June 25, 2024
Ash Creek Trail
at Smithgall Woods State Park near Helen, GA
We lucked up with "not so hot" temperatures as forecast making this an enjoyable short hike on a trail with good shade covering. The trail was in generally good condition, sut there were several short steep hills to climb. The water levels were fairly low making the two narrow, but wet stream crossings easy without any falls. Just a few wildflowers today and not critters along the way. This hike could be improved by using the lower section of the Laurel Ridge Trail on the way out and back to avoid walking any more than necessary on the paved Tsalaki Trail Rd. This hike could also be extended by 3.6 miles by hiking further down the Tsalaki Trail Rd to pickup the Cathy Ellis Trail to the falls. Just any idea to make the most of a visit to Smithgall Woods.
TODAY'S HIKERS: Vic Robson, Lynn Steele, Gerald Richardson, Matt Henderson & Toby, Edwin Pruitt, Bobbie Broussard, Chip Fields, Jenny Bell, Sherry Fields, Renee Corbett, Jane Harrison, Kim Johnson, Ken Pardue, Beth Hawkins, Claudia Pardue, Allyson Aldrich & Mike Bell.
The route
4.6 mi · 597 ft climbing · 2h 55m out, 2h 12m 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%
22 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (22)
Crossing Dukes Creek Today's Hikers (L-R) Front: Vic, Lynn, Gerald, Matt with Toby, Edwin, Chip, Sherry, Jane, Kim, Ken, Beth, Claudia, Allyson & Mike; Front: Bobbie, Jenny & Renée. Smithgall Woods State Park entrance Headed up Tsalaki Trail Road to the trailhead. Ken and Claudia were commenting on the large bee activity today. Wading across Dukes Creek. Everyone has their own technique. A few more uphills than we expected, but they were short. Lots of ferns along this trail. Crossing Ash Creek. Now how do I want to cross? Rock hop or just wade? A Rhododendron tunnel, but no blooms here. The Joro Spiders are coming! A sole Saint Andrew's Cross plant in bloom today. A small portion of a larger field with small Daisy Fleabane still in bloom. The beautiful covered bridge over Dukes Creek on Tsalaki Trail Road. A view of Dukes Creek from inside the covered bridge. Let's check out the Wetlands Loop. Vic takes the lead of this section of the trail. Hey, there are some Rhododendron still in bloom. Other wildflowers on the Wetlands Loop. Clockwise from UL: Thick-leaf phlox; Beggar Lice; Native Hydrangea & Black-eyed Susan A nice find: Downy yellow false foxglove A look up an unnamed tributary to Dukes Creek from "Gold Rush Bridge" as we finish our hike on Fisherman's Trail. Toby "cooling it" on the pavement at hike's end.