Georgia Natural Wonder #282 - Cochran Mill Park - Fulton County (Part 11)

[Top Row Dawg]

Georgia Natural Wonder #282 - Cochran Mill Park

Our next Georgia Natural Wonder in Fulton County is located in Chattahoochee Hills Georgia, just 20 miles southwest of the Atlanta Airport, Cochran Mill Park. It has 800 acres of woods, fields, and streams, features stunning waterfalls, huge boulders, rock outcrops, wildflowers, native azaleas, mountain laurel, and the ruins of 3 historic mills. 


TRD image of Owen Cochran Mill, the easiest mill site close to parking.

The park takes its name from the grist mills operated by the Cochran family in the 1800s-1900s. The Henry family also operated a mill on the park’s west side around 1850.


The Orange trail is the popular choice. It takes you across the bridge to the Owens Cochran Mill. 

My TRD Scrolling Nuggets come from Eddie Cochran, who captured teenage frustration and desire in the mid-1950s and early 1960s. The Who made a hit of this song.

 

  
Cochran Mill is past bridge, vintage image from above falls. 

In 2010, donations from almost 400 local families in the City of Chattahoochee Hills allowed the City to purchase Cochran Mill Park from Fulton County. 

  
Not as much water at the Owens Cochran Mill, the day I visited. 

In 2013, a $100,000 Recreational Trails Program Grant from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources provided the funds to create a remarkable park transformation. Eight miles of new sustainable multi-use trails have been designed and constructed and ten miles of old trails have been rehabilitated. Other park improvements include a 2.5 mile Interpretive Trail, additional parking, an information kiosk, and a trail entrance arch. An ADA handicap accessible equestrian mounting block is easily accessible from the new parking areas.  

  
The Orange trail features fields, boulders and creek crossings. 

Thanks to the Recreational Trails Program Grant and the work of many volunteers, Cochran Mill Park now has 18 miles of sustainable multiple-use trails shared by hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers, and trail runners. 

 
There is a waterfall going down Bear Creek. 

The Interpretive Trail follows the Orange Trail in a 2.5 mile loop along Little Bear Creek and Big Bear Creek and then returns through the woods. The first Orange Marker is located across the parking lot from the kiosk. This is an easy trail that is fairly well marked. Stick to the trail and explore as much as possible and the great reward will be unexpected rock slides. Signs of the old mill pop out in certain places. The trail is fairly well shaded and should be fine on a hot sunny day.

 
The Orange trail leads to the Berry Mill. 

 

Cochran Mill Park takes you through a setting rich in historical and natural characteristics. The park features beautiful waterfalls, enormous boulders, rock outcrops, wildflowers, native azaleas, and mountain laurels.

 

This Mill had the best water slide.

   

The trail goes through the forest and includes several hills. Along the trail, you may encounter wildlife like deer and snakes. There are some shaded and exposed areas. The trail is rocky and steep in places, so you'll need to be careful where you hike.



This is a beautiful trail in Cochran Mill Park. It meanders along lovely shaded trails, passing by waterfalls, creeks, and wildlife. The trail begins from Upper Wooten Road, where parking is available. Some sections of the trail can get quite muddy after rain. Take care when walking on rocks around the waterfalls and creeks, as they can be very slippery.

 

Highlights include beautiful waterfalls, scenic views, and well-marked trails. Challenges involve muddy sections and slippery rocks. Reviewers suggest wearing sturdy shoes, bringing bug spray, and using a trail app.



Set in a gently rolling forest, the Henry Mill Falls waterfall cascades over a broad, colorful rock outcrop, tumbling into a shallow pool below. It’s one of several stunning waterfalls at Cochran Mill Park, and the most remote of the falls, offering some mid-hike solitude and tranquility.

   

Cochran Mill Park is located southwest of Atlanta near Chattahoochee Hills. This adventure to Henry Mill Falls crosses several streams on the way to the site of a former mill. The trail rolls gently, following the tranquil flow of Bear Creek on this just-under-five-mile round trip to the waterfall.

Henry Mill Falls at Cochran Mill Park: the hike

The adventure begins at the park’s yellow trailhead (view maps and driving directions). The yellow trail meanders through a mixed pine and hardwood forest. The tree canopy towers above the fern and needle-filled forest floor, dappling the forest with sunlight. The hike descends steadily, meeting a gravel road at a third of a mile. This route turns right, following the gravel road westbound to a bridge spanning the shallow, smooth-flowing Cedar Branch Creek. 

  

After crossing the bridge, a number of yellow-blazed trails depart to the right. This hike follows the Old Swamp Trail (#9) roughly northbound to Bear Creek and a connection to the park’s red-blazed trail network. (Check out the official trail map for details. And a warning: the park’s extensive trail network can be very confusing. Multiple trails are blazed the same color, making it really easy to get lost.)


