Laurel Ridge Trail
A short, steady climb at Smithgall Woods to a ridge with seasonal mountain views
The short answer
Laurel Ridge is a good first trail at Smithgall Woods State Park: short enough to finish in an hour or so, with enough climbing to feel like a hike. It's an interpretive loop, so signs along the way tell you what you're looking at, and it ends up on a ridge with mountain views that open up in some seasons. The mountain laurel the trail is named for blooms in late spring.
The park covers 5,844 acres along Dukes Creek and has about 28 miles of trails, so it never feels crowded. The state acquired it in 1994 as a gift-purchase from Charles A. Smithgall Jr., and the land was restored after hydraulic gold mining in the 1800s.
Park facts
From Georgia State Parks, October 2026
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Laurel Ridge Trail | 1.6-mile moderate interpretive loop; open for hiking at all times, even during scheduled hunts |
| Park hours | 7 AM to dark, daily; office 8 AM to 5 PM; closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day |
| Registration | All visitors must register at the visitor center |
| Parking | ParkPass: $10 per vehicle per day or $70 annual. Overnight cottage guests pay the daily fee once per stay |
| Size | 5,844 acres and about 28 miles of trails |
| Phone | 706-878-3087 |
Other trails in the park
Lengths from the Georgia State Parks trail page
| Trail | Length | Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor Center Loop | 0.3 mile | Easy | Crosses a small tributary; pasture views along Dukes Creek |
| Wetland Loop | 0.55 mile | Easy | Passes a beaver pond and wetland |
| Laurel Ridge Trail | 1.6-mile loop | Moderate | Climbs to the ridge for seasonal mountain views |
| Cathy Ellis / Chunanee Falls | 0.5 mile one way | Moderate | Mostly downhill to a waterfall; climb back out |
| Martin's Mine | 0.9-mile loop | Moderate | Gold-mining history, a vertical shaft and a waterfall view |
| Ash Creek Trail | 1.5 miles one way | Challenging | Rugged, with creek crossings you have to ford |
Pair Laurel Ridge with Martin's Mine for a bigger half day. For waterfalls, Dukes Creek Falls is a Forest Service site down the road, with its own $4 fee.
Tips
Before you head up
Register first
Every visitor signs in at the visitor center. The office is open 8 AM to 5 PM, and the park stays open until dark.
Time the laurel
Mountain laurel blooms in late spring. Call the park at 706-878-3087 for bloom status before you drive up.
Hunt days
Laurel Ridge is open even when the park holds scheduled hunts. Check the park's calendar and wear bright colors in hunting season.
Fishing and cottages
Trout fishing on Dukes Creek is by reservation on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from October to May. The park has six cottages if you want to stay.
Laurel Ridge questions
How long is the Laurel Ridge Trail?
It's a 1.6-mile loop, rated moderate by Georgia State Parks. It climbs to Laurel Ridge for seasonal mountain views.
What does it cost to hike at Smithgall Woods?
The ParkPass is $10 per vehicle per day (or $70 for the year). Everyone also has to register at the visitor center.
Is Smithgall Woods open every day?
Yes, 7 AM to dark, except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The office is open 8 AM to 5 PM.
Is Laurel Ridge open during hunts?
Yes. The park says the Laurel Ridge Trail is open for hiking at all times, even during scheduled hunts.
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