August 4, 2020
Smithgall Woods-Laurel Ridge & Ash Creek Loop
Great day for a hike today with sunny skies, starting temperatures around 65 degrees ending at the mid-80's. We reached the start of the Ash Creek Loop after a short walk down the Tsalaki Trail (paved access road). The trail is in good condition and an easy 4.6-mile walk. We did have a short water crossing across Dukes Creed at the beginning the Ash Creek Loop, but it could have been done bare foot with care since there were some slippery rocks. Even after a rain the day before, the water level was just above ankle height except for the first few steps which were at mid-calf. The water temperature was actually quite pleasant and would have made a nice stop. We made a second, shallow and shorter water crossing further down the trail at Ash Creek. Toward the end of the loop, we came upon a beautiful wildflower field dominated with Bachelor Buttons (a.k.a Cornflowers). We were surprised by the the large number of wildflowers still in bloom on this segment of the hike.
After returning to the parking area we hiked the 2- mile Laurel Ridge Trail. This trail has nice high cover with a path of many exposed roots on the first half, mostly climbing, and then hard clay and small, loose stones on the way down and back. This trail is moderately difficult due to the climbing and trail condition, but well worth the hike since at the high point of the trail it has an excellent open vista looking toward Yonah and Pink Mountains. No significant wildflowers in bloom at this time on this trail.
The route
6.6 mi · 912 ft climbing · 4h 1m out, 3h 46m walking · 1.7 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%
One photo is shown on the map where it was taken — click it to see it full size.
Photos (43)
Water Crossing at Dukes Creek on Ash Creek Trail A Group of Happy Hikers! Smithgall Woods Info Center Entrance Ash Creek Trail Sign - Pay Attention to Direction of Travel Water Crossing at Dukes Creek - Not bad even after rain the day before Looking Downstream from Dukes Creek Water Crossing Sunflower along Tsalaki Trail Closeup of Moss in "Bloom" Attractive fungus along trail More fungus along trail Shallow water crossing at Ash Creek Rattlesnake Plantain Looking downstream from water crossing at Ash Creek on Ash Creek Loop Trail Yellow Star Grass Unknown Wildflower Flowering Spurge (Euphorbia corollata) Bachelor Button (a.k.a. Blue Cornflower) Bachelor Button (a.k.a. Blue Cornflower) Wildflower Field at Eastern End of Ash Creek Trail Unknown Yellow Wildflower in Wildflower Field along Ash Creek Trail Bachelor Button (a.k.a. Blue Cornflower) Queen Ann Lace in Wildflower Field Along Ash Creek Trail Daisy Fleabane (Erigeron philadelphicus) Common Clover -Edible? St Andrew's Cross (Hypericum hypericoides) Unknown, Inconspicuous Very Small Yellow Wildflower Along Ash Creek Trail Attractive Mushroom Exiting Ash Creek Trail Just Beyond Covered Bridge on Tsalaki Trail Partridge Berry Fruit Corssing Gold Rush Bridge on Side Trail on Way Back From Ash Creek Trail Spotted Jewel Weed Pigeon Wings (Clitoria mariana) Flame Azalea Still in Bloom Along Tsalaki Trail Flame Azalea Still in Bloom Along Tsalaki Trail Laurel Ridge Trail Loop Informational Sign Laurel Ridge Trailhead Sign Lone Luna Moth on Ground along Laurel Ridge Trail Ressurection Fern Along Laurel Ridge Trail Path along Peak of Laurel Ridge Trail Taking a Break at Peak of Laurel Ridge Trail Yonah and Pink Mtns at Peak of Laurel Ridge Trail Interpretive Sign at Peak of Laurel Ridge Trail Asian Day Flower at Finish of Laurel Ridge Trail