A covered wooden bridge, considered the oldest and longest of its kind in Georgia, offers a glimpse into history; the Upper Flint River provides a scenic perspective. In Meriwether County, it flows for about 28 miles, offering rare plant and animal species as well as sweeping views of mountain ranges. Churches, homes, and a museum tell other parts of the area’s history. You can focus your trip on architecture, nature, or regional experiences.
Architecture and History Across Different Eras
In Greenville, the Meriwether County Courthouse was completed in 1904. The building is designed in the Neoclassical Revival style. The Greenville Presbyterian Church, built around 1836, is considered a rare rural example of a Presbyterian church in Georgia. The two buildings represent different periods. For even more architectural variety, take the self-guided Greenville’s Historic Homes Tour: it visits 26 sites representing different architectural styles, with histories dating back to the 1830s. Check whether a guide is available before your trip.
The museum at the Little White House State Historic Site offers another historical perspective. It displays the “Unfinished Portrait” and, among other items, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1938 Ford convertible with hand controls. The historic site is designated a National Historic Landmark. Roosevelt Warm Springs, meanwhile, was founded by Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1927 as a comprehensive rehabilitation center. Flat Shoals, part of the Oakfuskee Trail, which is described as an important Creek trade route, is also on the Flint River. Together, these subjects offer insights into architecture, historic preservation, institutional history, and historic trade routes.
River, Ridge, and Lake: Different Ways to Enjoy the Outdoors
The Meriwether County section of the Flint River Water Trail has four main put-in and take-out points. You can launch upstream or downstream from the public boat ramp at the Highway 18 Bridge. Check conditions at the put-in before paddling. The Pine Mountain Trail offers a different way to spend time outdoors: the 23-mile footpath follows the Pine Mountain ridge. The two access points in Meriwether County are at the WJSP TV Tower on Highway 85 and the Rocky Point parking lot on Highway 190. Check trail conditions before your hike.
At Lake Meriwether near Woodbury, activities on the water take center stage. The lake covers 144 acres and offers opportunities for picnicking, boating, fishing, and camping. Check current camping and facility conditions before your trip.
If you’d like to include a scenic drive in your plans, the Meriwether-Pike County Scenic Byway is a 55-mile route that you can begin at any point. It provides a different way to explore the area than the designated river and trail access points.
Festivals, Geocaching, and Local Nature
Gay’s Cotton Pickin’ Days is a celebration of the arts, antiques, and agricultural heritage held twice a year, in spring and fall. Check event dates before your trip. Peaches in the Pines is an arts and crafts festival at Lake Meriwether Park in Woodbury. It takes place on the second Saturday in June and features live entertainment, homemade products, and activities for children. Confirm the current date and program in advance.
In Warm Springs, the Marvelous GeoQuest combines a Marvel Comics-inspired geocaching route with the town’s name; check the latest geocaching instructions before your trip. Warm Springs Winery in Historic Warm Springs specializes in Muscadine wines made from locally grown grapes and has a tasting room. Find out whether the tasting room is open before your trip. Conservation is also part of the region’s character: the Warm Springs National Fish Hatchery produces fish, freshwater mussels, box turtles, and frogs for conservation programs in Georgia and throughout the Southeast Region.
Discover more destinations: Warm Springs, Gay, Dougherty County, Screven, Greene, Jackson County, Camden, Bulloch.
For the broader travel overview: Georgia.
