Date: 05/12/2026
Name: Ash Creek Loop
Distance: 5.1
Difficulty: Easy
Total Climbing Elevation: 620
Type: Loop
Notes: 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).
AllTrails Link: Ash Creek Loop at Smithgall Woods State Park near Helen, GA
Additional Search Terms: May