Kicking off the new year outside, Watson Mill Bridge State Park welcomed visitors for its annual First Day Hike, joining state parks in a nationwide tradition on Jan. 1.
About 92 people of all ages, including several with their kids and pets, came out to hike the trails in the park. The turnout tripled last year’s total.
“We weren’t expecting that many people,” said John Mark Shelnutt, the park’s manager. “We had lots of family, kids, people. Some people came from further than an hour away.”
Danielle Cheek, along with several friends, participated in the hike with her dog, Ratchet. Inspired by social media and the park’s proximity to her home in Hull, she enjoyed the diverse group of participants, including families and solo hikers.
“I think that was the neatest part to me, was just seeing the variety of folks that were there and that came out to do something like this,” Cheek said.
Cheek discovered new trails and appreciated the park’s beauty since it was her first time participating in the hike.
“I’ve only kind of been out to the waterfalls before, so just seeing the trails that are out there and that there’s so much more than just the bridge and the picnic shelters, and the rocks, it’s a much bigger park than I thought, and so that was really cool,” Cheek said.
Sarah Ratcliffe, the park’s naturalist, led the group of hikers on the trail.
“I met people who live very locally near the park and people who live further away,” she said. “And we talked nature, we talked history. It was an awesome hike.”
The planned hike was about a mile, but those who attended were given the opportunity to continue hiking with Ratcliffe. They hiked through the pioneer camps and past one of the newest discoveries at the park.
Shelnutt and historians found remnants of an early mill located near those camps.
With this new discovery, the park planned a “New Discoveries: Historic Oglethorpe Society Mill History Tour” that will take place at 1 p.m. Jan. 11.
That’s one of several events, which are planned with Ratcliffe’s help. Several are monthly, including “Art in the Park,” led by Ratcliffe, which will be held from 1-2 p.m. Jan. 26.
“Art is a passion of mine, so I try to do an Art in the Park once a month,” Ratcliffe said.
Another recurring event is “A Bridge to the Past — The History of Watson Mill Bridge” that will be held from 11 a.m. to noon Jan. 18.
This is a guided tour that talks about the history of Watson Mill Bridge and includes a hike past the overlooks and power plant ruins.
“Any opportunity that we have to get people just to experience the park in different ways is great for me,” Ratcliffe said.
Other events include an afternoon kayak paddle and a beginner’s archery class. These events can be found on Watson Mill’s website (gastateparks.org/WatsonMillBridge) and click Events.
Shelnutt hopes to plan educational outreach programs for area schools and create programs that are related to the curriculum that is taught.
Shelnutt said he also hopes to produce educational programs that involve the Georgia State Wildlife Action plan that helps conserve natural habitats, plants and animals.
"We want programs to be as hands-on as possible, so that learning is fun and tactile for kids, while making sure not to harm whatever we’re studying,” he said.