The hike crosses Bear Creek, connecting to the red-blazed trails on the other side. Depending on the creek’s flow and depth, the crossing can be moderate to difficult.



The hike turns left after crossing the creek, following the Bear Creek Trail (#14) northwest toward Henry Mill Falls. The trail crosses a small tributary, winding through a young forest dotted with lichen-covered boulders and smooth rock outcrops, gently rolling elevation along the creek banks. 



Large stone slabs dominate the creek’s bed as the sound of rushing water becomes audible on the trail. The hike reaches Henry Mill Falls, catching wide-open views of the waterfall on the vast rock outcrops and sandy shores just below the cascades.



 
Vintage image of Henry Mill, modern hiker on the edge. 

The return

The sandy banks below the waterfall make a great spot for a mid-hike break, and to soak in the beauty of the forest. Departing Henry Mill Falls, the route doubles back to the trailhead on its outbound route. 

 

The hike finishes at just under five miles, reaching the Cochran Mill Park trailhead and completing the adventure.

  

Note: slippery rocks and fast moving water can be extremely dangerous! Please don’t climb, stand on, swim near, or jump from any waterfall.

Time for a second Eddie Cochran Scrolling Nugget used in a Jane Mansfield flick. Paul McCartney played this song to impress John Lennon when they first met. 



TRD Visit with California Jill

 
We walked down from the parking lot to the bridge over Bear Creek. 

 
Looking up stream before the bridge and down stream from the bridge. 

 
Then upstream is the beautiful Cochran Mill Falls. 

 
Jill had set up picnic spot. 

  
Jill was chillin while TRD was back packing towels, water, and lunch.


Lot of water hole swimming. 

  
Lot of folks hanging out at upper falls in third image.

  
TRD got these general images. 

   
Then Jill violated photo etiquette taking these images of big belly TRD trying to negotiate to a spot where he could get his head into the water fall. 

  
I was wearing a size too small Kansas State shirt Jill got me because she is a Kansas State alumni, and I thought she would be impressed my wearing it. 

 
Then we walked down the Gold Trail in search for the other falls and mills along Upper Bear Creek. 

    
 Found some big trees and boulders. 


Was only suppose to be just a little over a mile to Berry Mill. Lord knows I wasn't going 5 miles to Henry Mill Falls and back.

 
Looking down to Upper Bear Creek from Gold Trail. My stamina is all gone from my medical treatment so we didn't make it to the Berry Mill.

 
On way back to car, Jill decide to hike to Upper Falls of the Cochran Mill. I found a shady spot to follow her.

  
Can see her up there taking selfies with feet in water. 

 
Jill came on an Atlanta City Bus Tour over a year ago, and she's been seen in a few Fulton County Georgia Natural Wonders. 

 
Still just a friend, we have more images from Jill to conclude the TRD visitation of today's Georgia Natural Wonder. 

These songs are kinda short so here is a third Eddie Cochran Scrolling Nugget. He died in a car accident, high speed Ride Share Taxi.



Fulton County (Part 11)

We continue our exploration of the 573 Historical Markers in Fulton County. We reviewed the first 200, and culled 54 Markers that weren't covered in the earlier 10 post on the Civil War in Atlanta and Oakland Cemetery. Some were covered in the 247 National Register of Historic Places listings in Fulton County. We have 373 Historical Markers left in Fulton County, but we will only list the Markers we have not covered in earlier post.

Hanley's Funeral Home

 
It is on Bell Street NE south of Auburn Avenue NE, on the left when traveling south.

Herndon Plaza 

 
It is on Auburn Avenue NE east of Courtland Street NE, on the right when traveling west.

Historic Reconciliation 

 
It is on Peachtree Street NE south of West Peachtree Street NW, on the right when traveling south. Marker is on a ground-level base in Hardy Ivy Park.

John Calhoun Park 

 
It is at the intersection of Piedmont Avenue NE and Auburn Avenue NE, on the right when traveling north on Piedmont Avenue NE.

Saint Joseph's 

 
It is at the intersection of Courtland Street NE and Baker Street NE, on the right when traveling south on Courtland Street NE.


Saint Joseph's Hospital vintage image. 

Southern Company 

 
It is at the intersection of Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard NW and Ted Turner Drive NW, on the right when traveling east on Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard NW.

Sweet Auburn Walk 


It is on Auburn Avenue east of Courtland Street NE, on the left when traveling east.



South-View Cemetery 

 
It is on Helena Road SE west of Jonesboro Road SE (Georgia Route 54), on the left when traveling east. Marker is near the cemetery entrance.

