Photo: Jud McCranie, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Emanuel County sits in east-central Georgia, with Swainsboro as its county seat and I-16 along its southern edge. Its headline outdoor spot is George L. Smith State Park near Twin City, with a historic mill pond made for paddling, and Swainsboro keeps a busy set of ball fields, trails and a public golf course.
Most city and county recreation is run jointly by the Swainsboro-Emanuel County Parks and Recreation Department, 478-237-8098, at 632 McLeod Bridge Road (weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
- County seatSwainsboro
- State parkGeorge L. Smith, Twin City
- Golf18-hole public course
- Recreation478-237-8098
George L. Smith State Park
George L. Smith State Park is built around the 1880 Parrish Mill, a grist mill, saw mill, covered bridge and dam in one, on a 412-acre mill pond of moss-draped cypress. Paddle the water trails, fish, camp or stay in a cottage, and hike or bike about 7 miles of trails. The park is adding yurts, so some sites may be closed; call 478-763-2759 before you go.
371 George L. Smith State Park Rd., Twin City. Off GA 23 between Metter and Twin City; take I-16 Exit 104.
Swainsboro Parks & Recreation
Billy C. Carmichael Recreation Complex
The county’s main park, about 50 acres, with a lighted walking trail, splash pad, four lighted softball fields, baseball fields, playgrounds, picnic pavilions with grills, two ponds and the Connie Kight gym. A swimming pool is planned.
632 McLeod Bridge Rd., Swainsboro. 478-237-8098.
Baseball Fields
The complex at 534 McLeod Bridge Road has three lighted fields, batting cages, a playground and concessions. The Wyatt Rich Baseball Complex on Empire Expressway adds three more practice fields.
Swainsboro Golf Course
An 18-hole public course with electric carts, a putting area and a driving range.
557 McLeod Bridge Rd. 478-237-6116.
Disc Golf & Tennis
East Georgia State College has a free 18-hole disc golf course open year-round (478-289-2017) and tennis courts at 131 College Circle. There are more courts at Harmon Park on Meadowlark Parkway off U.S. 1 South.
More Places to Explore
Sources we checked
Facts in this guide were checked in September 2026 against the agencies and operators that run these places:
- Emanuel County Recreation Department facilities – county complexes and contact
- City of Swainsboro: Sports and Recreation – city parks, golf, disc golf and tennis
- Georgia State Parks: George L. Smith – park facilities and construction notice
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