Smithgall Woods State Park — Attraction in Dahlonega

I know many come here for the hiking and fishing, we were here for a nice cabin stay and to explore the general area. The cabins in the state park are nothing like the cabins you typically find in Georgia State Parks. There are a total of seven cabins, one which is primitive with no amenities, the other six have electricity with varying size, rooms, and amenities. I asked the park ranger at the front desk if our cabin had a firepit and he forcefully said "This is a conservation park and outside fires are not allowed!!" Okay, point noted. But after unloading our luggage at our cabin and walking along the road that takes you to the cabins, I noticed a large firepit (with recently burned wood inside) next to the very last cabin, which was next to ours. So the ranger was wrong, outside fires are allowed, but only at one cabin. Why he couldn't have said that, I don't know. I guess he just doesn't know what he's doing. Overall, the cabin was great. In fact, it's the best cabin I've ever stayed at in a Georgia SP. It had a huge front porch, nice size living room, kitchen, clean bathroom, and large bedroom with a comfortable bed. There was a wood burning furnace as well. You have limited TV channels, so just keep that in mind if you think you'll find your standard cable TV lineup. Prices start at double the usual Georgia SP cabin rate, and that's just for a one room cabin. Want multiple rooms and the price goes higher and higher. So while the price may not make for regular stays, it certainly is great for special occasions.

The visitor center does have restrooms if you need them, but they are disgusting and you may just want to go in to Helen instead. As great as the cabins are, the visitor center bathrooms are some of the worst I've ever seen in...

Great walk in the woods here , there are lots of paved and gravel roads . The trails are actual trails and very enjoyable , I did the ash creek, Martin mines and Cathy Ellis trail to chicane falls. Ash creek has two water crossings and one is a big one , I scampered across a bunch of downed logs and prayed for no snakes . Once across there was a steep incline and then levels out. On the ash creek trail I encountered my first bear ever , he was spooked and ran off and I had the joy of seeing him or her as they ran away . Once back on the road I walked away from the covered bridge until I came to the Martin Mine loop . The loop is about a mile and is very informative , especially if you pick up the pink flyer at the visitor center that tells you about the points of interest . This trail is about 2.1 miles from the visitor center . Once back on the road continue walking in the same direction away from the visitor center and in about a half mile or so you come to the Cathy Ellis Memorial trail. This short half mile in and half mile out is very satisfying and the Chunanee falls at the end are a great spot to cool off . Then you make the journey back to the visitors center . I loved seeing the bee hives they keep by the way and other than at the visitors center and around , I encountered no people. There is a parking fee of $5 to park there and there are bathrooms , a cute store for souvenirs and a vending machine for...

One of the still somewhat hidden gems and perhaps crown jewels of the Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites, Smithgall Woods is tucked away between mountains, amongst towering vibrant green Hemlocks and scribbled across by the tumbling cool, clear water of Dukes Creek that traverses the six thousand acre park. Smithgall Woods is an extraordinary state heritage and an amazing wild green space to explore and enjoy with over 23-miles of hiking trails of different lengths for different skill levels, 8-miles of pathway which is enjoyable for cyclists, the park sports two waterfalls and 12-miles of nationally rated Top 100 trophy trout stream, Dukes Creek. Fishing is carefully managed and by appointment only, so you'll need to call ahead. Or, you could choose a cottage getaway in one of six premiere mountain cabins, accessed by a private, gated section of the park that allows fishing access to cottage guests all-day, everyday during your stay. Smithgall Woods continues to grow in popularity as a wedding venue and a retreat site for corporate events. Come experience the special magic of...