Pooles Mill
Swimming hole in Atlanta, Georgia · Creek
Plan a visit to the unofficial Poole's Mill swimming hole on Settingdown Creek in GA. Find directions, safety tips, and what to know before you go.
About Pooles Mill
Tucked into the rolling hills of Forsyth County, Georgia, Poole's Mill is one of those rare places that feels like a secret even when you're sharing it with strangers. The cool, clear waters of Settingdown Creek wind beneath a canopy of hardwoods, and just upstream, one of Georgia's oldest surviving covered bridges casts its weathered reflection across the surface. This is an unofficial swimming spot — no ropes marking safe zones, no concession stand, no lifeguards — but that's precisely what gives it its charm. What you get instead is something harder to find: a genuinely wild, unhurried Georgia afternoon.
The Setting and Landscape
The star of the landscape is the 1901 Poole's Mill Covered Bridge, a hand-hewn wooden structure that has stood through more than a century of Georgia summers and floods. Standing beneath it, you can hear the creek burbling through the shadows, smell the damp wood and creek mud, and feel the temperature drop a few degrees. The surrounding forest shifts beautifully with the seasons — wildflowers push through the leaf litter in spring, the tree canopy closes into dense green shade by midsummer, and autumn ignites the hillsides in amber and crimson. Even in winter, when the crowds thin to almost nothing, the creek moves quietly through bare branches in a way that rewards photographers and solitude-seekers alike.
Swimming and the Rope Swing
Settingdown Creek offers the kind of swimming that city pools simply cannot replicate. The water runs cool and refreshing even in the height of summer, carrying that particular clarity you find in Georgia's piedmont creeks — clean enough to see the pebbled bottom, moving just enough to feel alive against your skin. The creek depth varies naturally with rainfall and season, so conditions change from visit to visit. The real draw for many visitors, especially families and teenagers, is the rope swing — a thrilling arc over the water that has become something of a local legend. You'll feel that stomach-dropping weightlessness before hitting the surface with a satisfying splash. It's simple, old-fashioned fun, and it never gets old.
Practical
The experience
- Best time to visit Summer for swimming and rope swings; spring for wildflowers; autumn for vibrant foliage; winter for a quiet retreat.
- Access Moderate. Accessible by car, but the lack of signage and facilities requires careful planning and preparation.
- Facilities No onsite facilities. Visitors should pack essentials like water, snacks, and sunscreen. Camping is not allowed.
Highlights & features
- Historic Poole's Mill Covered Bridge
- Cool waters of Settingdown Creek
- Thrilling rope swing
- Breathtaking photography opportunities
- Seasonal beauty and wildlife
- Proximity to a 1901 historic covered bridge
- Natural rope swing over the creek
- Unspoiled ecosystem with diverse wildlife
How to get there
Poole's Mill is a popular swimming hole located in Forsyth County, Georgia. Follow these step-by-step directions to reach the site:
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From Atlanta
Begin by heading north on US-19/GA-400 (Georgia State Route 400) from Atlanta. Continue for approximately 40 miles until you reach the city of Cumming. In Cumming, take Exit 14 for GA-20 West toward Canton. Turn left onto GA-20 West and follow it for about 7 miles until you reach the community of Ducktown. At Ducktown, turn right onto Heardsville Road. Drive north for approximately 3 miles. After 3 miles, turn right onto Poole's Mill Road. Continue for about 1 mile, and you will arrive near Poole's Mill Park. Landmarks and Parking: Poole's Mill Park is a well-known local landmark, so look for signs directing you to the park entrance as you approach. The park is located at 7725 Poole's Mill Road, Ball Ground, GA 30107. There is a designated parking lot at Poole's Mill Park. Parking is free, but availability may be limited during peak times, especially on weekends and holidays. Once you park, follow the clearly marked trails leading to the swimming hole and the historic Poole's Mill covered bridge. The trail is short and easy to navigate.
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Helpful Tips
The swimming hole is located within Poole's Mill Park, which features picnic areas, restrooms, and shaded spots for relaxing. Be mindful of park rules and regulations, including any restrictions on swimming or alcohol consumption. Wear sturdy footwear, as some areas near the swimming hole may be rocky or slippery. Bring sunscreen, water, and any supplies you may need for your visit. Enjoy your time at Poole's Mill swimming hole!
Plan your visit
Poole's Mill is most easily reached from Cumming or Alpharetta , both of which offer restaurants, fuel, and lodging options before or after your visit. Atlanta is roughly an hour's drive south, making this an excellent day trip from the city. Summer weekends attract the biggest crowds, so a weekday morning visit rewards you with the bridge and creek nearly to yourself. Whatever season draws you in, go with an open mind and low expectations for amenities — the payoff is a piece of genuine, unhurried Georgia.
Poole's Mill is most easily reached from Cumming or Alpharetta , both of which offer restaurants, fuel, and lodging options before or after your visit. Atlanta is roughly an hour's drive south, making this an excellent day trip from the city. Summer weekends attract the biggest crowds, so a weekday morning visit rewards you with the bridge and creek nearly to yourself. Whatever season draws you in, go with an open mind and low expectations for amenities — the payoff is a piece of genuine, unhurried Georgia.
Access & fees
Access is via Poole's Mill Park. Parking is available but can fill quickly on weekends and holidays. No entry fee is listed, but visitors should check for any posted county park regulations upon arrival. Swimming is unofficial and at your own risk.
Access is via Poole's Mill Park. Parking is available but can fill quickly on weekends and holidays. No entry fee is listed, but visitors should check for any posted county park regulations upon arrival. Swimming is unofficial and at your own risk.
Frequently asked questions
Is POOLES MILL free to visit?
POOLES MILL is generally free to access. No entry fee is commonly reported, though parking passes or day-use fees can be introduced — always confirm current rules before heading out.
Is swimming allowed at POOLES MILL?
Yes, POOLES MILL is an officially sanctioned recreation area where swimming is permitted. Reported activities include: Swimming, Rope swing. Always respect posted closures and seasonal restrictions.
What type of swimming spot is POOLES MILL?
POOLES MILL is a creek on Settingdown Creek located in GA, near ATLANTA. Plan a visit to the unofficial Poole's Mill swimming hole on Settingdown Creek in GA. Find directions, safety tips, and what to know before you go.
When is the best time to visit POOLES MILL?
The best time to visit POOLES MILL is Summer for swimming and rope swings; spring for wildflowers; autumn for vibrant foliage; winter for a quiet retreat.. Water levels, clarity, and temperature vary with recent weather — always check conditions before going, especially after rain or snowmelt.
What facilities are available at POOLES MILL?
Reported facilities at POOLES MILL include: No onsite facilities. Visitors should pack essentials like water, snacks, and sunscreen. Camping is not allowed.. Amenities can change — contact the managing agency or check recent visitor reports to confirm current availability.
Nearby swimming holes
Culture & history
Poole’s Mill Covered Bridge represents early 20th-century engineering and serves as a reminder of Forsyth County’s historical roots.
Conservation
Follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the creek's ecosystem. Avoid littering and respect wildlife habitats.