Nickajack Creek is a 12-mile-long stream flowing through Cobb and Fulton counties in Georgia. Starting in Marietta, the creek meanders southwest through Smyrna before emptying into the Chattahoochee River in Mableton.
Historically, the area surrounding Nickajack Creek was initially known as Mill Grove, later renamed Nickajack Creek. A significant historical site along the creek is Ruff's Mill and the Concord Covered Bridge in Smyrna. The mill and the miller's house, built in the 1840s and 1850s respectively, exemplify mid-19th-century rural mill complexes. On July 4, 1864, the Battle of Ruff's Mill occurred here during the Civil War. The Concord Covered Bridge, constructed in 1872, spans Nickajack Creek and remains the only covered bridge in Cobb County open to automobile traffic. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 24, 1980.
Today, Nickajack Creek is a focal point for conservation and recreation. The Concord Covered Bridge Historic District preserves the area's rich history, while initiatives like the RiverLands Pilot Project aim to enhance connectivity and public engagement with the creek's natural landscape.
Tucked away in Mableton, Georgia, Nickajack Park offers a vibrant blend of athletic facilities and family-friendly amenities. Operated by Cobb County Parks, this community hub is perfect for sports enthusiasts, families, and anyone seeking outdoor recreation.
If you're looking for scenic hike Nickajack Creek Trail is a beautiful option and part of the Silver Comet Trail in Cobb County. The Silver Comet trail is 61.5 miles long and goes from Cobb County through Paulding County Georgia.