May 31, 2022
Smithgall Woods - Ash Creek Loop Trails
near Helen, GA
This was a fairly easy hike on a combination of a paved road (Tsalaki Trail) leading to the wooded Ash Creek Trail. There were a few short, steep hills leading to and from Dukes Creek and Ash Creek. Crossing these creeks was not difficult and most of our hikers chose to remove their boots when wading across with mid-calf to knee deep water. Most thought the water was pleasantly cool. There were a number of wildflowers today, but nothing spectacular except one small area of Fly Poison. Some wildlife was found along the trail including a black snake which Vic described as "shy," so we didn't get a picture. However, we did see a large toad and a medium size box turtle along with some trout. Our hike also included taking the Wetlands Loop on our return to the trailhead. An enjoyable hike in the woods today!
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The route
4.8 mi · 597 ft climbing · 3h 32m out, 2h 43m walking · 1.8 mph moving
Elevation
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- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
One photo is shown on the map where it was taken — click it to see it full size.
Photos (23)
Covered bridge over Dukes Creek Today's hikers (L-R): Top: Beth H., Inna, Ray, Jim, Jenny, Greta, Lynn, Bob & Christine; Bottom: Vic, Beth Mc., Heather & Mike, An apiary (also known as a bee yard) along the Tsalaki Trail where beehives of honey bees are kept. This way to our first wet crossing Crossing Dukes Creek. You put your right foot in . . . and you shake it all about! Ash Creek Trail is generally pretty nice. But, there were a couple of large trees across the trail we had to go around. More Ash Creek to cross. . .a bit more shallow this time. . looks more like a trail from this angle. Some interesting fungus along the trail. Nature's modern art. A fair number of Fly poison at one place after crossing Ash Creek. This box turtle on the Ash Creek Trail has had a tough life judging by its shell. Let's see what's along this side trail. Greetings from Mr. Toad! Evidence of beaver, but we wonder what they were going to do with such a large tree once it fell. Trout came out from under the covered bridge at Dukes Creek when fed by a park volunteer. The Gold Rush Bridge on an unnamed tributary to Dukes Creek. Lots of white wildflowers and . . . Lots of blue/lavender wildflowers and . . . Yellow wildflowers and . . . Red or pink wildflowers too! Yep, I'm too lazy this time to name all of the foregoing wildflowers. "She loves me. She loves me not." Lot of Poison ivy today, but can you believe this tree canopy is mostly Poison Ivy?