Outfitter Mill Pond Kayak conducts two-and-a-half hour guided tours of the 412-acre cypress-filled Watson Mill Pond at George L. Smith State Park. It’s a great paddling experience for families or groups.

If you’re looking for new ideas for your next family getaway, here’s a really fun activity you might want to consider. George L. Smith State Park near Twin City is home to one of Georgia’s true hidden jewels. Read what Suzanne Welander, author of A Canoeing & Kayaking Guide to Georgia, had to say about it:

The range of paddling experiences possible in Georgia is unsurpassed, and uncovering new unexplored territory is always a joy. Recently, I was exposed to another new paddling experience, one made all the more exciting by the accessibility to everyone, especially for families lacking boats and lots of expensive paddling gear. The 412-acre Watson Mill Pond at George L. Smith State Park offers a terrific opportunity for families and other groups to paddle through a pristine cypress forest, observing abundant wildlife and the peaceful beauty of a yet-undiscovered pocket of Georgia's outdoor treasure.

Local outfitter Mill Pond Kayak, LLC conducts 2-1/2 hour guided tours on the park’s cypress-filled pond. With enough kayaks, paddles, and PFD vests for groups of up to twenty people, it’s a great activity for church groups, scouts, schools, birthday parties, reunions, or company picnics. They also cater to smaller groups of family and friends, including those staying at the park’s campground or cottages.

Owner-operator Wesley Hendley’s fleet of kayaks is tailored to suit all age groups, and this calm black water is the ideal venue for folks new to kayaking. These are not the whitewater style kayaks you may have seen before. These wide, flat-bottomed boats are built for stability and relaxation, with roomy cockpits, comfortable seats, even cup holders! Very small kids can sit on a cushion on the floor and tag along at no extra charge. Bigger kids who aren’t yet old enough to paddle on their own, or seniors who may not be physically able can sit in the front seat of a tandem kayak and just enjoy the view, letting the paddler in the back seat do all the work. If needed, your tour guide is always ready and willing to double as your boat motor as well!

The three-mile long pond contains ten miles of paddling trails waiting to be explored. A photographer’s dream, every shot has beautiful scenery in the background and the paddlers have broad smiles on their faces. The colors of the cypress trees reflected on the mirror-like water make a great palette for shutterbugs in the fall. The historic covered bridge, circa 1880, is also quite photogenic. Other photo ops include a beaver lodge and fields of white water lilies.There’s a heron rookery that is active in the spring, as well as an osprey nest and many other species of waterfowl.

All tours are conducted by reservation only so use the link below to contact Mill Pond Kayak for rates and more information. You may also find photo galleries and updates about recent activities and upcoming events on the Mill Pond Kayak Facebook page So give it a try, it’s a boatload of fun! 

Use the link below to George L. Smith State Park for camping reservations. 

Tagged with: Paddling Guides

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Mill Pond Kayak

Twin City, GA, Outdoors, Guides and Outfitters
Outfitter Wesley Hendley provides guided kayak tours on the 412-acre, cypress-filled Watson Mill Pond at George L. Smith State Park.

George L. Smith State Park

Twin City, GA, Outdoors, State Parks
With natural beauty, lakeside camping and cozy cottages, this secluded park is the perfect south Georgia retreat.