Nathan Cooper Gristmill, Chester

It’s a great park and the trails are pretty well maintained on the county side. From the parking lot head towards the little gate and down the path to the mill. Two trails start here. The best path is to go down the wood steps and follow patriots path (blue blazes) along the river to the Kay center. It does not loop so you’ll have to turn back. The other path through the tunnel under route 24 to Chubb park is trickier and less maintained. Be aware it is not accessible for strollers, mobility devices, horses, etc. there are stairs, narrow boardwalks, rocks, tree roots, mud, and fallen limbs on the trails. lots of people fish in the river though and it’s dog friendly. There is a visitor center but it’s been closed since 2020. The only restroom is the port o potty in the parking lot

Coming from a family of millwrights I love to visit old grist and water mills, especially those still in operation! Our last family mill in Alabama stopped operating in the 1930s. It was great to see all the old machinery and tools used by millers and the beautiful, preserved grounds. Our visit was in the fall of 2008.