Summary
The park offers visitors a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, with opportunities for camping, hiking, fishing, boating, and more.
One of the main reasons to visit George L Smith State Park is to enjoy its pristine natural beauty. The park is home to a 412-acre lake, which is perfect for fishing and boating. Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards, or bring their own boats to explore the lake's many coves and inlets.
Another point of interest in the park is the historic gristmill, which dates back to the 1800s and is still in working order. Visitors can tour the mill and learn about the history of milling in the area.
There are also several hiking trails in the park, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. The trails wind through the woods and along the lake, offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
Interesting facts about George L Smith State Park include its designation as a "dark sky" park, meaning that it has minimal light pollution and is a great place for stargazing. The park is also home to several species of wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and a variety of birds.
The best time of year to visit George L Smith State Park is in the spring and fall, when temperatures are milder and the park's natural beauty is at its peak. However, the park is open year-round and offers plenty of activities and events throughout the year. Overall, George L Smith State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy Georgia's natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
George L Smith State Park
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Primative 4
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Primative 5
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