Always a good time at George L Smith Park. My grandson likes to fish there even if he doesn't catch.read more

Wow! When you step near the waters of this park and see the Cypress trees in near-black water, your…read moreimagination just may sweep you back in time to an earlier era in Earth's history, perhaps, the Pleistocene Era? These waters make you wonder whether some prehistoric creature will launch out of the waters at you if you get too close. Yet, you'll see kayakers padding all about these waters. Located in Twin City, Georgia, is a serene retreat spanning 1,634 acres with a 412-acre mill pond surrounded by cypress and tupelo trees draped in Spanish moss, creating a picturesque and tranquil environment. The park's centerpiece is the historic Parrish Mill, a combination gristmill, sawmill, covered bridge, and dam built in 1880. The mill, restored in 1998, occasionally operates and can grind up to 200 pounds of corn per hour, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich history. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of activities, including fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and hiking. The park offers 11 miles of trails for hikers, runners, and cyclists, as well as opportunities to spot wildlife like gopher tortoises, blue herons, and white ibis. For accommodations, the park provides lakeside camping, cozy cottages, picnic shelters, and a conference center.

This is a relatively constructed park built for camping. The centerpiece is a set of freshwater…read moresprings. A boardwalk surrounds them, and they are a nice sight. I expect it would be better if you could take a boat or something to get a closer look. Various other trails run through the forest, but predictably the amount of flying insects was high so I didn't spend a ton of time. There was a cost to park, which would be more worth it if one spent the day.

Beautiful and quiet place. A little too small for me but still an awesome place to stay.read more

Little One and I have been cooped up in the house because she has been sick, so I took her out to…read moreget some fresh air. The DeVaul Henderson Lake Loop (DHLL) seemed to be the best bet due to length of the trail. When you are on Hwy 144 and you get to the roundabout, turn in on Veterans Memorial Parkway, where the Bryan County Administrative Complex is. The trail is located right next to it. You can't miss it. Parking - You can pretty much park anywhere on the grass along Veterans Memorial Parkway. I like to park toward the other end, by the elementary school, where you see the 4 wooden posts. Trail Description - From the 4 wooden posts, down to the paved path, the ground is dirt and a mix of sand and pine needles, and not paved, but that distance is minimal. It is surround by tall trees. Once you get down to the paved part, the signs indicate that it's a 0.5 mile loop. This loop has 3 different connection points to other parts of DeVaul Henderson Recreation Park (to soccer fields and restrooms) and I believe to the side of the Bryan County Administrative Complex. The connection points are located on the opposite side of Veterans Memorial Parkway. There are park benches all around the lake, as well as flotation devices in case someone gets in and needs some saving. There was a unique bench (kind of like one of those stone benches you see in gardens) and it had a sign "The Murphy Bench" that was placed there in memory of an infant boy. How tragic, but so touching. Difficulty Level - Easy for all ages. It is stroller and wheelchair friendly too, but might experience some bumpiness when going down that first small stretch to the paved path. Beware - There are signs that say "Beware of Wildlife". I am assuming they mean alligators, because that is what they always seem to warn you about around these parts, but we did not personally see any. But do we ever really see them when they are around? Unless they decide to come out of the water. However, we did see a lot of ducks swimming in the lake, as well as a beautiful white one just sitting on the side in the grass. This is a great place to run, walk, speed walk, scoot (my Little One took her scooter) and I saw some people fishing too. It's a great pit stop if you happen to be in the area. You can fill up on gas at the Shell Station and stretch those legs before you go on the next leg of your trip. Get outside, People!

This lake loop is 1/2 mile. The path is paved and stroller friendly. It also connects to other…read morepaved pathways leading past the soccer fields, baseball fields, softball fields, dog park and finally into the Green Creek trails. There are restrooms available.

Our favorite place since FOREVER to feed the DUCKS since 2005. What will Lake Mayer Park look like…read morein 10 years from now... Hmmmm 2026/2036

Lake Mayer has changed mightily since my childhood days of standing face height to the millions of…read moreducks feeding them breadcrumbs in my youth. Today, I made a visit to go to the Southeast Crab festival that they have every year. This is my second year attending. Lake Mayer has a nice pavillon that is very comfortable. They also have some very clean and well stocked and well lit bathrooms which really impressed me the most considering it is. publci space. I was grateful to dind both toilet paper, hand washing soap, and paper towels in this place. There was a park attendent nearby to serve as both the watchful security and the restocker for supplies. I will stop over to take advantage of the 3mile footpath in the future.

Another good launch location. Especially for kayaking. Some…read morepeople enjoy swimming here as well. Steel Bridge Boat Landing is located just off Hwy 119 at the Bulloch County line.

In 20 years of rv'ing this is without a doubt the worst RV Park I have ever stayed in...EVER! Just…read morepick a topic and they fail miserably and they have no interest in improvement. I am wondering why the Effingham County Health Department doesn't shut them down. The list of infractions is long and they are literally staying in business only because there are limited places to stay if you work in Chatham County. Do yourself a favor and look elsewhere.

Great lake. Large enough for jetskis, boats etc. Peaceful and quiet. Older facilities but price is…read moregood

Love this place. All the ducks and turtles. I really hope the construction they are doing on it…read moregets finished soon

Nice walk around a small pond. Very peaceful. Not too crowded and has restroom and playground.read more

Quiet and secluded recreational area that is available to the public free of charge and has sports…read moreareas.

This park has: Three…read more(3) Pavilions Available for Rent Eight (8) Lighted Tennis Courts Lighted Basketball Courts 1.0 Jogging/Bicycle Paved Track with Fitness Course Fresh Water Lake, Stocked with Fish One (1) Boat Ramp One (1) Fishing Pier Restrooms Five (5) Baseball/Softball Fields (4 Lighted) Dog Exercise Area Playground Volleyball Play Areas Archery Range Handicap Accessible Thanks to COVID-19, I discovered this spot to mix up my outdoor activities and locations. Conveniently located off of Little Neck Rd, not too far from 17 is this gem. We have been here numerous times now as a family. Soccer and tennis have been our most popular sports. We've even walked a little bit around the lake. There's a lot you can do here, and when we come in the evenings, it's never ever been crowded. And I'm glad!

Had a rental car and took the short drive out of the city to do the loop. Well maintained road that…read moreprovided great wildlife and scenic marsh views. Gators, birds, plantation ruins-it's all here. Not a place to take an Uber as you'll want to be able to stop, get out and take in the sights. If you're a birder, take your binoculars. Wish I had mine!

A fabulous refuge!! Just fascinating!! An abundance of alligators and cranes and wood storks! It is…read morea one way drive thru refuge that you can do at your own pace! Highly recommend!

I called on Thursday to make a reservation the rude lady said it was cash only said I'll see you…read morewhen you get here When I got there she said you have to reserve a cabin weeks in advance was a rude rude woman. Cabins in need of major repairs!!!!

Awesome place love to catfish. My family and I go every year and it never disappointsread more