Sope Creek (via Paper Mill Road)

Sope Creek, located in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area near Marietta, Georgia, takes its name from a Cherokee man known as Old Chief Sope, who reportedly lived along its banks. Although the forced removal of the Cherokee people from Georgia culminated in the Trail of Tears in 1838, local accounts suggest that Old Chief Sope somehow managed to remain in the area. According to stories passed down through generations, he was a kind and welcoming man who befriended local children. Young boys would sometimes run away from home to visit him, eager to listen to his stories and learn words from the Cherokee language. Today, the creek is best known for its natural beauty and the historic stone ruins of the Marietta Paper Mill, an important industrial operation that produced a substantial portion of the South’s paper during the latter half of the nineteenth century. The mill began operations in 1855 and continued until 1902, taking advantage of the creek’s waterpower to drive its machinery. Union troops burned the original mill buildings during their 1864 campaign through Georgia, but the mill was subsequently rebuilt and resumed production after the Civil War. Contrary to popular belief, the stone structures visitors see along the creek today are remnants of the postwar mill buildings rather than the original structures destroyed during the conflict. Surrounded by trees and set beside the flowing water, these weathered ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into Georgia’s industrial past and make the area a popular destination for hikers, photographers, and history enthusiasts.

To reach the historic paper mill ruins, visitors should park in the designated Sope Creek parking lot on Paper Mill Road and follow the hiking trails on foot down toward the creek. The approximately three-mile loop hike combines local history with a pleasant walk through the wooded landscape of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. From the parking area, the trail winds through the forest toward the remains of the Marietta Paper Mill, where massive stone walls and the remnants of the old industrial complex stand as reminders of the area’s manufacturing heritage. The route then descends along a well-worn hiking trail toward Sope Creek, where the sound of flowing water and the shade of the surrounding hardwood forest create a peaceful setting. Along the way, hikers can explore views of the creek and observe how the ruins blend into the natural environment. The trail follows the creek banks for approximately a mile before turning away from the water and climbing gradually toward Sibley Pond. The return portion of the loop passes through additional wooded terrain before reconnecting with the trail leading back to the original parking area. Although the route is generally a manageable outing for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness, some sections can be uneven, rocky, or slippery after rain, particularly near the creek and the historic ruins. The hiking trail also intersects mountain biking routes at several points, so visitors should pay attention to trail markings and remain alert for cyclists. With its combination of scenic creekside walking, forest scenery, and fascinating Civil War-era industrial history, the Sope Creek loop offers a rewarding outdoor experience just a short drive from the Atlanta metropolitan area.