Georgia Hikes: Vickery Creek Trail at Roswell Mill
The Vickery Creek Trail at Roswell Mill is scenic, shady, and makes a great post-work hike. It’s a moderate trail with more than 5 miles of paths to choose from.
Hiking the Vickery Creek Trail
We always start our hike at the Old Roswell Mill. The hike begins at the covered bridge across Big Creek connecting Old Mill Park to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. We usually start by going down by the water to try our hand at skipping rocks before taking the trail and heading into the trees. The hike meanders through ferny forest that is home to a few curious deer.
As you can see by the National Parks map, the trails are a maze of connecting loops, but there are markers at each intersection.
Our typical route consists of 15, 14, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, and from there our route depends on how long we want to hike. But we always hike counter clockwise to end at the mill.
They’ve recently put in stairs that will take you from marker 15 to 14, so now it’s a much easier climb down to the waterside.
Taking the large outer loop will be about a 3 mile hike. (Markers 15, 14, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 20, 21, 23, 26, 27, 25, 18, 17, 16, 15.) You can take two quick detours to see the dams: at marker 26, cross the bridge to see the newer dam and waterfall (pictured above); at marker 16, turn right to marker 19 to see the old dam (pictured below).
If you want a longer hike, about 5 miles or so, you can basically double back on yourself. At marker 25, go back to marker 20, 7, 8, 9, 10. Then, if you’re ready to end the hike, complete your journey with marker 11 and 15. If you want to detour to the old dam, go marker 17, 16, 19, back to 16, 15.
The Roswell Mill
At marker 16 near the end of the hike, a trail hangs off to the right leading to the Roswell Mill Dam at marker 19. This waterfall powered Roswell Mill downstream during the Civil War. The mill was burned by Union forces in 1864 then rebuilt and used until it was destroyed by fire again in 1926.
The trail then heads back the way it came and ends again at the covered bridge, which provides a great view of the mill ruins and the creek.
Hiking Essentials
Come prepared for your hike by making sure you pack the essentials. Check out this must-have hiking gear before you set off on the trails:
More Things to Do in Roswell, Georgia
Looking for more fun things to do in Roswell, Georgia? Check out these other great activities:
- A Fun Mystery Picnic Date in Roswell, Georgia
- Roswell Ghost Tour Review: Explore Roswell’s Dark History
- A Day Out in Downtown Roswell, Georgia
- Top 10 Restaurants in Roswell, Georgia
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Cheers!
Paige
Have you hiked the Vickery Creek Trail at Roswell Mill in Roswell, Georgia? Let me know in the comments!