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Autrey Mill Nature Preserve & Heritage Center adventures

Autrey Mill Nature Preserve & Heritage Center Adventures

Autrey Mill Nature Preserve & Heritage Center is a 46-acre natural and historic site in Johns Creek, Georgia, offering visitors immersive experiences in native habitats and local history through its trails, historic buildings, and educational programs.

46
Acres Protected
1.8
Miles of Trails
20,000 (estimated)
Annual Visitors
1990
Year Established

About Autrey Mill Nature Preserve & Heritage Center

 

Located in Johns Creek, Georgia, Autrey Mill Nature Preserve & Heritage Center is a 46-acre area dedicated to preserving native ecosystems and educating the public on local natural and cultural history. The preserve includes forested wetlands, hardwood forests, and streams that support diverse wildlife such as migratory birds, turtles, and amphibians. Visitors can explore nearly two miles of well-maintained walking trails that wind through mature woodlands, ponds, and the Mill race. The heritage center features several 19th-century structures, including a historic grist mill, a rustic log cabin, and agricultural exhibits that tell the story of early settlers in the northern Georgia Piedmont. The site serves as an outdoor classroom and community resource, hosting guided nature walks, workshops, and seasonal events aimed at fostering environmental stewardship and historic preservation. Popular recreational opportunities focus on hiking, bird watching, and family-friendly educational activities. The center’s combination of natural beauty and preserved heritage buildings offers a quiet retreat from urban life while providing insight into the interplay between human history and natural landscapes in this region.

Highlights

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Historic Autrey Mill grist mill and waterwheel

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Diverse habitats including wetlands, hardwood forests, and ponds

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Several preserved 19th-century log cabins and outbuildings

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Family-oriented nature and heritage educational programs

Notable Natural Features

Historic Autrey Mill

A restored water-powered grist mill dating back to the 19th century, showcasing traditional milling technology.

Interpretive Nature Trails

Walking paths with educational signage highlighting local flora, fauna, and wetland ecosystems.

Heritage Buildings

Preserved cabins and agricultural structures that portray early settler life in the Piedmont region.