Smithgall Woods

Open — Open year-round. The Pioneer Campground is available only to youth and conservation groups by advance reservation. All visitors must register at the Visitor Center.

About

Smithgall Woods State Park features a Pioneer Campground that serves youth and conservation groups exclusively, requiring advance reservation by calling the park. Situated in the North Georgia mountains near Helen, this 5,844-acre conservation area showcases the remarkable recovery of land once scarred by nineteenth-century hydraulic gold mining. The park's centerpiece is Dukes Creek, a crystal-clear trout stream offering catch-and-release fishing on designated days. With 28 miles of hiking trails winding through hardwood forests and along mountain streams, visitors can explore the diverse ecosystems of the Blue Ridge Escarpment. The park requires all visitors to register at the Visitor Center upon arrival. In addition to the campground, Smithgall Woods offers six cottages for overnight stays, picnic shelters, and a visitor center with a discovery room museum and gift shop.

Directions

Smithgall Woods State Park is located near Helen, Georgia. From Helen, take GA-75 South for approximately 2 miles, then turn right onto Tsalaki Trail to reach the park entrance.

Nearby Campgrounds