hikes,  historic,  outdoors,  travel

Picketts Mill Historic Site

June 9, 2021 /

Last Friday brought us to a new historic site 30 minutes from the house. I sure am loving finding these places nearby. I took the 3 younger boys and my neighbor/friend and her daughter and we packed a lunch to enjoy on our hike. “Pickett’s Mill is one of the best preserved Civil War battlefields in the nation. Visitors can travel roads used by Federal and Confederate troops, see earthworks constructed by these men, and walk through the same ravine where hundreds died. An authentic 1800s pioneer cabin is furnished and open for tours during certain events.

On May 27, 1864, the Federal Army, having been stopped in its advance on Atlanta two days earlier by the Battle of New Hope Church, attempted to outflank the Confederate position. Some 14,000 Federal troops were selected for the task, and General Howard was given command. After a five-hour march, Howard’s force reached the vicinity of Pickett’s Mill and prepared to attack. Waiting were 10,000 Confederate troops under the command of General Cleburne. The Federal assault began at 5 p.m. and continued into the night. Daybreak found the Confederates still in possession of the field. The Federals had lost 1,600 men compared to the Confederate loss of 500. The Confederate victory resulted in a one-week delay of the Federal advance on Atlanta.” (from the Picketts Mill Battlefiled State Historic website).

There are several trails you can hike through the woods and we chose the red trail which is a 2 mile trail that passes two fields, the site of the mill (which is no longer there) and a couple of creeks.

The trail was not very difficult and was very scenic. The children enjoyed it despite the occasional complaint. We had them go first to take care of the occasional spider web accross the trail!

I wore a fun thrifted skort (old), an even older fun tee and some Tiesebon sneakers. I always forget that these sneakers are more comfortable with a sock but they worked for this hike. I am carrying a cooler backpack I found last year on Amazon  with our lunch and drinks. One of my most useful Amazon buys! It was on sale for $30.99 when I wrote this post.

The cooler has nice wide comfortable straps, several sections where you can put food, paper plates/napkins (I put those in the top pocket) and the front section is great to use as a purse with different slots and pockets.

We stopped at this little waterfall for lunch and a break. The sound of running water is always peaceful and soothing.

We then walked by the site of the grist mill (which ground wheat and corn, I was told that was pretty combustible which is why there are no remnants from the mill).

I always enjoy a walk along water. What I do need though is a good bug repellent: any suggestion for ones that work well without DEET? Mosquitoes love me!

After our snack break and bathroom break after that hike, we walked to the log cabin which is only 1/4 mile from the visitor center. It was not open but is was very pretty and set up with a little barn, smoke house and outhouse in a clearing.

It would have been a pretty nice spot for our picnic. We had fun with the outhouse and had to take a funny picture!

They actually had an event the prior weekend so I need to figure out if there is a website which lists all of the historic sites together with reinactments or events so we can plan to go to a couple.

A bientôt!

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20 Comments

  • Joanne

    June 9, 2021 at 9:04 am

    What a beautiful hike! My boys often hike ahead of me and I love that they find all the cobwebs first (though they are starting to catch onto that!). This post reminds me that I need another cooler backpack; Ian took over our old one and uses it when he’s packing lunches for work.

  • Ellie

    June 10, 2021 at 10:33 am

    What a beautiful place! Hiking near water is always a huge plus for me too, and I’m loving this little waterfall along the way!
    Fun photo at the outhouse 🙂 And loving your skort! Mosquitos are the worst when hiking! I often choose long pants for that reason, but sometimes it’s just too hot.
    I purchased some “Murphy’s” Mosquito Repellant but haven’t really used it much yet so can’t tell you how well it will work. It’s natural based without deet.
    Ellie
    Ellibelle’s Corner

  • Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom

    June 10, 2021 at 7:24 pm

    This sounds so fun, to go on a hike, learn a little and do it with some friends. That hiking/picnic bag/cooler is such a great idea!! My son loves to do hikes, etc. with me, but my daughter (ahh, tween years!) is not for it at all. I love your bright sneakers! The out house photo is hilarious!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

    • mimifce

      June 10, 2021 at 9:23 pm

      It was really nice! The oldest was at tennis which worked out good. We did have a nice time even though is was fairly warm. I had a good laugh at that picture!

  • Jill James

    June 12, 2021 at 3:30 am

    A lovely spot for a hike with the children and they are learning so much about the history too. I feel for you on the mosquitoes , they don’t bother me but just love my hosband. Love the cute outhouse photo.

  • Leslie Susan Clingan

    June 12, 2021 at 6:00 pm

    One summer about 12 years ago, we went on a Civil War battlefield tour. I remember this area from our trip. It was so humid. And we aren’t used to humidity. Then I saw a tick and got scared about Lyme Disease. Have had it twice. But the area is beautiful. And so is your outfit. What a flirty, fun skort. Give me a paisley print any day.