Wed, Apr 12 2023 - Picketts Mill Battlefield State Park (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Steven R Participants: Steven R, Gerrilyn, Daniel, Val, Sherrie G, Allan, Lee W, Shirley W, Gloria Colley, Linda H, Jay L

A spirited group joined me at Pickett’s Mill State Park to hike, explore, and perhaps learn a few things. Our hike began at the Visitor Center where I gave a short and general overview of the Civil War battle that occurred on May 27^th, 1864. We then hiked to one of the best-preserved pioneer cabins in the Southeast. While we could not enter the cabin to see its massive hearth or carefully crafted furnishings, we were able to walk the cabin grounds and outbuildings.

From the cabin we hiked the White Trail loop and into the ravine where the battle occurred. The group kept pace and stayed in high spirits as we walked along preserved trenches and artillery batteries. We took notice of the few but pretty flowers and unique plants like the May Apple and Wood Sorel as we traversed the hilly terrain.

Our wanderings took us by meandering creeks and streams with quaint wooden bridges spanning the water’s twisted paths. We stopped to learn about Pickett’s Mill and to see the historic remains of the earthen dam and footings. Our adventures not yet over, we crossed the wide but soft waters of Pickett’s Mill Creek which led us away from the battlefield and into the quiet, rocky forests.  

While we hiked, I discussed the unique and spanning history of the park property. I shared fascinating facts I uncovered in my research from many years back. Like how the average landowner typically lasted only a few years before moving on as the land was hard to plow. I remarked on the remains of the over 75 moonshine stills some with the axe marks from rivals and authorities from the days of prohibition.

We crisscrossed the park and battlefield for several hours to complete our adventure back at the Visitor Center. We hiked about 4.7miles total. I thanked everyone for making the trek out to Pickett’s Mill State Park and for being a great group of AOC’s!

AOC’er Lee Wang was kind enough to put together a fun video on our adventures. Thanks Lee! Check it out folks!

https://www.relive.cc/view/vNOP4J4KWYO