Mitchell County: River, History and Festivals

Along the Flint River, in the historic towns of Camilla and Pelham, and at recurring festivals, Mitchell County offers several distinct reasons to visit. If you’re planning a hotel stay, you can first decide whether outdoor activities, local history, or a particular event date should be the focus. River activities depend on what you’d like to do, while festivals provide a seasonal timeframe.

Activities on the Flint River

Flint River Park in Baconton covers 16 acres and has campsites along the Flint River. Possible activities in the park include fishing, birdwatching, and picnicking. This makes it a nature destination for a range of interests: you can spend time by the river fishing or birdwatching, plan a picnic, or use the campsites.

Flint River Outpost rents canoes and kayaks for river trips and offers guided fishing trips. The trips include shuttle service, life jackets, a swim cushion, and paddles. Another fishing option is Newton Boat Landing, just off Georgia Highway 37, with access to the Flint River. The Outpost offers guided fishing trips; the landing is an access point for fishing. This lets you choose between a guided activity and a fishing access point.

Local History in Camilla and Pelham

Pelham has two distinct historic landmarks: Carnegie Library was built in 1908 with donations from Andrew Carnegie. The Hand Trading Company Building is a four-story commercial building with about 98,330 square feet of space. The Hand Trading Company grew into the largest trading company in southwest Georgia. The library building and the history of commerce thus tell different sides of the local past.

Camilla also brings together architecture and history. Mitchell County Courthouse was built in 1936 from white Georgia marble. Pioneers of Mitchell County are buried in Sunset Historical Cemetery; the oldest documented grave dates to 1871. The locomotive Spirit of Camilla, formerly known as Engine #9, was restored through the efforts of local residents.

Camilla Depot was a transportation hub for shipping crops in the early 20th century and was rebuilt and restored over the years. As the city’s welcome center, it displays works by local artists. If you plan to visit the depot, check current opening hours in advance.

Festivals and Seasonal Dates

Gnat Days in Camilla takes place on the first weekend in May. The program includes a 5K run, arts and crafts, food and beverage vendors, live entertainment, and activities for children. The Pelham Wildlife Festival falls on the first Saturday in October and includes food, arts and crafts, singing, and dancing, as well as a 5K run, a parade, and a street dance. The two annual festivals therefore differ both in timing and in their program offerings.

The Pelham Country Jamboree takes place every Saturday evening at the downtown train depot in Pelham. Unlike the two annually scheduled festivals, it follows a weekly schedule. If a festival is the reason for your trip, you can plan your hotel stay around its date and arrange activities accordingly. Check the calendar for your chosen year before traveling.

Seasonal shopping is another local offering: Sweet Georgia Corn is available at the corn cooler on Highway 97 in Camilla, at 1086 GA Highway 97, Camilla, Georgia 31730. Availability varies by harvest season.

Golf and Other Activities

Pinecrest Golf Course & Country Club is a semi-private, nine-hole golf course with a pro shop and swimming pool. It adds a different focus to the activities on the Flint River. If you plan to play a round, check current playing options in advance. Mitchell County also offers seasonal opportunities for private quail, deer, and duck hunting.

Discover more destinations: Camilla, Murray County, Clayton, Pulaski County, Whitfield, Fannin County, Monroe, Liberty County

For the main travel overview: Georgia.