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Sope Creek Paper Mill Ruins
4.7 ★★★★★ 921 Google reviews · Running trail in Marietta, Georgia · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Sope Creek Paper Mill Ruins' 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.
19th century stone paper mill destroyed during the Civil War overlooking a creek with trail access.
What runners say about Sope Creek Paper Mill Ruins
“Beautiful spot, easy to hike to, plenty of parking, river access, bike paths, dog and children friendly, great for photography.”
“It isn’t super well marked on how to get to the ruins, but they recently added a better map at the entrance which should help.”
“Very easy hike that leads to the ruins.”
Saw some old building ruins from Paper Mill Rd so we decided to check it out. Parking was easy. Walk to the ruins was not that far. The trails were cleared of debri and easy to follow. When u get to the ruins it is beautiful and right on the river. Plenty of rocks to climb on and a small waterfall. Great place.
A nice spot to chill at the end of the trail. I saw people going in the water too. Make sure to plug in Sope creek mountain bike trail in the maps to reach the parking lot which is free. The hike is around ~1.25 miles to the ruins and back.
Pretty cool area. The ruins were awesome to see and climb through. The river nearby is gorgeous. The trails in other areas were good to hike. Nothing too strenuous, but not wheelchair accessible at all. Too many roots, etc.
Great short hike. I did a 2.5 mile loop but you can make your hike longer or shorter. Exploring the mill ruins and hopping rocks along the shoal was cool. Don’t forget to stop by the lake. Also if you cross over one of the mountain biking trails be sure to pay attention so you don’t get hit. Enjoy the trails!!
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful spot, easy to hike to, plenty of parking, river access, bike paths, dog and children friendly, great for photography.”
“Beautiful spot, easy to hike to, plenty of parking, river access, bike paths, dog and children friendly, great for photography.”
“It isn’t super well marked on how to get to the ruins, but they recently added a better map at the entrance which should help.”
“Plenty of rocks to climb on and a small waterfall.”
“The trails are relatively easy to hike, although there are areas with roots that could be a trip hazard.”
“I took the Sope Creek Loop on AllTrails and didn't see anything worthwhile.”
“Nothing too strenuous, but not wheelchair accessible at all.”
Plan your run at Sope Creek Paper Mill Ruins
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteatlantatrails.com
- Phone(678) 538-1200
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–9 PM |
Running trails near Marietta
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Sope Creek Mountain Bike Trail
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Cochran Shoals Unit Sope Creek
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Terrell Mill Park
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Cochran Shoals Unit, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
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McFarlane Nature Park
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