In the early 1800's, a water-powered gristmill on the
banks of the Little Pigeon River became one of the main hubs of
activity in the small mountain community of Pigeon Forge,
Tennessee. In those days, the mill faithfully produced the meals
and flours that were crucial for the day-to-day existence of the
Smokies' early settlers. In fact, The Old Mill even furnished
electricity for the town until 1935.
One of The Old Mill's most distinctive features is the giant water
wheel that harnesses the flow of the Little Pigeon River. Inside
the structure, an antiquated yet reliable system of shafts, belts,
and pulleys still gets the job done, working to turn the 4600-pound
stones and grain elevators.
Weighing one ton each, the massive flint granite stones, called
French Buhrs, are only the second set ever used in The Old Mill's
175-year history. When they're in action, the stones convert grain
into about 1000 pounds of product each day, six days a week.
Resident millers then hand-fill, weigh and tie each bag of stone
ground grain.
Products ground at The Old Mill are used in many of the dishes at
the Old Mill Restaurant including biscuits, corn bread, pancakes,
hush puppies, muffins and grits. We also use our own grains for the
homemade artisan style breads that are prepared each day at the Old
Mill Bakery Café.
The area's heritage is also being preserved through a variety of
crafts that are practiced at the nearby shops of the Old Mill
Square. Our Pigeon River Pottery has been home to pottery making
for over forty years, and the best of time-tested recipes are
prepared by our confectioners (with decades of experience among
them) in the Old Mill Candy Kitchen. The entire Square is a working
tribute to the Smokies' pioneer days.
Today, The Old Mill is listed on the National Register of Historic
Places, and just as in the 19th century, it's still one of the most
popular places in the Smokies and one of the most photographed
mills in the country.
Now for the cache!
Cache is a Magnetic Keyholder
Please be very stealthy during the daylight hours as this area
is very busy. Coords are 8ft accuracy. sign only log so BYOP.
Please place cache back just as you found it.
The only bonus that I cacn offer you is to go inside and
eat. We never leave the Smokies without eating here.
Lunch prices are about half of the dinner price.
Good luck and Happy caching!