The world of The Dukes of Hazzard is defined by its dusty backroads, rebellious spirit, and one unforgettable orange muscle car. While the show centers on the endless chase between cousins Bo and Luke Duke and the corrupt Hazzard County officials, a distinct sense of place is the foundation of every episode. The question of where was The Dukes of Hazzard set is more complex than a simple answer, as the production utilized a variety of stunning locations to craft the iconic fictional landscape of Hazzard County.
The Fictional Heart: Hazzard County
At the core of the series is the fictional Hazzard County, a rural backwater located somewhere in the Southern United States. The show establishes this county as the primary setting, home to the Duke family farm, the Hazzard County Courthouse, and the notoriously corrupt commissioner, Boss Hogg. This fictional county provided the narrative playground for the show’s themes of independence, family loyalty, and outsmarting authority. The creators needed filming locations that could convincingly embody this rustic, slow-paced, yet dramatic Southern environment to make this fantasy feel real.
Primary Filming Location: Covington, Georgia
The overwhelming majority of the show’s exterior scenes were filmed in and around Covington, Georgia, a town located about 35 miles east of Atlanta. Production designer John B. Mansbridge and the crew transformed this part of Georgia into the sleepy Hazzard County. The wide, tree-lined streets of Covington doubled for the main drag of Hazzard, and the surrounding rural roads and farmland provided the perfect backdrop for the General Lee’s legendary jumps and chases. The consistent Georgia landscape offered the necessary mix of pine forests, open fields, and small-town charm required by the script.
Iconic Landmarks and Specific Sites
Several specific locations within Covington and the surrounding areas became instantly recognizable to fans. The historic courthouse square in Covington served as the backdrop for the Hazzard County Courthouse, complete with its distinctive clock tower. The famous driveway jump, where the General Lee flies through the air, was filmed on property owned by a local family near the town. Additionally, the Covington train depot was frequently used to represent the Hazzard train station, anchoring many episodes with a sense of arriving or departing from the county.
Beyond Georgia: Additional Shooting Locations
While Covington was the workhorse location, the production wasn't confined to a single state. The need for varied terrain and different architectural styles occasionally sent the crew to other Southern locales. Some scenes were shot in nearby towns like Social Circle and Madison, both in Georgia, to provide visual variety for the show. The producers also looked beyond the South; a few interior studio shots and specific sequences were filmed on soundstages in Los Angeles, where the show was primarily produced and edited.
The General Lee’s Legacy and Modern Day Tourism
The legacy of the show’s setting is inextricably linked to the General Lee, and the car itself has become a permanent fixture in the town that embraced the production. Covington hosts an annual Hazzard Day celebration, drawing fans from across the country who come to reminisce and take photos where the magic happened. While the original series concluded decades ago, the town has successfully leveraged its connection to the show, with murals, memorabilia, and a deep appreciation for the cultural impact of those filmed streets. This transformation from filming location to tourist destination is a testament to the show’s enduring power.