Capt. Grant's Vision for a Safe City 

 
Marker is Missing It was at the intersection of Peachtree Place Northwest and Spring Street Northwest, on the left when traveling west on Peachtree Place Northwest. Although his defensive plan for Atlanta failed, the city felt his influence in other, more positive ways. He donated the land for Grant Park, served as a councilman and was an influential civic leader.

  
Lemuel Pratt Grant (1817-1893) - His home is one of only four remaining antebellum houses in Atlanta.

Second Oldest D.A.R. Chapter 

  
It was on Piedmont Avenue 0.1 miles north of 14th Street, on the right when traveling south. We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced.

David and Frances Cotting 

  
It is on Peachtree Place NE 0 miles west of Crescent Avenue NE, on the right when traveling east. Cotting Estate is now Cotting Court Condos. 

Georgia Tech Meets Midtown

 
It is on 5th Street Northwest west of Spring Street Northwest, on the right when traveling west. 

James J. Andrews 

 
Spot where Andrews was hanged is at the intersection of Juniper Street and 3rd Street, on the left when traveling south on Juniper Street. 

   
Buster Keaton and Fess Parker played James Andrews in motion pictures.


Buried with other Raiders at Chattanooga National Cemetery. 

Land Lot 104 

 
It is on West Peachtree Street NE near Inwood Circle NE, on the right when traveling north. Marker in on the property of WSB-TV's studios, in a fenced and gated area.

 
George Washington Carver homestead is now where WSB White Columns is now. 

Margaret Mitchell 

  
It is on Peachtree Street at 17th Street NE, on the right when traveling north. This is her parents house where she grew up. 

 

Margaret Mitchell House 

 
It is on Peachtree Street just south of 10th Street NW, on the left when traveling north. The marker stands at the front of the Margaret Mitchell House, a ten-unit apartment building where she wrote Gone With the Wind. 

  
Front and back of apartments and Peggy pecking away on that Remington typewriter. 

 
Desk where she wrote and bedroom. 

Ponce de Leon Ball Park 


The marker is located behind the Whole Foods Market, in the main plaza. It is accessible from the delivery road at the back of the stores. 


The plaque sits atop a concrete pillar in the shape of home plate.


The marker sits under the famed Magnolia Tree, the last vestige of the ball park. The tree stood in the outfield and survives today.


Looking from the approximately location of the grandstands across the infield toward center and right fields. Today it is the site of Midtown Plaza.

  
Postcard - Can see the Sears and Roebuck - and the center field Magnolia Tree.  

One last Eddie Cochran Scrolling Nugget. Squeezing them in here for our Cochran Mill GNW. 



The Castle 

Also known as Fort Peace, covered this in GNW# 275. Here is the historical marker.

 

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer 

It is at the intersection of Peachtree Road NE and 4th Street, on the right when traveling north on Peachtree Road NE.

 

The Georgian Terrace Hotel 

We covered this with the Fox Theater Historic District in GNW# 275. Here is the Historical Marker. 

 

The Temple 

We covered this in GNW# 279. Here is the Historical Marker. 

 

Montgomery-DeFoor House Site 

It was at the intersection of Moore's Mill Road and Bolton Road, on the right when traveling south on Moore's Mill Road. It is believed the marker was hit by a bus, probably sometime in 2005.

  

 Vintage image of house. 

All the rest of the Historical Markers for this post are in the King Birth Home neighborhood. 

A Relaxing Atmosphere 



Marker is at or near this postal address: 526 Auburn Avenue, Atlanta GA 30312.



Apartment House 



Marker is at or near this postal address: 509 Auburn Avenue NE, Atlanta GA 30312. About to collapse and beyond repair, the house was demolished in 1990 and reconstructed in 1997 by the National Park Service. 



Birth Home of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 




Marker is at or near this postal address: 501 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta GA 30312



Bryant Preparatory Institute 



Marker is at or near this postal address: 533 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta GA 30312


Where school use to be.

Bryant-Graves House



Marker is at or near this postal address: 522 Auburn Avenue NE, Atlanta GA 30312.

 

Fire Station No. 6



Marker is at or near this postal address: 474 Auburn Ave, Atlanta GA 30312.


King played with station dalmatian dogs and slid down the fire pole. 

Harper House 



Principal of Booker T. Washington High School. Marker is at or near this postal address: 535 Auburn Avenue, Atlanta GA 30312.

 

Historic Fire Station No. 6 



This marker has been replaced by a newer marker, "Fire Station No. 6."

Middle-Class Dwelling



Marker is at or near this postal address: 497 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta GA 30312.



OK still 292 Historical Markers to explore in Fulton County. Probably much less after I cull them for Civil War Markers and NRHP sites I've already covered. 

Here are some Georgia Natural Wonder Gals actually at the Cochran Mill Park.