The bridge was built by Washington W. King, the son of a formerly enslaved master bridge builder, Horace King.
The Town lattice truss design uses wooden pegs called trunnels rather than nails or bolts to secure the structure.
The bridge originally served as a functional passage for a grist mill and sawmill located at the site.
The 229-foot span is the longest remaining historic covered bridge in the state of Georgia.
The park's diverse ecosystem includes habitats for the rare Shoals spider-lily, which blooms in the river rocks.
Historic Watson Mill Bridge State Park features Georgia's longest original-site covered bridge, spanning 229 feet across the South Fork of the Broad River. Constructed in 1885 by Washington W. King using the Town lattice truss design, the bridge remains a primary focal point for the 1,018-acre park. The site offers trails for hiking and horseback riding that wind through wooded areas and rocky shoals. Visitors can engage in fishing or picnicking along the riverbanks. The park is situated in a rural area of Madison and Oglethorpe counties. The bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Natural features include large rock outcrops and diverse riparian habitats.
From the riverbanks downstream during sunset for a silhouette of the bridge against the water.
Bring sturdy, water-resistant footwear if you plan to explore the rocky river shoals.
Carry insect repellent, as the riverside location can be prone to mosquitoes and ticks during warmer months.
Check the park's status before visiting if there has been heavy rainfall, as high water levels can restrict access to certain trails.
Attempting to drive a vehicle through the covered bridge, which is restricted to pedestrian use only.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive riverbank vegetation; respect the historical integrity of the bridge by not climbing on the truss components.
