By North Atlanta Star Staff
Sometimes the best hikes aren’t out in the remote mountains — they’re tucked quietly into the heart of a city, hidden just far enough to feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Vickery Creek Trail at Roswell Mill is one of those places. A short drive from Cumming, Johns Creek, Duluth, Suwanee, and even closer for Roswell residents, it offers a blend of wooded trails, rushing water, and historic remnants that tell the story of Georgia’s industrial past.
The adventure begins at the covered pedestrian bridge that spans Vickery Creek, just off Mill Street. Built in 2005, it’s already a beloved local landmark. The bridge frames the view of the creek in one direction and the Roswell Mill ruins in the other — a perfect first photo stop. Beneath the bridge, the creek flows steadily toward the Chattahoochee River, its banks framed by mossy stones and exposed tree roots.
On the far side of the bridge, the path leads you straight toward the Roswell Mill ruins, remnants of the 1839 textile operation that once powered this area’s economy. The brick walls and arched windows, now roofless and half-claimed by ivy, are both beautiful and a little haunting. Plaques nearby explain the mill’s role in Civil War history and how it was rebuilt after being destroyed.
From here, the trail follows the curve of Vickery Creek, the sound of rushing water never far away. If you turn left at the first fork, you’ll soon come to one of the main highlights: the Vickery Creek waterfall and dam. The waterfall is broad and powerful, spilling in a white sheet over the old mill dam, with a spray that drifts on breezy days. A wooden observation deck offers the best view, especially in the morning when the sun hits the water at just the right angle.
Beyond the falls, the trail climbs and dips through shaded forest. In spring, wild azaleas and dogwoods add splashes of color; in summer, the dense canopy keeps the path pleasantly cool. The loop passes small stone foundations — remnants of mill structures — and several quiet creekside spots where you can sit on flat rocks and watch the water slide past. If you follow the loop completely, you’ll circle back toward the covered bridge, completing a hike of about 4.7 miles if you include some of the side trails.
When to Visit
Vickery Creek is open year-round, but each season has its own magic.
- Spring: Wildflowers and full water flow from spring rains.
- Summer: Shaded paths and a lush green canopy make it a cool urban escape.
- Fall: Fiery leaves reflect in the water; ideal for photography.
- Winter: Quiet trails and clear views of the mill ruins without leafy obstructions.
Weekday mornings are the most peaceful, especially if you want photos without crowds. Weekends can be busy, but the trail is long enough to find quieter stretches.
How to Get There and Start the Hike
Set your GPS to 95 Mill Street, Roswell, GA, which takes you to the Old Mill parking lot near the covered bridge. Parking is free, but it can fill up quickly on weekends. Start your hike by crossing the bridge, turning left for the waterfall, or right for a longer loop along the ridge before dropping back down to the creek.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are a must — some parts of the trail can be muddy or uneven. Bring water, especially in warmer months, and a light snack if you plan to linger by the creek. A camera or phone with good photo capability is essential; the combination of historic ruins, rushing water, and forest light makes for incredible shots.
After the Hike
The beauty of Vickery Creek’s location is that it’s just a few minutes’ walk from Historic Downtown Roswell. Canton Street offers everything from coffee and pastries at Land of a Thousand Hills to upscale Southern fare at Table & Main. Many hikers like to cap their walk with a late lunch or early dinner on one of the shaded patios, making the whole outing feel like a mini-vacation.
