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Mill Creek Nature Center
4.5 ★★★★★ 144 Google reviews · Running trail in Buford, Georgia · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Mill Creek Nature Center's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Walking trails around the Ivy Creek Rivers at this lush nature preserve.
What runners say about Mill Creek Nature Center
“The trail itself is scenic and quiet, with wooden boardwalks and the occasional glimpse of wildlife.”
“If you're looking for a peaceful escape right next to the Mall of Georgia, this trail is a hidden gem.”
Quite the nice spacious nature walk behind the Mall of GA. A few bridges cross the creek and the lookout observation deck is set in the marsh. The east path will connect you to the Ivy Creek Greenway which leads to the waterfall mill ruins and eventually the Gwinnet Environmental and Heritage Center.
Loved it. I made my way to mill creek nature center by walking from the Gwinnett Environment & Heritage center (round trip 4 miles). If you plan to go this way, walk down the stairs that run along side the heritage center, turn left at the old house and barn, cross the road to get onto the ivy creek greenway, after…
If you're looking for a peaceful escape right next to the Mall of Georgia, this trail is a hidden gem. It’s easy to miss unless you know where to look—just park in the lot, walk toward the street, and look to your right. You’ll spot a set of steep stairs leading down into the woods.
First off it is not paved or level. I would not recommend this trail for anyone with a wheelchair or stroller. The path was very slippery and muddy in several places (it rained 2 days ago). Some areas had gravel. Other areas had wooden elevated walking paths that were often far apart and uneven.
Trail conditions & character
“The east path will connect you to the Ivy Creek Greenway which leads to the waterfall mill ruins and eventually the Gwinnet Environmental and Heritage Center.”
“If you're looking for a peaceful escape right next to the Mall of Georgia, this trail is a hidden gem.”
“Along the way you will pass an “waterfall”, under the highways, eventually the trail will run into gravel straight or paved to the left.”
“Along the way you will pass an “waterfall”, under the highways, eventually the trail will run into gravel straight or paved to the left.”
“You’ll spot a set of steep stairs leading down into the woods.”
“It’s short enough for a light workout, but still satisfying if your dog isn’t up for a long trek.”
“Great for kids not really a great place for strollers because of many steps up and down.”
“The path was very slippery and muddy in several places (it rained 2 days ago).”
Plan your run at Mill Creek Nature Center
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitegwf.org
- Phone+1 770-787-7887
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | 9 am–5 pm |
Running trails near Buford
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Ivy Creek Greenway
4.7 ★★★★★ 274 reviews
Scenic park featuring paved and gravel trails, boardwalk paths, and waterfalls. Deer are among the wildlife spotted here.
Ivy Creek Greenway at George Pierce Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 64 reviews
Boardwalk and park for families, featuring slides, a playground and picnic tables.