Chasing Waterfalls at Vickery Creek Park
Discover my journey at Vickery Creek Park, a stunning transformation of a factory mill into a vibrant local park perfect for relaxation and recreation.
Growing up in New England, I have a soft spot for old brick mill buildings. They all have a unique character and a fascinating history. Most brick mill buildings are situated by the water, as they were generally factories and water helped power these factories. However, as the factories moved elsewhere, many of these buildings remained and grew to be abandoned eyesores. However, in recent years, these buildings have been repurposed into modern living and working spaces. What once was factories is now apartments, offices, schools, breweries and local parks. In the shadow of Atlanta sits a glorious peaceful park that once was a bustling mill that has now been transformed into a stunning oasis where visitors can go hiking, walking, and even getting a swim in the Big Creek.
What’s Old Is New Again
This park does a great job of preserving these buildings, along with a covered bridge and a lovely walking trail. It’s definitely a hidden treasure that I’m grateful to have stumbled upon.
ExploreGeorgia has a terrific writeup on the former manufacturing site:
On the banks of Vickery Creek, ruins of the Roswell Manufacturing Company Mills can be found. Constructed in 1839 and 1853, these mills were burned by Union forces on July 7, 1864. The 1853 mill was rebuilt after the Civil War and used until destroyed by fire again in 1926. These mills were known as the Roswell Manufacturing Company. The waterfall created when the creek was dammed to provide water power as well as the original machine shop can be viewed from the interpreted trail. A covered pedestrian bridge over the creek connects the walking trail that begins in Old Mill Park to the Chattahoochee River trail system. The bridge and waterfall are favorite spots for amateur and professional photographers.
My Experience at Vickery Creek Park
On a particularly warm June morning, I drove out to this park in my rental car. As I arrived, I couldn’t help but notice that the parking lot appeared rather small and sparsely filled with cars. Normally, this would make me hesitate, but surprisingly, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. Equipped with my trusty but beat up sneakers, I confidently moved forward. Stepping into the park, I was greeted by a stunning overlook that offered a picturesque view of the mills, an old covered bridge, and the gentle creek. Vickery Creek Park was once a bustling working mill situated right by the creek. It was common for mills to be located near a creek or river, as they relied on water for power. After exploring the area, I crossed the charming covered bridge and ventured onto a dirt trail. I continued to explore the park, uncertain of where my journey would lead. Climbing a set of stairs, I suddenly found myself facing the tranquil creek. I can still recall the moment I stood by the water, completely captivated by its serene beauty.
The park had more surprises in store for me as I ventured further, leading me to a magnificent waterfall area. This waterfall was truly majestic, leaving me in awe of its beauty. Alongside the waterfall, there were several overlooks where I could pause and capture stunning photographs while gradually ascending the hill. The sound of the rushing water was both powerful and mesmerizing. Moreover, it was a bustling spot reminiscent of a beach, with many families coming together to soak up the sun and enjoy a relaxing day. Undoubtedly, this is a fantastic place to hike, unwind, and take a leisurely walk or hike.
Vickery Creek Park (sometimes referred to as Old Mill Park) is located at 85 Mill St in Roswell, GA. It is free to visit, and free to park, with parking available on a first-come, first-served basis. Best time to visit is late morning-early afternoon, and if it’s busy, there’s plenty of great parks and waterfalls in the area to check out!
