HistoricYates MillCounty Park

Parks, Recreation & Open Space

PARK RULES AND REGULATIONSThe following rules and regulations have been established to ensure a safe and pleasant visit.

1. PARK ONLY IN DESIGNATED AREAS.

2. ALL DOGS AND OTHER PETS ARE PROHIBITED. Only identifiable service animals are allowed.

3. HIKE ON THE DESIGNATED TRAILS. Bikes, off-road vehicles and horses are prohibited.

4. FISHING IS ALLOWED ON POND BOARDWALK. All North Carolina freshwater fishing regulations apply. Bank fishing is prohibited.

5. THE FOLLOWING ARE PROHIBITED:- Walking or climbing on the mill or dam- Smoking & alcoholic beverages- Open fires of any kind- Firearms & explosives of any kind as per NCSU Policy REG 06.05.01- Amplified music- Swimming & personal boating- Hunting, collection, release or removal of wildlife - Metal detectors & the collection/removal of artifacts- Geocaches & other off-trail activities

www.wakegov.com/parks/yatesmillyatesmill@wakegov.com

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PARK HOURS

8:00 a.m. — SUNSETSEVEN DAYS A WEEK

FINLEY CENTER:

8:30 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.SEVEN DAYS A WEEK

MILL BUILDING:SCHEDULED TOURS

ARE AVAILABLE MARCH - NOVEMBER

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HISTORIC YATES MILL COUNTY PARK IS CLOSEDTHANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS EVE, CHRISTMAS DAY & NEW YEAR’S DAY

“Escape the Daily Grind”through a variety of unique recreational,

cultural, natural and agricultural experiences.

Historic Yates Mill County Park4620 Lake Wheeler RoadRaleigh, NC 27603919-856-6675

PARTNERSHIP EFFORTSThe park was developed through a partnership among

Wake County, NC State University (NCSU) and Yates Mill Associates. It has served as a field research

facility for NCSU since 1963 when the university purchased the mill property and 1,000 surrounding

acres. The park is surrounded by NCSU’s Lake Wheeler Road Biological Field Laboratories.

HIKING TRAILSAll trails close a half-hour before sunset.

Millpond Trail 1.0 mile (easy to moderate hike)This 6-foot wide trail heads past the Finley Center to the Historic Mill along an accessible gravel pathway that’s about 600 feet long and includes several benches and small picnic areas. The trail continues past the mill by way of a stone ramp then heads across the creek on a low bridge (this area may be closed during flooding). Hikers must then walk up a series of stone steps and follow the trail through the old miller’s residence area on the south side of the pond and into the woods. Hikers will pass the Field Classroom half way around before coming to the Pond Boardwalk, which leads back to the parking lot.

Be sure to pick up a copy of the Tree Identification Trail brochure at the Center. It features 20 of the park’s native

trees which can be found along the Millpond Trail.

Welcome to...

HISTORIC YATES MILLHistoric Yates Mill County Park is an exciting

learning and recreational environment located 5 miles south of downtown Raleigh. The park features diverse natural habitats and the last

18th century water-powered grist mill in North Carolina’s capital county.

The Park – Managed as a historic site and native wildlife refuge, the 174-acre park includes over 3 miles of hiking trails that traverse pond, creek, forest and wetland habitats. Picnic areas, boardwalks, overlook decks, a field classroom and an amphitheater are available year-round. Steep Hill Creek and a 3,300-acre watershed feed the 20-acre mill pond.

The Finley Center – The A.E. Finley Center for Education & Research is the park’s main support facility. The Education Wing houses an exhibit hall, auditorium, classrooms and staff offices. NC State University conducts biological studies in the Center’s Research Wing. Enjoy an excellent view of the pond and mill from a rocking chair on the building’s back porch.

The Historic Mill – The restored water mill is maintained and operated by the nonprofit group, Yates Mill Associates (www.yatesmill.org). The mill contains multiple generations of milling technology and displays the evolution of early industries in piedmont NC. Tours are available March through November with corn-grinding demonstrations by costumed interpreters on the 3rd weekend of each month. All tour revenue directly supports the mill’s upkeep and operations.

High Ridge Trail 0.8 mile (strenuous hike)This naturally-surfaced trail travels along the ridges above the pond through mixed old field pine and hardwood forests and north-facing bluffs. This linear trail extends from the wetlands boardwalk to the south side of the pond. When combined with part of the Millpond Trail, the trail length can be extended to a 1.25-mile loop.

Get to know your “neighbors in nature” by checking out the park’s wildlife interpretation stations

and wayside exhibits.

Creekside Trail 1.0 mile (moderate hike)This linear trail is accessed from the north end of the Wetlands Boardwalk. It travels alongside Steep Hill Creek’s floodplain and crosses over several wetland areas by way of small footbridges and wooden walk-boards. After a short loop at the far end of the trail, hikers will retrace their steps on the same trail back to the Wetlands Boardwalk area (2.0 miles total).

Discover the wildlife and natural resources found in your Wake County parks.Visit wcnrid.wakegov.com.

PARK PHOTO POLICYIf you’re planning a photo shoot, call (919) 856-6675 in advance to

check the park schedule. Be courteous to other visitors by observing all safety rules and keeping trails and boardwalks

clear. The policy can be found on the park’s webpage and as a print out in the Center. We appreciate your cooperation.

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MAP LEGENDCreekside TrailMillpond TrailHigh Ridge Trail

Paved Vehicle AccessMaintenance Roadways

Picnic AreasRestroomsAmphitheaterFishing

Finley Center

Yates Mill

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Yates Mill Pond Road

Park EntranceCreekside Trail

Steep H

ill Cre

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WetlandsBoardwalk

Pond Boardwalk

Miery Branch

FieldClassroom

Historic Mill SiteExplore Wake County’s last remaining water-powered mill and see it in operation during a guided tour. The mill is a Raleigh Historic Landmark that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Delve into the evolution of milling technology and food production, and observe simple machines in action.

Special EventsFree family-oriented events are offered each year, as are a variety of community contests. Explore the milling process and learn about historic trades during monthly grinding demonstrations. Participate in seasonal programs and join us for our largest event - the Fall Harvest Celebration.

Exhibits and DisplaysThe Finley Center features a 2,200-square foot exhibit hall containing artifacts and interpretive panels on local history, agriculture and the environment, along with fun interactive activities including a historic dress up corner. Park grounds also include several wayside displays.

Natural Explorations Head out into the park to enjoy hiking, picnicking, boardwalk

fishing, wildlife observation, photography, and more. The park showcases a variety of native plants and gardens.

Wildlife habitat features such as nest and roost boxes have also been installed.

General Public Programs The park offers site-based, experiential, multi-disciplinary

programs and camps for individuals of all ages. Check out our family and kids-oriented programs including Homeschool and Track Out Days, and participate in summer canoeing and

cane pole fishing, among other activities.

Organized Group ProgramsCustomized group programs and mill tours are available for

a wide range of age groups. Our kids’ programs correlate with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study and

feature inquiry-based learning that encourages participation and enriches classroom experiences.

HISTORIC YATES MILL COUNTY PARK

HISTORIC YATES MILL COUNTY PARK’S AUDIO TOUR

DIAL AND DISCOVER:(919) 714-8121www.myoncell.mobi/9197148121