Locate It: Thomaston

Surrounded by Atlanta, Macon and Columbus, Thomaston, Georgia in Upson County is conveniently located near these larger metropolitan areas while still offering the comforts of a small town. Outdoor recreation opportunities include an 18-hole golf course and an agri-education experience through The Rock Ranch. Take a walk through the Auchumpkee Creek Covered Bridge, or enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer by canoeing, fishing or hiking at Sprewell Bluff Park on the Flint River. For a more daring adventure, soar through the air with Skydive Atlanta, or visit the Gerald I Lawhorn Scouting Base for mountain biking or rock climbing.

The 1,372-acre Sprewell Bluff Park is best known for its breathtaking views, diverse ecology, campground, recreational amenities, and proximity to the Flint River. The park is a camper’s escape, an angler’s paradise, a paddler’s grand adventure, and a hiker’s dream. Visitors may cool off in the gently flowing Flint River, skip rocks across the water, and have a picnic along the river’s edge or by the playground. With miles of trails winding throughout the park, visitors may take a long or short hike, run, or stroll. Bird watching enthusiasts may spot tanagers, warblers, osprey, woodpeckers, and eagles along the river or nesting in the cliffs and forest edge. There is also a boat ramp to give paddlers access to the river.

Hunters and anglers can get their trophies at Big Lazer Wildlife Management Area and Public Fishing Area on the Flint River. It is open for hunts, both archery and firearms, throughout deer, turkey, and small game seasons. It is also home to a 193-acre lake, great for boating and fishing. There are primitive camping grounds and numerous hiking trails through the wilderness and to the river. The area also provides access to the Flint River.

The Rock Ranch offers various seasonal attractions that include zip lines, gemstone mining, paddle boats, cane pole fishing, pedal carts, and more. As a working cattle ranch, the farm raises homegrown beef without hormones, additives, coloring, or steroids. This premium beef and locally grown fresh produce can be purchased at The Country Store.

Thomaston is the place to check one off your bucket list with Skydive Atlanta. Whether you’re new to the sport and dive in tandem will an experience jumper, or you are diving solo, you’ll take off from Thomaston-Upson County Airport, dive, and land in large, wide open, flat landing areas for a thrill of a lifetime.

Golfers will enjoy Raintree Golf Club (formerly Thomaston Country Club), an 18-hole, par 72 course. The course is hilly and water affects eight of the holes. The course totals 6,463 yards from the championship tees and has a course rating of 70.1.

Groups and families can make reservations to enjoy the activities at the Lawhorn Scouting Base, a 2,400-acre outdoor facility that includes camping, swimming, boating, shooting sports, rock climbing, challenge course, river canoeing and tubing, and much more!

Many people come to Thomaston specifically to see the Auchumpkee Creek Covered Bridge, originally built in 1892, and to walk across the bridge to the other side; the bridge is closed to vehicular traffic.