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Smithgall Woods
Nearby Parks:
Unicoi State Park Lake Dam
Unicoi State Park Lake
Unicoi State Park
Vogel State Park
Reece State Memorial
Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site
Georgia State Fish Hatchery
Moccasin Creek State Park
Chattahoochee National Forest
Blackburn State Park Lake
Blackburn State Park Lake Dam
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| Park Overview: |
 | 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. 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. |
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| Trails: |
| VISITOR CENTER LOOP TRAIL
This .3-mile trail begins at our Visitor Center, crosses a small tributary of Dukes Creek, and winds around a large pasture along Dukes Creek. Just off the trail is a planting of Florida Torreya, considered to be one of North America?s most critically endangered trees. There also are a couple of adult swings and several picnic tables.
LAUREL RIDGE TRAIL
Located adjacent to our Visitor Center, this interpretive trail is a moderate 1.6-mile loop that climbs to Laurel Ridge and provides a seasonal view of Mt. Yonah. Ask for a free interpretive brochure from the Visitor Center to learn more about specific points of interest along the trail.
ASH CREEK TRAIL
1.5 mile one way; 0.6 miles from Visitor Center at the north end, 1.3 miles from south end.
This rugged trail requires fording/wading Dukes Creek near the north end. The beauty of the Dukes Creek area and the large expanse of Georgia woodlands make this a noteworthy hike. In cooler weather, or after a large rain, some guests start at the covered bridge, pass our group camp, hike all the way to Dukes Creek, and simply turn around and retrace their steps to avoid fording the creek.
CATHY ELLIS TRAIL
0.5 mile one way; 2.8 miles from Visitor Center.
Also called the Chunanee Falls Trail, this memorial trail is in honor of Cathy Ellis, who loved the north Georgia mountains. A plaque at the trailhead tells the historical significance of this 640-acre tract. A moderate half-mile hike (mostly downhill) leads to a beautiful waterfall on what is known as the Alabama Branch. A short wooden bridge crosses a section of a historic water ditch, part of the early gold mining history. Deeply shaded by rhododendron, the last 400 yards is alongside a noisy stretch of Dukes Creek, and is a cool retreat in warm weather.
MARTIN'S MINE TRAIL
0.9 mile loop; 2.1 miles from Visitor Center.
A wooden bridge across Dukes Creek begins this picturesque and historical trail. The 0.9-mile loop interprets the history of gold mining at this site. A vertical shaft of the earlier gold mining era is a focal point and provides a unique habitat for bats. A short extension from the main trail offers a view of a small, but soothing waterfall.
WETLAND LOOP TRAIL
0.55 mile loop; 1.2 miles from Visitor Center.
This easy ?-mile loop trail passes a beaver pond and wetland area. A boardwalk and large deck provide a great spot for ?birding? on the pond. Waterfowl and frogs are residents that hikers may see or hear. Our brochure ?The Frogs of Smithgall Woods? makes it possible to identify frogs by their call. |
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| Area Activities |
| Theater | |  | Pumpkintown Mountain Opry - Pickens, SC
Built in 1986, the four story Pumpkintown Mountain Opry building is a monument to old-world craftsmanship and home of the restaurant and shops. We invite you to enjoy the theater arts of the Pumpkintown Mountain Opry or come relax on the porch and enjoy some ice cream or our great coffee.
Web Site: http://www.pumpkintownmountain.com/ |
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| Area Accommodations |
| Campgrounds | |  | Griffin Island Campground - Sevierville, TN
Looking for something different? Griffin Island is a family owned and family friendly 32 acre property that includes rental campers, full hook-up sites, and tent sites for rent on Douglas Lake. Griffin Island is your getaway from the mainstream but close enough to all the attraction of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
Phone: 866-461-4561
Web Site: http://www.griffinisland.net |
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| Area Places to Eat |
| Casual Family Dining | | | Pumpkintown Mountain Opry - Pickens, SC
Built in 1986, the four story Pumpkintown Mountain Opry building is a monument to old-world craftsmanship and home of the restaurant and shops. We invite you to enjoy the theater arts of the Pumpkintown Mountain Opry or come relax on the porch and enjoy some ice cream or our great coffee.
Web Site: http://www.pumpkintownmountain.com/ |
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...vacation cabin, weekend getaway, log cabin rental, romantic cottage, vacation home, resort, hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, country inn, campground, RV park, horseback riding stable, canoe livery, river rafting, outfitting, sporting goods store, guide service, RV rental, etc read more.... |
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| Related Links: |
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| Area Activities |
| Boat Rentals | | | Griffin Island Campground - Sevierville, TN
Looking for something different? Griffin Island is a family owned and family friendly 32 acre property that includes rental campers, full hook-up sites, and tent sites for rent on Douglas Lake. Griffin Island is your getaway from the mainstream but close enough to all the attraction of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
Phone: 866-461-4561
Web Site: http://www.griffinisland.net |
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| Area Activities |
| Realtor | |  | Exit Landmark Realty - Hartwell, GA
Need local real estate information? The staff at Exit Landmark Realty is absolutely committed to fulfilling the needs of our clients with the highest level of professionalism, expertise and service. Our commitment to your satisfaction is the foundation from which a solid business relationship is built.
Web Site: http://www.exitlandmarkrealty.com |
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