Scenic Hiking and Nature Trails
Explore History and Nature with Day Hiking
With acres and acres of wooded property, there are many trails to explore at Historic Banning Mills.
As you hike along the old town roads, Native Creek paths, and old water raceways, one can feel generations of the past envelope you. Hike along Snake Creek, explore the historic ruins of the Paper Mill (1867), Cotton Mill (1867), Amis Mill (1860) and walk on actual water raceways. Trails range from mild to moderately strenuous.
Please be aware that we are NOT a public park. If you wish to walk the trails and are not a registered guest, there is a $7 per person maintenance fee and you must sign in at the front desk! Proceeds go to keeping this historic area in pristine condition..
We DO NOT allow pets onto the property at any time. Please do not bring your pets!
It is recommended to call ahead of time to ensure that the trails will be open the day you wish to come by.
Our trails don't just stay on the ground! We have many suspension bridges you can cross to get amazing views of Snake Creek Gorge and our beautiful conservation land.
Winter is the perfect time to explore the trails! Get a glimpse of the Creek View Trail in December. Hike through history and nature with these amazing points of interest:
- Creek Views – Stunning winter landscapes
- Horseshoe Dam Ruins – Built in 1866
- Old Water Raceways – Part of the dam’s history, now a scenic trail
- Paper Mill Ruins – One of the first mills to use pine pulp to make paper, established in 1866
- Smaller Suspension Bridge
- Laurel Ridge Trail Access – Leading to the Big Shoals Suspension Bridge – 730 ft across and 140 ft high – a breathtaking sight
- Cotton Mill Ruins – Built in 1866, one of the first locations in GA to have electricity
