Watson Mill Covered Bridge

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Known as 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. It 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 wooden pins and is still carries traffic across it today.

At one time, Georgia had more than 200 covered bridges; today, less than 20 remain.

The Watson Mill covered bridge was built to allow access to the mill built by Gabriel Watson in 1798 about 300 feet south of the present location of the bridge on the south fork of the Broad River. A sluice extended past the shoals now below the bridge and provided water to power both a sawmill and grist mill. There were other shops in the small community that developed around the mill.

In 1900 the mill fell victim to technology. In place of the sluice, a raceway was built to deliver water from the dam to the turbine that generated electricity for Jefferson Mills (a textile mill) in nearby Crawford.

With the rise of electricity in rural areas in Georgia during the 1950's it was no longer economical to create power from the dam, and after stripping the site of everything of value the company let it sit until it donated the land to the state of Georgia in 1971.

The state began a restoration effort, which centered around the covered bridge. In 1973 Watson Mill Bridge State Park opened to the public, and since that time has become a frequent stop on Roadside Georgia's itinerary.

The bridge is especially beautiful during sunset, when the brilliant reds and oranges enrich the natural color of the wood. Beneath the bridge is a series of shoal that provides endless entertainment for kids and adults alike, but be careful. Strong parental supervision is required for a safe time.