours. Advanced registration required. $60 for series or $55 if paid by October 15 $5 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Make a Reservation