Lodge Reservations
(800) 318-5248
Park
(706) 878-3087
Named one of the top 10 Culinary Country Inns by "bon appetit" magazine.
Named Georgia's Premiere Getaway by "BOA Magazine."
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. The Lodge at Smithgall Woods is an elegant mountain retreat perfect for romantic getaways or corporate retreats. Five beautifully decorated cottages provide 14 bedrooms with private baths. Rates include accommodations, meals and activities. Smithgall Woods-Dukes Creek Conservation Area 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.
Smithgall Woods School Program Brochure (pdf document)
Birdwatching at Smithgall Woods
FACILITIES:
5,664 Acres
3 Picnic Shelters ($25-$50)
Pioneer Campground (youth groups only; $5/person)
The Lodge at Smithgall Woods
Visitor Center
5 Miles of Nature Trails
Wildlife Viewing Stands and Food Plots
ACTIVITIES:
Trout Fishing - reservations required
Hiking and Bicycling - 22 miles of roads and trails, closed during scheduled hunts
Interpretive Programs - advance notice required
Environmental Education activities - advance notice required
Guided Tours
Picnicking
Nature Photography
Wildlife Observation
Biking -- 18 miles of roads
Hunting - by reservation
2008-2009 Hunting Schedule - Please note that the Laurel Ridge Trail is in a safety zone and is available for hiking all the time, even during hunts. Please feel free to call if you have concerns or questions.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:
Blue Ridge Mountains
Cabbage Patch Kids / Babyland General
Helen, Georgia
White County
Dahlonega Gold Museum
Moccasin Creek State Park
Vogel State Park
Unicoi State Park and Lodge
Anna Ruby Falls
Brasstown Bald (highest point in Georgia)
Dukes Creek Falls Recreation Area
Raven Cliffs Wilderness Area
Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway
OTHER:
Brown's Guides
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Events
Nature Awareness Series
Friday, Nov 21, 2008 2 PM - 4 PM
| Perceive the natural world and your inner world in new ways through guided imagery, quiet time in the woods, and journaling. This first installment of the Nature Awareness Series focuses on reflections in nature of those things for which we feel thankful... $3 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Guided Hike Off the Beaten Path
Tuesday, Nov 25, 2008 2 PM - 4 PM
| Enjoy the fall weather on a moderate hike on park roadways and woodland. This hike is approximately 2.5 miles in length and will include a trail that is seldom used. $3 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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River Overlook Hike at Buck Shoals
Saturday, Dec 6, 2008 9 AM - 10:30 AM
| This is a special opportunity to explore Buck Shoals because the park is not open to the public yet. See Buck Shoals from a bluff over looking the Chattahoochee River. The hike difficulty is moderate and approximately 1 mile long. Reservations required. 706-878-3087. |
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Let's Get WET and WILD
Friday, Dec 12, 2008 4 PM - 4:30 PM
Saturday, Dec 13, 2008 4 PM - 4:30 PM
| Become certified to teach two nationally accredited K-12 curricula. Project WET focuses on activites that teach water conservation, the function of wetlands, and the water cycle. Project WILD is a conservation and environmental education program which emphasizes wildlife and habitat... $20 one day; $40 both days. 706-878-3087. |
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Holi-Day Camp
Monday, Dec 22, 2008 10 AM - 3 PM
Tuesday, Dec 23, 2008 10 AM - 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 $30 for both. $3 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Falconry School
Monday, Dec 29, 2008
Tuesday, Dec 30, 2008
| Are you interested in becoming a falconer? This course will help you prepare for the state/federal falconry exam plus provide a head start into the sport itself. Indoor work and a live hunt are included. Register by December 19th. $225 plus $3 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Guided Winter Hike
Monday, Jan 5, 2009 1 PM - 3 PM
| Burn off some of that holiday excess on a moderate hike on roadways and through woodlands, stopping along the way at points of interest. Register in advance. $3 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Beginning Bee Keeping
Saturday, Jan 10, 2009 10 AM - 12 PM
| Learn about basic bee keeping and how to start a hive. Berry Wright has been a professional honey producer for 45 years. He will show bee-keeping equipment, how it is assembled, how to install bees into the equipment, and provide resource information... $3 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Fire: The Versatile Tool that Changed History
Saturday, Jan 24, 2009 9:30 AM - 4 PM
| Learn secrets of the Cherokee in expert pyre building, wood identification and selection, finding and gathering dry wood in a soaking forest, putting it together, and finally how to create fire in the old ways including the hand drill technique and the bow/drill as time allows... $60 plus $3 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Wine Weekends in the Woods
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays Feb 6, 2009 until Mar 1, 2009
 The Lodge at Smithgall Woods invites you to experience a weekend of fine wines and culinary pleasures. A wine expert will provide educational commentary. Lodge guests will dine on gourmet cuisine, prepared by our resident chef, Mac Parks... $3 parking. 800-318-5248. |
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Friends of Smithgall Woods Fundraiser
Saturday, Feb 7, 2009
| Have fun and contribute to a worthwhile cause at the same time. Money raised will help with conservation and education projects at the park, including treatment of our Hemlock trees for Hemlock Woolly Adelgid. $3 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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Volunteer Training Day
Saturday, Feb 21, 2009 9 AM - 12 PM
| Want to be a part of the inner workings of Smithgall Woods? The park can use a variety of skills and talents. The training provides information about the park, its history, volunteer activities, and a chance to meet other volunteers. Register in advance. $3 parking. 706-878-3087. |
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