Autrey Mill Nature Preserve & Heritage Center - Enjoy 2 miles of trails on 46 acres of ravine historic forest in Johns Creek Georgia. They wind past a scenic creek with rocky shoals, spring seeps, mature trees, wildflowers, native plants, and a variety of animal life.
General Info & Mission
The beginnings of Autrey Mill date to a 1987 grassroots effort by community activists to save the woodlands from development, prevent the loss of the old mill site, and halt the demolition of historic buildings situated on the property. In 1988 the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve Association, Inc. was formed as a non-profit organization and entered into an agreement with Fulton County to lease the property and to manage and operate the preserve as a public educational resource.
Located on 46 acres of ravine forest and historic past, this nature preserve's two miles of walking trails wind past a scenic creek with rocky shoals, spring seeps, mature trees, wildflowers, native plants, and a variety of animal life.
A Heritage Village has been created with four buildings original to the site and four landmark structures moved from nearby properties. This village and its related exhibit pieces provide an understanding of this area's proud rural heritage from the mid 1800s to the mid 1900s.
Replica Native American dwellings are nestled in the woods to remind us of those who walked these forests before us and to teach the lessons of a culture that respected and carefully cared for the environment.
Our Visitor Center houses animal exhibits of turtles, frogs, snakes, and insects and a diorama of native mammals and birds.
Our mission: To provide the public with an educational resource to gain knowledge, enjoyment, appreciation, and a sense of stewardship of the natural and historical environment.
Heritage Village
Heritage Village sits on a corner of Autrey Mill's 46 acres and is comprised of 8 buildings plus a large pole barn. The Visitors' Center, deBray Chapel, Farm Museum, and Program Barn were original to this site . The Summerour House, Warsaw Church, Green Country Store, and Tenant Farmhouse were saved from demolition by Autrey Mill and moved from nearby locations. This village and its related exhibit pieces provide an understanding of this area's proud rural heritage from the mid 1800s to the mid 1900s.
Trails
Autrey Mill has over 2 miles of nature trails that feature a walk through a hardwood forest to pine forest. They wander past a scenic creek with rocky shoals, many spring seeps, mature trees, wildflowers, native plants, and a variety of animal life. There is plenty to explore with bridges, an outlook, a farmer's attempt to discover gold, foundations stones of the old mill, benches and pavilions.
American Indian Dwellings
Tom Blue Wolf and his crew have constructed a replica of a Native American hunting lodge from the 1600s. Built of wood logs and a mud cob reinforced by river reed, this type of structure was used by the Creek Indians and other woodland Indians of this area.
Animal Exhibits
Autrey Mill's Visitor Center houses dioramas of native woodland animals and exhibits of live amphibians, reptiles, and insects native to our area. The Visitor Center is open Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm. It is closed on major holidays. There is no charge to see our native animal exhibit.
Special Exhibit - Exotic Ectotherms - Saturdays 11am-1pm
Private viewings are also available by appointment. Enchanting Extraordinary Endearing - See reptiles and amphibians and other cold-blooded critters from the far reaches of the globe in our special exhibit. Compare and contrast our native reptiles, normally on display, with these beautiful and bizarre creatures. Please note: There will be a charge for this special exhibit. Small charge. Call for info.
Hours Open, Phone, Address & Website
Open Weekdays 10 am - 4 pm and Sat 10 am - 2 pm - Phone: 678-366-3511 - Address: 9770 Autry Mill Rd., Johns Creek, GA 30022 - Autrey Mill Nature Preserve Website
