Though Georgia had over 200 covered bridges at one time, less than 20 remain. Watson Mill Bridge State Park is built around the longest covered bridge in the state – a timber-framed marvel that still echoes with the rhythmic thrum of tires over wood.
Watson Mill Bridge State Park
2025 Price: $5 per vehicle
Historic Mill Town
In 1868, Gabriel Watson and a man named Everett purchased a mill complex, originally built around 1798. The site included “one fine grist mill for wheat and corn … two sets of grinding stones, one wool machine, and one two-story water gin.” An 18-foot wooden water wheel powered the mill. Watson operated the mill complex until 1904, at which time it shut down.
In 1905, L. Frank Edwards purchased the land and built a dam, raceway, and power generating plant to product electric power for his cotton mill in Crawford, Georgia, 12 miles away.
Watson Mill Bridge
The 229-foot historic covered bridge was built in 1885 by Washington (W.W.) King, son of freed slave and famous covered bridge builder Horace King. It allowed wagons to carry corn across the river for the grist mill.
Watson Mill Bridge is supported by a Town lattice truss system. First patented in 1820 by architect Ithiel Town, this system uses planks to create a lattice of overlapping diagonals connected by wooden pegs. Walking through the bridge allowed me to appreciate the craftsmanship and enjoy the faint smell of timber. There are windows on each side overlooking the river.
Hiking Trails
Because the park is bisected by the South Fork of the Broad River, the best trail often depends on which side of the water you decide to explore. Both sides of the bridge have parking areas.
Hiking Trail Along Shoals
We started with the 2.5-mile loop along the north side of the South Fork of the Broad River. The trail provides one of the best views of the lower shoals. When water levels are low, visitors can wander onto the shoals for different angles of the river and covered bridge.
Nature Trails
Two miles of walking trails start on the south side of the bridge, near the visitor center. Marked by purple blazes, interconnected loops hug the banks of South Fork and Big Clouds Creek. It is a relatively easy trail but there are steps and narrow sections.
Shortly after the trailhead, an overlook and spur trail reveal lovely views of the covered bridge and shoals.
Portions of the trail stroll through the historical areas in the park. While evidence of the mill is long gone, ruins for the old powerhouse and sluiceway (raceway) can still be found along the trail.
The rest of the trails beyond the old powerhouse ruins roam through the woods along the river and creek.
Watson Mill Bridge is a perfect blend of architectural history and rugged North Georgia nature.