May 12, 2026
Ash Creek Loop
at Smithgall Woods State Park near Helen, GA
Just a "great day for a hike" with sunny skies and temperatures in the 50's & 60's. This was an easy hike primarily on the Ash Creek Trail, but we hiked sections of the Laurel Ridge, Wetland Loop and Fishing Access trails to stay off the paved Tsalaki Trail (road) that runs the length of Smithgall Woods State Park. The trails were mostly on soft humus making them a pleasant walk. We completed two wet crossings at Dukes Creek and Ash Creek without incident. The water was just above our ankles on both crossings and not too cold. We encountered just a few easily passable blowdowns on our hike. We saw a fair sampling of wildflowers today, but nothing spectacular...still an enjoyable hike out in the woods!
Today's Hikers: Beth Parmer, Jennifer Lazzaroni, Lynn Steele, John Cape, Doris Richardson, Mike Bell, Beth McDonald, Jenny Bell, Gita Patel, Gerald Richardson, Angela Evans, Allyson Aldrich, Ken Pardue, Claudia Pardue & Jack Treadman (not shown).
The route
5.1 mi · 620 ft climbing · 3h 14m out, 2h 28m walking · 2.1 mph moving
Elevation
Hover over the profile to see the elevation and steepness. Your position will be shown on the map.
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
18 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (18)
Dukes Creek, our first wet crossing. Today's Hikers (L-R): Beth P., Jennifer, Lynn, John, Doris, Mike, Beth Mc., Jenny, Gita, Gerald, Angela, Allyson, Ken, Claudia & Jack Treadman (not shown) A nice place to hike. Getting started on the lower section of the Laurel Ridge Trail. The gravel path soon changes into a traditional woodland path. First wildflowers. From 10 o'clock clockwise, Mountain Laurel, Mapleleaf Viburnum, Whorled Loosestrife & Blackberry. This Buffalo-nut bush caught Beth McDonald's eye. Thanks to Jim Sullivan at Tugaloo Bend for identifying it for us. This Jumpseed with its unique leaf coloration caught our attention too. Tulip Poplar tree blooms seen periodically along the trail. Partridge berries in bloom, usually in pairs with red berries to follow. Headed uphill after crossing Duke's Creek. We pass by a scenic medow. (L) Ox-Eyed Daisy??? considered invasive and (R) Longleaf summer blue While not historic, Bay's Covered Bridge is still an attractive sight at this park. Found along the first section of the Wetland Loop. The Indian Pink is always a beautiful sight. Photo by Doris Richardson. Headed down Fishing Access Trail. To the "Gold Rush Bridge" . . . certainly a catchy name. Finishing up our hike across a possible "food plot" since hunting is permitted in certain areas of this park.