By David Taylor
Recently Bev and I visited one of the most picturesque state parks in Georgia, the Watson Mill Bridge State Park on our way south to Florida just ahead f the latest snowmageddon to hit the east coast.
It’s a beautiful park. We really enjoyed our visit there. If you like to take photos, you’d better bring your camera along.
This Watson Mill Bridge is the longest covered bridge in the state, spanning 229 feet across the South Fork River.
Itt was built in 1885 by Washington (W.W.) King, son of freed slave and famous covered-bridge builder Horace King, the bridge is supported by a town lattice truss system held firmly together with tree nails.
It’s pretty cool to drive across, too. There are height and weight restrictions on vehicles, so you want to check out those on their website if and when you are planning a visit.
Interestingly enough, at one time, Georgia had more than 200 covered bridges; today, less than 20 remain.
According to their website, the 1,118-acre park is an ideal spot for an afternoon picnic or overnight stay in the quiet campground. Hiking, biking and horseback riding trails allow visitors to enjoy the thick forest and river. During summer, visitors often play in the cool river shoals just below the bridge. Watson Mill Bridge has become a popular destination for horse owners who have their own camping area near stalls.
It’s also not far from Athens, Georgia, which is another story all to itself.
Clise's Cornucopia 