By Loren Lindler
Rural Georgia is full of many surprises and has a rich history that can’t be found just anywhere, especially when it comes to covered bridges. Dating back to the 1840s, the Red Oak Covered Bridge in Woodbury is the oldest and longest covered bridge in Georgia, laying a foundation for the rest of the state.
There are so many unique experiences in the state, but these covered bridges are something truly spectacular. Covered bridges in rural Georgia can be found in Upson, Early, Franklin, Oconee, Emanuel, Oglethorpe, Meriwether, White, and Madison counties.
You can keep reading to learn more about these historic, picturesque sites that have allowed those in rural Georgia to travel to exciting places.
Auchumpkee Creek Covered Bridge
Nestled in Upson County and originally built in 1892, the Auchumpkee Creek Covered Bridge in Thomaston was built for a sum of $1,194.98. The bridge has been restored twice, the first time in 1985, and again in 1997. The bridge is not open to traffic, but it is the perfect place to snap a quick Instagram picture.
Coheelee Creek Covered Bridge
Built in 1891 for a total of $490.40, Coheelee Creek Covered Bridge in Blakely, Georgia, Early County, it is the southernmost covered bridge in the United States.
Cromer's Mill Covered Bridge
Franklin County has a rich history of its own, but when the Cromer's Mill Covered Bridge in Carnesville in 1907, the wooden structure gave a new meaning to the town’s history. You can visit the bridge and experience the historic site for yourself.
Elder Mill Covered Bridge
The Elder Mill Covered Bridge was built in Watkinsville, Georgia, in Oconee County in 1897 and is, in fact, one of only 13 functional covered bridges left in the state of Georgia. You can take a drive through the covered bridge over Rose Creek and experience a special part of rural Georgia for yourself.
George L. Smith State Park Covered Bridge
George L. Smith State Park in Twin City, Georgia, Emanuel County, has a number of activities including biking, hiking, and fishing, among a number of other things, but the historic covered bridge and dam on site is a gem of rural Georgia. The bridge helped a number of people bring wagon loads of corn or cotton to the gristmill, sawmill, and cotton gin.
Howard’s Bridge
Howard’s Bridge, formerly known as Big Cloud’s Creek Bridge, stands in Lexington, Georgia, of Oglethorpe County. The bridge goes over the Big Cloud's Creek and was built in 1904-05.
Red Oak Creek Covered Bridge
Built in the 1840s, the Red Oak Covered Bridge in Woodbury, Meriwether County, is the oldest and longest covered bridge in Georgia, stretching 391 feet. It was repaired during the 1980s and
still carries cars and small trucks over the creek today.
Stovall Mill Covered Bridge
Spanning the Chickamauga Creek in Sautee Nacoochee in White County, the Stovall Mill Covered Bridge was built in 1895. It spans 36.8 feet long and has a parking and picnic area for all to enjoy.
Watson Mill Bridge
Standing in Watson Mill Bridge State Park in Comer, Georgia, Watson Mill Bridge was built in 1885.
During the summer, visitors often play in the cool river shoals just below the bridge. It is an Instagram-worthy historic site for sure.
If you ever visit any of the covered bridges in rural Georgia, you are in for a surprise like no other. They have a deep history and are sure to bring a fun adventure to you and your travel partners.