Take This Historical Old Mill Road Trip Through Georgia For A Trip Back In Time
Mills in Georgia have played a huge part in our state’s history. Oftentimes when there was a mill present in a town, it became a huge hub for business and revenue. Mills also brought a ton of jobs to the townspeople. As the world evolved, so did technology and our mills quickly became extinct. However, a few of them still remain and are just as beautiful, if not more than when they were first built. This road trip takes around nine hours in total without stoppage but can make for an incredible weekend road trip with phenomenal stops for photographs. This historic old mill road trip may just be one of the best road trips in Georgia.
This first stop on this road trip to historic sites in Georgia is none other than the stunning Starr's Mill. Located in Starr's Mill Park, this mill was built in the 1820s, then rebuilt in the 1900s to the structure is it now. Starr's Mill used a water-powered turbine to do the job, and was in use until 1959.
This old mill is a bit of a hike along the river, but is worth the find once you see it. This mill was used primarily for cotton, and was the very first on the property. Hiking through the area around the mill, you'll still see the ruins from all the breached dams. Visit Historic Banning Mills if you're looking for things to do in Georgia as there are also plenty of recreational activities to do around the park it calls home.
In Sweetwater Creek State Park, you'll find the next stop on your old mill road trip, one of the best road trips in Georgia! The ruins of an old cotton mill that burned during the Civil War still remain on the property, and are as hauntingly beautiful as ever. The mill was originally built in 1849, and was created straight from the natural resources on hand at the time.
Gresham's Mill, otherwise known as Sixes Mill, was built in 1920 by gold prospectors in the area. Unfortunately, this mill is on private property so you can't get too close, but there are still plenty of beautiful shots of scenery you can take of this stunning piece of history.
The Berry College Grist Mill was constructed in 1930 and was actually a gift to Berry from a local manufacturing company. The wooden overshot waterwheel is actually considered one of the largest in the world, at over 42 feet in diameter. It is one of the most enchanting must-visit attractions in Georgia.
What's so fascinating about this next road trip stop, is that the 1876 Nora Mill Granary is still open and functioning! This operational gristmill sits at the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains, and stone grinds all sorts of things including grits, corn meal, pancake and waffle mixes, flours, and more! You may walk away with more than just a history lesson and beautiful photos at this stop as it also has a shop filled with goods made on site!
Along Mulberry Creek, you'll find the Old Mill, abandoned yet majestic in its own right. This cotton gin and grist mill was in operation from the 1870s to the 1920s and served the townspeople and county well. It's one of the most beautiful historic sites in Georgia.
This old mill in Hamburg State Park is still operational and it's the final stop on one of the best road trips in Georgia. It was restored in 1921, and functions as a water-powered grist mill. Visitors can still buy bags of corn from the country store, that of which were ground at the mill!
The old mills that pepper our great state of Georgia sure do hold an incredible historical relevance. If you end up taking this beautiful road trip, which we believe is one of the best road trips in Georgia, let us know! We would love to hear about your experience.
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Address: Starr's Mill Waterfall, 115 Waterfall Way, Fayetteville, GA 30215, USA
Address: Historic Banning Mills, 205 Horseshoe Dam Rd, Whitesburg, GA 30185, USA
Address: New Manchester Mill Ruins, Lithia Springs, GA 30122, USA
Address: Holly Springs Parkway, Holly Springs Pkwy, Holly Springs, GA, USA
Address: Berry College, 2277 Martha Berry Hwy NW, Mt Berry, GA 30149, USA
Address: Nora Mill Granary Grist Mill & Country Store, 7107 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545, USA
Address: Hurricane Shoals Park Road, Hurricane Shoals Park Rd, Georgia 30558, USA
Address: Hamburg Mill Pond, Georgia 30820, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Road Trips In Georgia
August 09, 2021
Melissa M.
What are some of the most interesting historic sites in Georgia?
Head to Wormsloe Historic Site where you’ll find one of the most photographed spots in the state - an otherworldly road lined with oak trees. Aside from the beauty, this historic site is home to the ruins of a colonial estate and has the oldest standing structure in Savannah. You’ll want to take your camera to this gorgeous place! Located in Greensboro, The Old Gaol, the oldest standing masonry jail in the state, is also a worthwhile stop.
What are some of the most unique things to do in Georgia?
If you’re looking for something a little different to do or somewhere you’ve never been to before, our list of 8 Underrated Places In Georgia may be of interest to you. With this guide, you can start planning your visit to places like a Hindu temple in Atlanta, Mountain Fresh Creamery in Clermont, and Moon River Brewing Company in Savannah.
What are some of the must-visit attractions in Georgia?
The best way to see the beauty of Georgia is by visiting the natural attractions around the state. In our 15 Stunning Natural Attractions in Georgia article, you’ll learn about Lula Falls, Ooh La La Lavender Farm, Providence Spring, and so much more!
A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. Marisa is well-versed in exploration as she travels a good majority of the year in her self-converted Sprinter van. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt.
