Arcadia Mill

In operation from the early to mid-1800s, Arcadia Mill utilized Pond Creek, a tributary of the Blackwater River, to generate power for a large sawmill and cotton textile mill.

The landscape was heavily altered for industrial use through the creation of a dam, log flumes, and multiple buildings.

Floodplain along Pond Creek

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Now it is forested, and the remnants of human use are interpreted along its trails.

The Visitor’s Center and Museum is open two days a week, although many artifact displays are available for viewing on the property, and the trail system is accessible daily.

One of the steeper climbs on the trail

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Resources

Resources for exploring the area
 
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Overview

Directions

Hike

Beginning at a uniquely decorated entrance, a pair of signs flank the trailhead with detailed historic information about the area.

Following a boardwalk as it curves to the right under a shady canopy, turn left at the first intersection, crossing Pond Creek on a sturdy metal bridge.

Bridge over Pond Creek

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Illustrated signs mounted to the boardwalk handrails describe visible remnants of earthworks constructed for the mill complex.

Heading northward, the walkway crosses old log flumes while paralleling remaining sections of the Arcadia Dam.

Informational signage

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The boardwalk ends at 0.9 mile, where a sandy trail leads further into the forest. A tangle of exposed roots crosses the pathway where another flume once cut through to the right.

Green blazes lead eastward from this point, weaving along an odd 0.2 mile loop through young cedar trees and various shrubs.

Green blazed side loop

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Returning to the main trail, a loop to the left hooks through a section of mixed hardwoods for 0.1 mile before crossing the main trail again onto a longer 0.2 mile loop with similar landscapes.

At the end of the second loop, turn right, following the trail a short distance to the end, where a bench offers a resting spot in dappled sunlight.

Nice spot for a rest

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Head south on the main trail for 0.4 mile, crossing the Pond Creek bridge before turning left onto a boardwalk leading to the mill site.

The elevated walkway leads through an impressively robust secondary forest growing around the archaeological remains.

Remains of the cotton textile mill

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A series of signs provide information about the area, from its natural features to the purpose of the structures that stood here over a century ago.

The boardwalk circles the complex, passing an outflow from the mill to the creek. At the end of the loop, retrace steps along the path for a tenth of a mile back to the trailhead.

Pond Creek

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Trail Map

Explore More!

Video

A virtual walk through Arcadia Mill

Slideshow

See our photos from Arcadia Mill

Nearby Adventures

More worth exploring while you’re in this area.

Blackwater Heritage State Trail Long forested corridors, gentle curves, and trailside amenities make this 9.9 mile linear paved bike path a pleasant ride near Pensacola.

Juniper Lake Trail Connecting white sand beaches and an oxbow lake with a popular campground, the Juniper Lake Trail at Blackwater River State Park is an easy scenic hike.

Clear Creek Nature Trail The Clear Creek Nature Trail leads you to a wonderland of bright blossoms and lacy white-veined trumpets reflected against reflections of the sky.

Coldwater Gardens A private nature retreat north of Milton, Coldwater Gardens is a study in serenity, melding camping, gardening, and enjoyment of natural habitats along the Coldwater Creek basin.