Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
Carpool Time: 8:00 AM at Intown Community Church (2059 Lavista Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329)
Difficulty Level: D2 (easy)
Hiking Distance: 4 miles
Cost: $15 carpool
Hike Leader: Rony Koshy
One of the most picturesque state parks in Georgia, Watson Mill Bridge contains the longest covered bridge in the state, spanning 229 feet across the South Fork River. 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. At one time, Georgia had more than 200 covered bridges; today, less than 20 remain.
During summer, visitors often play in the cool river shoals just below the bridge.
Nature Trail
The 2 miles of nature trails wander through the historical portions of the park along the old powerhouse sluiceway, also know as a raceway. This manmade waterway channel is about 300 yards long and runs from the old dam just below the covered bridge to a second dam just above the foundation of the old powerhouse. The powerhouse generated electricity for a textile mill 10 miles away in Crawford, for nearly half a century, beginning in 1905. The overlook at the head of this trail affords a view of the covered bridge and shoals below. At this site, the original Watson’s Mill, gone by the end of the 1800s, once sat. The rest of the trails beyond the old powerhouse ruin meander through the woods along the banks of the river and creek and pass by the camping areas.
Hiking Trail
This 2.5-mile loop trail runs along the north side of the South Fork River and is one of the most popular trails for hiking, mountain biking, and jogging. The trail meanders through hardwood and mixed forests and provides one of the best views of the lower shoals of the river. About half way around the loop is an overlook at the edge of what was once a natural beaver pond. Over the years, natural succession has taken place and the former pond area has now become a meadow.There are a few fairly steep grades. The entire trail is under shaded canopy. Whether you hike or bike, you will see a lot of biodiversity in the various types of environments the trail covers
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