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.

Find the entire road trip here, or click the photo below.

Google Maps
1. Starr's Mill — Fayetteville, Georgia
Flickr Ken Rowland
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.

Visit the Starr's Mill webpage to learn more.
2. Historic Banning Mills — Whitesburg, Georgia
Flickr Ed Schipul
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.

Visit the Historic Banning Mills website to learn more.
3. New Manchester Mill Ruins — Sweetwater Creek Park
Shane Clements/Flickr
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.

You can learn more about New Manchester Mill Ruins in our previous coverage.

Related Stories

10 MORE Road Trips In Georgia That Will Lead You To Places You'll Never Forget

10 MORE Road Trips In Georgia That Will Lead You To Places You'll Never Forget

 These 10 Awesome Road Trips In Georgia Are An Absolute Must-Take

These 10 Awesome Road Trips In Georgia Are An Absolute Must-Take

 This Haunted Road Trip Will Lead You To The Scariest Places In Georgia

This Haunted Road Trip Will Lead You To The Scariest Places In Georgia
4. Gresham's Mill — Canton, Georgia
Flickr Pat Henson
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.

Visit the Cherokee County website to learn more about Gresham's Mill.
5. Berry College Mill — Mount Berry, Georgia
Flickr lovecatz
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.

Visit the the Berry College Grist Mill webpage to learn more.
6. Nora Mill Granary — Helen, Georgia
Flickr Thomas Wolff
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!

You can learn more about Nora Mill Granary in our previous coverage.
7. The Mill at Hurricane Shoals — Maysville, Georgia
Flickr Possum1500
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.

Visit the Hurricane Shoals Park website to learn more.
8. Hamburg Mill — MItchell, Georgia
V.T./Trip Advisor
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!

Visit the Hamburg State Park webpage to learn more.

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.

Otherwise, if Georgia road trips are what you’re after, then check out There’s A BBQ Trail In Georgia And It’s Everything You’ve Ever Dreamed Of.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Best Road Trips In Georgia

Melissa M. | August 09, 2021

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! 

 

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Starr's Mill Waterfall, 115 Waterfall Way, Fayetteville, GA 30215, USA
Historic Banning Mills, 205 Horseshoe Dam Rd, Whitesburg, GA 30185, USA
New Manchester Mill Ruins, Lithia Springs, GA 30122, USA
Holly Springs Parkway, Holly Springs Pkwy, Holly Springs, GA, USA
Berry College, 2277 Martha Berry Hwy NW, Mt Berry, GA 30149, USA
Nora Mill Granary Grist Mill & Country Store, 7107 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545, USA
Hurricane Shoals Park Road, Hurricane Shoals Park Rd, Georgia 30558, USA
Hamburg Mill Pond, Georgia 30820, USA