Adventure Out Smithgall Woods State Park

By Peter McIntosh

Spring is upon us and it’s a good time to get out and stretch our legs. With that in mind we’re heading to a natural area with lots of nice level hiking trails and a few trails with some hills thrown in for good measure. I’m referring to Smithgall Woods State Park, located just a few miles northwest of Helen. Smithgall Woods started out as a state conservation area and many of the directional signs, pointing the way to the park, still read that way. But by any name this 5,663 acres of stunning mountain woodlands is a treasure. The primary feature of the park being beautiful Dukes Creek, which courses swiftly over rocks and shoals through the middle of the property. Smithgall Woods is a conservation park which means that only staff vehicles, hikers and bicyclists are allowed on the road system. All that means is a little more walking, or bicycling as the case may be. There’s a lot to see and do there, but on this trip we’re focusing on a pair of loop trails, The Wetlands Loop Trail and The Martin’s Mine Trail. Both of these footpaths are interpretive trials, which means there are numbers markers along the way that correspond with numbers on a free pamphlet you can get at the visitor’s center. These informative brochures describe the various flora and fauna found near the trail.

The Wetlands Loop Trail is located 1.2 miles down a paved road from the visitors center. There’s one moderate hill ascent right at the beginning but after that it’s level ground, so this an easy walk. (No need for boots here, comfy walking shoes are fine.) The Wetlands Loop is just over 1/2 mile in length and is almost level except for one small hill. There’s a little side trail about half way around that leads

Peter McIntosh is an accomplished professional photographer. His photography is displayed in collections across the country. His passion for nature and the outdoors is what fuels his column. His work is available as fine art prints. Peter offers one on one and small group instruction on camera operation and photography. To see more of Peter’s photos, or if you have a question or comment, visit Peter’s website: www.mcintoshmountains.com out to the edge of a beaver pond. Near the end of the loop is an observation platform that extends out into the water. This is a great spot for birding. Great Blue Herons, Wood Ducks, Grey Catbirds, Belted Kingfishers and Barred Owls are just some of the feathered folks that visit this area.

The Martin’s Mine Trail is a little less than a mile further down the road, 2.1 miles from the visitor’s center. This loop is 9/10 of a mile in length. On this section of the road you’ll cross over Dukes Creek via a way cool covered bridge. And to get to this loop trail you’ll cross back over Duke’s Creek, this time on a footbridge that offers splendid views both up and down the rushing stream. After crossing the bridge and following the trail to the left, the pathway begins to ascend through a gulch that was part of the mining operation over 170 years ago. I won’t go into the history of this mine, it’s all in the pamphlet. Just over the high point on the trail is a small platform that allows you to look down into a vertical shaft. Kinda creepy! After descending, the path crosses a small stream and intersects with a side trail marked “Hydraulic Mining and Waterfall” It’s worth the short climb to see the remnants of mining done here and a very pretty little cascade. Now back from the waterfall, the trail leads through a stand of healthy Hemlock Trees. This is very rare due to the infestation of the Hemlock Woolley Adelgid. These trees are healthy because they were treated in various ways to protect them, and each tree has a tag as to the year it was treated. Kudos to the park workers and volunteers that did this difficult but very good work! A little farther and there you are, back at the beginning. There are plenty of picnic tables throughout the park so bring a snack to enjoy and celebrate your adventure. Happy hiking!

Now I hope you’ll adore my poem for month number four: Birds in a wetland and a cool covered bridge, And then to a waterfall beneath a green forest ridge. Whatever you’re looking for, this place has the goods, Go check out the sights at Smithgall Woods.

There’s a lot more to see and do at Smithgall Woods and for more information, visit their website at: www.gastateparks.org/ SmithgallWoods Or call: 706-878-3087

We have many great State Parks here in north Georgia so it just makes sense to purchase an annual pass. It’s convenient and the money goes to support to the parks.

Getting there: Getting there: From Burton Dam Road and GA 197, go south 3 miles to GA 356. Go 11 miles on GA 356 to intersection with GA 17-75 at Robertstown. Turn right and go north about 3/10 of a mile on 17-75 and turn left over Chattahoochee onto Alt 75. Go a little over 2 miles to just past the intersection with Richard Russell Scenic Highway (GA 348) on right. Smithgall Woods State Park is on the left.

To see more Peter’s photos or if you have a question or comment, visit: www.mcintoshmountains.com