Sprewell Bluff State Park

The Flint River in Danger again map
From Sprewell Bluff


Whenever I read a story about Atlanta’s water supply and the disputes surrounding, one side note has always intrigued me. Basically, in addition to the creation of reservoirs on the Etowah, Chattahoochee, and Savannah rivers, there were plans to build a reservoir on the Flint River. But, due to its natural beauty, then Governor Jimmy Carter gave the Flint River a pardon. I know that the Flint flows through areas of Carter’s childhood, but I wanted to see what he saw. And I wanted to see it before it goes away. The best place to look is at the former proposed site of the dam, which is now Sprewell Bluff State Park, located just under 2 hours South of Atlanta, near Thomaston.
Now the other curious thing about this park is on the state web page under activities, it lists among the usual culprits, the quite unusual rock skipping. It’s not unusual to skip rocks per se, but it is unusual to list that among things to do. At Sprewell Bluff, they even have an annual rock skipping contest on Labor Day weekend. Even though I’ve said it was strange, as you stand on the bend of the river, you can’t help but think, “This is a great place to skip a rock.”

There is also a 3 mile hiking trail. it runs up and down the bluff to the river in a series of loops with out and backs at each edge. At one edge you head out to a natural dam, and at the other you pass by an overlook with a nice birds-eye view of the river and it ends at the aforementioned Rock Skipping place. It’s a nice peaceful trail with some elevation gain and loss, enough to call it decent exercise. And the river itself is beautifully tranquil. After walking the trail, we ended the day, grilling burgers at the side of the river.


So what did Jimmy see? The natural beauty of the Flint River winding its way through rocky bluffs, a great place to fish or canoe, or maybe he just sat there and skipped a rock. Any way you slice it, Sprewell Bluff State Park is peaceful getaway, I’m glad to see preserved intact. With the water problems we have, let’s hope that the idea of damming the Flint is not rekindled.

Trail Essentials
Approximate Time: 1-1.5 hours
Approximate Distance: 3 miles
Features: River Walk, Shoals, Long distance River Views

Overall Rating: A

Scenic Quality: A
Athleticism: B
Solitude: A
Value: A
Parking: Standard State Park Rates ($5 2011)
Hours of Operation: 7am - Sunset
Facilities: At Picnic Area
Maps: here
County: Upson




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