Settles Bridge Park
Existing River Access
Parks
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Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Whittier Mill Park in Atlanta, GA, is a scenic retreat transformed through the efforts of the City of Atlanta, Trust for Public Land (TPL) and others. The Atlanta Chattahoochee RiverLands Greenway stem will connect to this park space.
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In addition to its natural allure, the park includes recreational amenities such as bocce courts, uncovered picnic pavilion in what was the Carpenter Shop, playground, and lawn, making it an ideal spot for family gatherings and outdoor activities. These features enhance the park’s appeal, providing visitors with a range of leisure options while enjoying the picturesque surroundings and historical charm. Limited street parking available.
Spanning 22 acres, the park offers an extensive trail system that weaves through a wooded area along the riverbank of the Chattahoochee River. These unpaved trails provide hikers and nature enthusiasts with a tranquil and immersive experience. The trails also showcase remnants of the 19th century cotton mill, blending natural beauty with cultural heritage.
Whittier Mill Park, located along the Chattahoochee River in northwest Atlanta, reflects the city’s industrial heritage and community preservation efforts. Established in the late 19th century, the site was home to the Whittier Cotton Mills, a New England–owned textile factory that opened in 1896. The mill brought industrial jobs and led to the creation of the surrounding Whittier Mill Village, a planned community with millworker housing, a school, and a park—rare in Southern mill towns of the era.
After the mill closed in 1971, the site fell into disrepair and was nearly lost to development. Community members, with support from the City of Atlanta and the Trust for Public Land, rallied to preserve the historic landscape. In 2003, Whittier Mill Park officially opened, incorporating remnants of the original mill structures, including the imposing brick tower and foundations of the weaving room.
Today, Whittier Mill Park serves as a public greenspace and a living testament to Atlanta’s industrial past, maintained through continued neighborhood stewardship and historic preservation.
Chattahoochee RiverLands Pedestrian Trail Bridge
The City of Smyrna and Trust for Public Land are exploring a new pedestrian and bicycle bridge across the Chattahoochee River. This bridge could improve connections between existing and planned trail systems in Smyrna and Atlanta while creating new opportunities for recreation, mobility, and access to the river. Share your input on project priorities, potential uses, and how this connection could serve the community.
