Several beautiful trails are accessible from the Old Mill, perfect for hiking, walking, or simply enjoying the outdoors. Trails include:nLong Leaf Trail, Mountain Goat Trail, Snow Loop Trail
Trail Map
Ask for a trail map at the Berry College check-in gate. You’ll get directions to the Old Mill and surrounding trails.
Entry is free, but a valid driver’s license is required for campus access.
A Historic Landmark: The Old Mill
The Old Mill is one of Berry College’s most iconic and beloved landmarks. Originally built in the 1800s in Hermitage, Georgia, the mill and its massive 42-foot wooden overshot waterwheel were donated to the Berry Schools in 1930 by the Republic Mining Company.
Hermitage was once a booming mining town — the site of the first bauxite (aluminum ore) discovery in the United States and the birthplace of what would become the Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA).
The mill was operated by Tom Kennibrew, a blind man known for running both a grist mill and cotton gin using the power of the waterwheel. After his death in 1917, the mill was left unused until rediscovered by Martha Berry, founder of the Berry Schools. Through her efforts, the mill was donated and relocated to its current location.
Rebuilding the Mill at Berry
In 1930, Berry students reassembled the mill using new wood and original hardware. Water from Berry’s reservoir lake is piped to the mill, where gravity pushes it up a stone column and over the wheel, setting the structure into motion.
The mill was later operated by Green Berry Goodson, a local miller who ground corn grown at Berry into meal and grits.
Preservation and Modern Use
1977: The waterwheel was fully rebuilt as a community project involving students, staff, alumni, and friends. It was rededicated in memory of Gordon Keown, a Berry alumnus and former acting director of the schools.
1985: The internal grinding mechanism was restored, making the mill operational once again.
Today, the Old Mill runs on special occasions such as Mountain Day. When in operation, fresh cornmeal ground at the mill is available for purchase at the Oak Hill Gift Shop.
