This hidden wonder across state line is only a couple hours from Beaufort County home
Fish jump in the still water, songbirds dart and call in the leafy canopy above and all around you tall trees form a watery cathedral. The world on dry land seems like a memory and all you can think of is what is around the next bend.
You are not in some deep-southern bayou or lost in a trackless primordial swamp, you are at George L. Smith State Park in Georgia and only a little over two hours from home.
As you enjoy your day at this fascinating destination fishing or kayaking this swampy realm, you can also hike, picnic and even explore a nineteenth century covered bridge and grist mill where the water still flows over a millrace and it is not hard to imagine the sounds of yesteryear. George L. Smith State Park seems like a hidden wonder and it is there for your discovery.
George L. Smith State Park is located near Metter and Twin Cities, Georgia, and is a destination that offers several kinds of outdoor recreation. The 1,634-acre park is centered around a 412-acre millpond that was formed when a mill was established on swampy Fifteen Mile Creek in 1880. It is this combination of history and outdoor recreation that attracts thousands of visitors year-round.
Known as Watson or Parrish Mill, this fascinating wooden structure was constructed to meet the agricultural needs of the rural community and functioned as a grist mill, sawmill and a cotton gin. One of the most unique features of this operation was that the mill served as a covered bridge with the local road passing through the building. In due time the mill attracted a post office and other community centered endeavors and was a popular gathering place for people to come for events and activities over the years. The building no longer functions as a mill but actually allowed vehicle traffic through until the mid-1980s. George L. Smith State Park was formed to preserve the historic mill and covered bridge as well as the lush, tree-filled millpond that was formed by its construction. The park soon became a popular destination for picnickers, campers and anglers seeking the numerous fish among the tall cypress.
When you visit George L. Smith State Park you will be struck by the beauty of the place as well as its easy access to nature. Well-sited picnic areas, shelters for group activities, cottages and a 28 site campground will allow you to spend a day or many more relaxing and enjoying the park’s offerings. Upon arrival you will note the fascinating mill and covered bridge. Its covered lane is open to visitors and marks the trailhead of some of the seven miles of maintained hiking trails that can be explored. Hike along the edge of the millpond or through airy forested uplands and you will see a variety of wildlife along the way. Access to the water is easy by canoe or kayak or you can launch a small boat to fish and explore among the trees. Three well-marked water trails are sited among the trees of the millpond offering easy or challenging pathways and in the almost self-contained environment of the pond make for a journey designed to bring you full circle to the beginning of your journey.
I recently visited George L. Smith State Park with friends and spent a day kayaking the millpond and exploring the park. The tunnel-like pathways through the cypress made for one of the most enjoyable paddles I have experienced and the well-marked trails guided us back to the landing with ease. Fishermen trolled the more open waters in small boats or perched along the bank to try their luck. The sound of water rushing over the dam of the mill filled the old covered bridge with its ancient music and it was not hard to imagine the thump and hum of the old mill machinery turning out the livelihood of a past community. George L. Smith State Park is well worth a visit for all ages to enjoy nature, history or simply to appreciate the great outdoors.
Getting there
George L. Smith State Park is located at 371 George L. Smith State Park Rd., Twin Cities, GA 30471 and is open 7am-10pm year-round. From Beaufort County, take I-95 south and then I-16 west from Savannah to Exit 104 at Metter. Travel GA-121N into Metter and turn left onto SE Broad Street. Turn Right onto College St. and at eleven miles turn right onto George L. Smith State Park Rd. The park entrance will be less than two miles. Parking is $5 per vehicle for day use and other fees apply for camping. Boat rental has been available but at the moment has been suspended due to COVID-19. Visitors can bring their own boats, kayaks and canoes along with PFDs to access the waterways free of charge. If you plan for boating or paddling, be sure to bring insect repellant, water and sunscreen depending on the time of year and conditions. Events and activities may be hosted by year-round depending on the schedule. For more info on the park, access and availability, call 478-763-2759 or visit https://gastateparks.org/GeorgeLSmith. Some activities and facilities may be currently restricted due to COVID-19 but this outdoor park can be enjoyed with proper safety precautions.
This story was originally published May 31, 2020 at 12:15 PM.