Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites
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     Smithgall Woods Conservation Park

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

FACILITIES AVAILABLE for July 30-August 1:
Dover Cottage, Pioneer Campsites, Picnic Shelter. (call park for Pioneer Campsites or Picnic Shelters, please contact the park direct at 706-878-3087.)
(as of July 27, 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:


  Make a reservation . . .
  • 5 Cottages - Reserve
  • 3 Picnic Shelters, 2 Pioneer Camps, Group Reservations & Reunions
    - call 706-878-3087 to reserve.
 


Events

Get Outdoors Georgia Georgia Master Naturalist
Now until Monday, Aug 2, 2010 9 AM to 4 PM
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. Class will be held on Mondays. Registration closes May 22.  $175 plus $5 daily or $50 annual ParkPass fee. 706-878-3087.
Hemlocks Help Clinic
Saturday, Aug 14, 2010 10 AM to 12 PM
Handicapped AccessibleLearn about the hemlock-hungry Woolly Adelgid and how they're damaging our forests. Join Donna Shearer of Save Georgia's Hemlocks to explore what you can do to save Georgia's hemlock trees.  Donations appreciated. $5 parking. 706-878-3087.
Get Outdoors Georgia Youth Fishing Days at Buck Shoals
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.
Get Outdoors Georgia 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.
Get Outdoors Georgia 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.
Get Outdoors Georgia Southern Appalachian Mushrooms
Saturday, Oct 2, 2010 10 AM to 1 PM
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.
Get Outdoors Georgia Fall Celebration
Saturday, Oct 9, 2010 12 PM to 4 PM
Handicapped AccessibleEnjoy 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.
Get Outdoors Georgia 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.
Get Outdoors Georgia 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.
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.


  Address/Directions
Smithgall Woods Conservation Park
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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