Watson
Mill Bridge State Park - Comer, GA
 
 
Rating
Overview
Watson Mill Bridge State
Park covers 1,018 acres and is named for the 229-foot covered bridge located at the
park. It is the longest remaining covered bridge in the state. It's four spans
stretch across the South Fork River which is one of the four main tributaries to the Broad
River. The supporting structure of the bridge, which is known as a truss, is
of the Town lattice type and has lasted for more than 100 years. Most of the lattice
work is original. At one time there were more than 200 covered bridges in Georgia,
but now there are less than twenty.
The old Watson grist mill,
from which the bridge got it's name, operated during the late 1800s. The mill was
run by Gabriel Watson and housed a furniture shop on the bottom floor. Evidence of
the old mill is long since gone, but there is plenty of evidence of the old hydro-electric
plant which was fed by the river. The present dam and raceway wall below the bridge
were constructed around 1905 as part of the hydro-electric plant.
Activities & Amenities
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Canoes for Rent |
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Wildlife Viewing |
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Tent Camping |
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Hiking Trails |
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Fishing |
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RV Camping |
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Restrooms |
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Picnicking |
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Horse Trails |
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Playground |
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Laundry |
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Dump Station |
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| Picnicking |
Picnic tables and three shelters are
available. Shelters can be reserved for a fee, and are available on a first-come,
first-serve basis otherwise. A screened group shelter is available for rent and
provides indoor seating for 90. Facilities include a sink, oven, stove, and BBQ
pit. |
| Horse Trails |
The park has over 10 miles of horsetrails. Those with horses may primitive camp at
equestrian area. |
| Fishing |
Park waters are open for legal fishing
throughout the year. Persons age 16 or older must have a valid resident/non-resident
fishing license. |
| Boating |
The park has canoes available for rent which
can be used on the Mill Pond. Private canoes are also permitted. |
| Camping |
The park offers 21 combination tent, trailer
and RV sites and 3 pioneer camping areas. A comfort station provides hot showers,
flush toilets, laundry facilities and soft drink machine. |
Park Times and Information
Park Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Park Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Spring/Summer Hours: Sun-Tues - 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wed-Sat - 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Address:
650 Watson Mill Rd.
Comer, GA 30629
Location: T6 miles out of Comer off GA 22 Located in Madison and Oglethorpe County
Park Telephone: (706) 783-5349
Reservations: (770) 389-7275 or 1-800-864-7275
Nearby Attractions
Victoria Bryant State Park and 9-Hole
Golf Course
Robert Toombs House State Historic Site
Elberton, Granite Capitol of the World
Bobby Brown State Park
University of Georgia
Athens, GA
Park Pass Information
A $2 daily or $25 annual parking fee is
required. The ParkPass is valid at all state parks visited that day, and Wednesdays
are free days. Annual ParkPasses are sold at park offices (senior discounts
available) or by calling (404) 657-9851.
Some information has been provided by GA State Parks Dept. |
