Fall is approaching with cooler temperatures and Georgia’s vibrant colors. Discover Autrey Mill’s 46-acre nature preserve, offering woodland trails, historic buildings, pollinator gardens, and more for all ages.
A Rich History Dating Back to 1877
Autrey Mill has a rich history dating back to 1877, when the Autrey family owned and operated the land until the 1900s. They used a mill on-site to grind wheat flour and corn. However, in the 1890s, people began buying flour from stores, leading to the abandonment of the mill in 1920. Today, visitors can explore the property’s history by touring the Farm Museum, which showcases tools from the era, including a model of the old mill and a doctor’s buggy. There’s also an audio tour that provides insights into the historic buildings and the preserve’s trails.
Explore Over 1.4 Miles of Scenic Trails
Autrey Mill boasts 1.4 miles of trails meandering through a picturesque hardwood forest and wetlands. As you wander the trails, you’ll pass a scenic creek with rocky shoals, numerous, mature trees, wildflowers, native plants, and various wildlife. The trails offer plenty to explore, including bridges, an overlook, and the foundation stones of the old mill. Don’t forget to see the 1929 abandoned Goldmine on the trails.
Exciting Animal ambassadors indoors and outdoors
To start your exciting day at Autrey Mill, we recommend checking out the visitor’s center, which features over 30 different animal ambassadors on display. There are chickens, rabbits, turtles, tree frogs, giant salamanders, snakes, and goats. A highlight is Mr. Pebbles, the center’s African Spurred Tortoise. He is 23 years old and 45+ pounds of Tortoise fun. Sign up for a Munchie Monday to help feed and learn more about the animal ambassadors at Autrey Mill.
Upcoming Fall Events at Autrey Mill
Spooky Mill, taking place on October 12th from 2 PM -9 PM. is the perfect event for kids of all ages. For younger ghosts and ghouls ages 3-11, there will be carnival games, an obstacle course bounce house, themed crafts, campfire s’mores, and a station for spooky stories. Older ghouls age 12+ and adults can meet the team who investigated the historic buildings on-site to learn about the paranormal phenomena discovered, along with a tour of each building. There will also be a haunted hike starting at 8 p.m.
Besides the Spooky Mill event, you can discover the mill’s Night Hikes this fall. These 45-minute experiences allow guests to hike the trails with a guide while learning about the nocturnal wildlife that inhabits the mill’s forest, and end with campfire s’mores.
Plan Your Visit to Autrey Mill
There’s so much to explore, whether it’s the center’s unique animal exhibits, historic buildings, or special fall events. Make some room in your busy schedule and discover the beauty of Autrey Mill this season! Learn more by visiting https://autreymill.org/