Factory Shoals Park - Covington, Georgia

Audrisaline

I find it a bit odd that you can’t come here to watch the sunrise or set due to the park having pretty ridiculous hours. Can’t even park in front of the bridge either, or in the designated parking area for the trails, since it’s gated off. Pretty disappointed we couldn’t hammock and watch the sunrise along the NATURE trail this morning, don’t really understand the point of that. Only losing the most beautiful times of the day to be here and only opening access during the hottest hours of summer.
I remember being able to visit as a kid and walk these trails freely whenever I desired (which truthfully should continue to be the case, since this is one of the only natural places nearby quite like this) but i digress. I think I’ll just stick to Trails in Washington, much better (and open 24/7 to the public)

On a second note, the graffiti on the bridge was pretty distasteful, not sure why that hasn’t been kept up with since this is the view most passerby’s see.

LeeAnne Tant

We've been coming here since we were kids. We raised our kids in this river and taught them the rules and etiquette. When Ranger Mike left, it was a pretty rough blow to the park.

The new Ranger tho. He's proving to be just as dedicated and "married" to his post as Mr. Mike was. The changes he's made, along with his constant maintenance of the facilities and campsites make this a magnet for anyone seeking some just the basics kid friendly camping. The rates have been increased this year to $20/p/night and they still fall under( by a good $10 a night) less than anywhere in a 45 mile radius

We love this park, we come often and look forward to our many more visits. Great work Ranger!

Allie Johnson

If you're a nature and/or history lover, this is a beautiful place to visit. The sound of the river is so pleasant while you're walking the trail. There are some steep, slippery spots, so wear appropriate shoes.You can walk both sides of the river, and the remains of factories built as early as 1830 can be seen. Pick up a history packet at the entrance booth. You can see wildlife, like deer, chipmunks, turtles, and snakes. There are huge pines, large farkleberry bushes, and native plants such as alumroot (heuchera), and thistle. In many places the river roars over the rocks, but there is also a shallow, calm spot for wading. You have a large choice of picnic tables throughout the park, a restroom, a small children's playground, and a large, open field. I did not see any signs prohibiting dogs, and saw one dog on a leash in the park. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and will be back!

Dominick Sanzone

I've camped here for a few years now always been a great area to go especially when you want to get away from technology and everybody Nice and quiet down here relaxing peaceful. Every time I've been down here you're into some really good campers they'll give you hand that help you out with things If you need something don't be hesitant to ask most people do help good swimming park ranger or park manager is really good man easy to talk with talk to price of campier 20 bucks not that bad should have power to each campsite to charge phones. But if not bring your own solar panel they're not that expensive The ranger brings wood or manager brings wood to the campground to make sure that you always have a great time down here and relax have a nice comfortable fire to sit around talk to your friends or your family members but stay away from the alcohol down here It is not like it and the drugs don't bring it he will kick people out for it other than that it's good family-oriented place

Nicolle Maddox

Note to future campers: the campground is NOT located at the address provided. This is the recreational park. The campground is actually up the road, on the opposite side of the park, at the entrance of the graveyard.

This campground is first come, first serve. It is $15 dollars a night. Some of the sites are waterfront. There is a bathroom with a shower that was kept up with and stocked with toilet paper and paper towels. There is also a water spigot near the bathroom and electrical outlets in the bathroom.

We arrived late at night and didn’t see how to pay for the campground so we just set up but the next morning, the campground manager, Raymond, stopped by to welcome us and take our payment. He was very nice and helpful, keeping up with the grounds and the bathroom, and answering any questions we had.

We lucked out and got a waterfront site (site 4) due to the fact somebody checked out early. We had a happy little bonus of getting to watch the beavers play in the river early in the morning. Each of the sites have a raised gravel platform for tents, a grill, and a fire pit.

The campground was full on Saturday when we arrived but cleared out during the week.

All in all, we enjoyed our stay and would definitely be back if we ever come back to the area.

Thanks again, Raymond, for all that you do to keep up with the place and make it an enjoyable experience for campers like us!

The recreational park was nice, with some good trails to hike, pretty views, and water that you could get in to if you wanted.

On a final note: this campground is definitely set up for primitive camping, focusing more on tents. We have a 10 foot trailer. We were able to back in to our spot with no problem. The site was not level but that wasn’t a big deal for us in our rooftop tent. We didn’t check out the other sites but an RV would probably have a hard time setting up here.

Aaron Callow

Primitive camping, kinda out there. Only allow 21 feet or under. We spent 4 days here and loved it.

It's a public Park and has a 7 day limit with 48 hr leave. We did witness some of the campers being semi homeless and taking refuge at $15 a night. Which comes with it's problems like drug use and DV so that wasn't the best but everyone kept to themselves but I'd definitely keep your stuff locked up here as the people seemed a little trashy.

The worker was very cool and helpful directing us to cool hiking spots. One man show but he was doing a great job.

The bathroom is in the middle with a sink two toilets and a shower for the men's side. One outlet in the bathroom and water filling station outside.

Right on the river and super peaceful when you don't hear arguing in the background.

Yuppy level 1 out of 10
Hippie level 8 out of 10

Will be back one day for sure.

AIA - Yoga with Princess

Love this new found glory! I’ve brought friends and family back since finding it a few weeks ago. The trials all interconnect and lead to the water- love it. So many places to duck off along side the water to enjoy the rapids (or streams) depending on where you are. Picnic tables near parking areas (on the travel) with background soundscapes of the water to enjoy a meal, or walk down to the water and enjoy a getaway. Be careful going down the rocks (path depending) if knees or ankles need extra attention. The same for being near the water, it’s slippery and rapid, especially after a fresh rain. Depending on what parts of the trail, you get areas of elevation that can over look the water vs being in it. People come to fish, canoe, boat, fly fish, and swim in the water. They have camping. Primitive camp sites on the water (lazy river type, no shoals so no tranquil water sounds) but near water nonetheless. 7 sites on water, 2 across. Restrooms in camp area. Didn’t go in so not sure how they are inside. Overall, I always enjoy Factory Shoals and it’s low trafficked easy access to nature and water right in Newton County.

Down2Earth Hiking & Adventures

It’s nothing like being out on the water. There’s a lot of down trees at the beginning of the trail but if you stay the course, things clear up a bit. It’s nice hiking along side the water. I came out early morning, right after sunrise. It was an awesome morning hike. Don’t wash it away as a lil walk in the woods, there’s some grades that’ll make you forget where you are. Another reason I love exploring Georgia. I wish more attention was given to this trail to keep it safe and accessible. I plan to hike it again and explore the full length and all of its beauty along the way.