Pickett's Mill Historic Site - Dallas GA

Pickett’s Mill State Historic Site – Dallas, Georgia

On New Year’s Day 2024, we went hiking at Pickett’s Mill State Historic Site. Although this park is dedicated to preserving the history that took place there in May of 1864, there are four miles of hiking trails. The park’s 765 acres are nestled in a northwest corner of the Atlanta Metro Area.

Even if you’re not a history buff, taking a hike at Pickett’s Mill is a unique and immersive experience.

Step back in time and experience the Civil War firsthand at Pickett’s Mill, one of the most well-preserved battlefields in the United States. Walk the very same roads used by Union and Confederate soldiers, and imagine the chaos of battle as you stand on the very ground where hundreds lost their lives.

Not only do the well-kept hiking trails take you through a pristine forest, a trip to Pickett’s Mill is truly a learning experience. Along the trails you will see unusual trees and plants, Pickett’s Mill Creek, earthworks and fieldworks created by troops, and a host of wildlife and birds.

We saw some of those unusual trees and plants along the trail, including American Beech trees and Trooping Crumble Cap mushrooms!

American Beech Tree at Pickett's Mill Historical Site - Trails & Tap — American Beech Tree at Pickett’s Mill Historical Site

The six trails at Pickett’s Mill have varying lengths and difficulty levels. Two of the trails are labeled as “Easy Hike” and the other four are labeled “Moderate to Strenuous Hike” – the more difficult trails are due to the steep valleys throughout the park.

One of the Easy Hike trails is an enjoyable half-mile trek to the 1853-dated cabin called the Cabin Connector. The trail we hiked on this day was the Blue Trail that took us along a 1.5 journey that included trenches, artillery encampments, and original roads. Get a copy of the park’s trail map here.

Along the trails, there are placards like the one pictured below that describe certain features of the site.

Federals in the Ravine at Pickett's Mill Historical Site - Trails & Tap — Federals in the Ravine at Pickett’s Mill Historic Site

Park Notes: Leashed pets are allowed. A parking fee of $5.00 or a Georgia state park annual pass is required, and there is a small but interesting museum in the visitors center. There is an additional fee to enter the museum, but no additional fees to go on the trails. For a glimpse into civilian life during the war, explore an authentic 1800s pioneer cabin, complete with period furnishings.

Even if you’re not a history buff, taking a hike at Pickett’s Mill is a unique and immersive experience. Let the whispers of the past come alive as you explore this moving piece of American history.