Short answer
Smithgall Woods State Park is a 5,844-acre state park in White County, near Helen. Park hours are 7 a.m.–Dark. Parking is $10 per vehicle per day or $70 for an annual ParkPass. Checked on its official page.
A 5,844-acre conservation area on Dukes Creek near Helen, with catch-and-release trout fishing by reservation in season and 28 miles of trails. All visitors register at the visitor center.
Smithgall Woods State Park hours
- Park: 7 a.m.–Dark
- Office: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Closed Thanksgiving Day & Christmas Day.
What it costs
- Parking: $10 per vehicle per day, or a $70 annual ParkPass that works at every Georgia state park. Overnight guests pay the daily fee once per stay; parking is not included with a reservation (Georgia State Parks ParkPass page).
Where it is and how to get in touch
- Address: 61 Tsalaki Trail, Helen, GA 30545
- County: White (North Georgia region)
- GPS: 34.69195, -83.76715 (directions in Google Maps)
- Park: 706-878-3087
- Reservations: 800-864-7275
- Official page: gastateparks.org/SmithgallWoods
Dogs and strollers
- Dogs: Georgia State Parks welcomes pets on a leash no longer than six feet, with the owner at all times. Pets are not allowed in park and historic site buildings, lodges, yurts, group camps, swimming areas or beaches (park rules).
- Strollers: the park does not publish stroller rules. Paths range from paved walks to rough trails, so call ahead (706-878-3087) if you need a stroller-friendly route.
What’s at Smithgall Woods State Park
Facilities the park lists: 6 Cottages; Pioneer Campground — call park to reserve, youth & conservation groups only; 5 Picnic Shelters; Visitor Center; Discovery Room Museum; Gift Shop.
Things to do: Archery — reservations required; Biking; Birdwatching; Chronolog; Trout Fishing — seasonal, reservations required, catch & release only; Hiking — 28 miles of trails; Hunting; Picnicking; Weddings — park approval required; Geocaching.
Accessibility: this site lends an All-Terrain Georgia Action Trackchair (free, reserve ahead). How to book: free all-terrain wheelchairs at Georgia state parks.
Know before you go
- Visitor Center Notice: All visitors must register at the Visitor Center.
Events coming up near Smithgall Woods
- On now through Nov 1: Helen Oktoberfest, Helen (about 2 miles away, free to $25)
- Oct 23: Night of the Living Safari, Cleveland (about 7 miles away, free)
- Oct 23 – Oct 25: Mountain Moonshine Festival, Dawsonville (about 27 miles away)
- Oct 24: Mountain Farm Celebration, Sautee Nacoochee (about 5 miles away, from $8)
- Oct 24: Appalachian Brew and Music Festival, Hiawassee (about 19 miles away, from $55)
- Oct 30 – Nov 1: Boo at the Zoo, Cleveland (about 7 miles away)
Events within 30 miles in the next 90 days from our Georgia event calendar, as of ; distances are straight-line from the site’s GPS point. The park’s own ranger programs and events are on the Georgia State Parks events calendar.
Nearby state parks and historic sites
- Unicoi State Park & Lodge (state park, White County), about 3 miles away
- Hardman Farm State Historic Site (state historic site, White County), about 3 miles away
- Vogel State Park (state park, Union County), about 10 miles away
- Moccasin Creek State Park (state park, Habersham County), about 15 miles away
More on It’s Georgia
- All Georgia state parks and historic sites, by region
- Georgia state parks compared: hours, parking, dogs and free accessibility equipment in one table
- Helen guide
- North Georgia: more places to go in the region
Source: the Smithgall Woods State Park page on gastateparks.org (Georgia Department of Natural Resources), checked . Hours and fees change, so check the official page before a long drive. Spot something out of date? Tell us and we will re-check it.
Cite this page: It's Georgia, “Smithgall Woods State Park”, itsgeorgia.com/places/smithgall-woods-state-park/ (updated ). Free to quote with attribution and a link to this page.