Smithgall Woods State Park is an interesting mix of hemlocks, mountain laurels, pines, hardwoods, bogs, trout streams, and Caution Bees. Sadly I saw no live bears despite the promise given all the warning signs. What a tease. Nevertheless, it’s a beautiful place and you should definitely visit at least once.
The Caution Bees reminded me to take my time and to watch my footing. The moat of poison ivy around their boxes was a nice touch to keep curious fools like me from getting too close to their hives.
If you happen to go the way I did, be prepared to get your feet wet crossing the creek while completely missing the waterfall (Chunanee Falls). 
Oh well. Maybe next time. This one hardly counts!
At some point, a man has to put something back. I hate to see people just take from the land and never put something back.
—Charles A. Smithgall, Jr.
