Life & Real Estate In & Around Athens GA.

Watson Mill Covered Bridge State Park, one of the most picturesque parks in Georgia, is located in Oglethorpe County (well, mostly), just a short drive from Athens, Commerce, Lexington, Watkinsville, Comer, Crawford and other area towns. While the majority of the park, including the covered bridge, is located in Oglethorpe County, there is the small northeast section of the park that is in Madison County.

The park is focused on the covered bridge, which is still in daily use after being put into service in 1885 allowing people to cross the South Fork River at will . The bridge is 229 feet long, a town lattice construction, still held together with wooden pins. There is also a small damn downstream from the bridge which backs up the mill pond. A mill race parallels the river for over 1/4 of a mile downstream to the ruins of the old powerhouse. The bridge is one of the few remaining "working" covered bridges in Georgia providing one way automobile and small truck travel across the river.

Popular all year round, in the summer, the shallows below the  bridge provide a place for families and their kids to cool off in the waters below the damn. Kids enjoy playing in the pools as well as sliding down some of the "chutes". The park also provides trails for kiking, biking and horseback riding. There are campsites as well as 3 bunkhouse that can be rented. It is also a popular place for fisherman who can fish from shore both in the mill pond, either from shore or non-powered boat, as well as from the river below the damn.

Watson Mill Covered Bridge State Park is located just 3 miles outside of Comer at

650 Watson Mill Road
Comer , GA 30629

It is a state park so there is a small entrance fee. You can get an annual state park pass that allows you to park your vehicle at any park, any day. You can also get a parks pass from your local library. So, come out and spend an hour, or a day, or a weekend. Bring your kids, or, you neighbors kids. They will love you for it.

For more information about things to do in Oglethorpe County or other areas around Athens-Clarke County GA or if you are interested in buying or selling your home there, please call me at 706-207-5290. Or you can click here to email me with your inquiries. To search for homes in Oglethorpe County or the Athens Ga area please visit my website The Athens Real Estate Page.

All photos copyright Mike Saunders, 2009.

Built in 1904, across Big Cloud Creek, Howard's Covered Bridge is named after the pioneer family that settled this area in the 1700's. The bridge is 164 feet long and constructed in the town lattice design with the planks fastened with wooden pegs or trunnels. The timber used to construct the bridge came from South Georgia and was shipped to Smithonia on the old Smith and Dunlap railroad.

During the summer, it is difficult to get a good view of the sides of the bridge. There are no clear pathways down to the creek, on either end of the bridge. 

Howard's Covered Bridge, sometimes called Big Cloud Creek Covered Bridge can be easily reached but just as easily missed. It is only a few hundred yards off of Smithonia Rd. on Chandler Silver Rd. However, there is no road sign and Chandler Silver Rd is a dirt road where it intersects Smithonia Rd.

For more information about what to do or what to see in Oglethorpe County, GA or if you are interested in buying or selling your home there, please call me at 706-207-5290. Or you can click here to email me with your inquiries. To search for homes in Oconee County please visit my website The Athens Real Estate Page.