Nora Mill Granary
A gristmill on the Chattahoochee that has been grinding grits since 1876
The short answer
A mill that still works
It's easy to find a building that looks like an old mill. It's harder to find one that's still grinding. Nora Mill was established in 1876, and the mill says it uses its original 1,500-pound French Burr millstones, powered by the Chattahoochee River. The visitors bureau describes it as an operational gristmill sitting beside the river in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains.
Plan your visit
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday to Friday 9 AM to 5 PM; Saturday and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM |
| Address | 7107 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545 (GA-75) |
| Phone | 706-878-2375 or toll-free 800-927-2375 |
| Cost | Free to browse; you pay for what you buy |
| Sampling | A demonstration kitchen in the country store lets you taste products |
| Ordering | Ship to your door or pick up locally through noramill.com |
The mill sits near the Nacoochee Indian Mound, and the antique mall and Habersham Winery are within a couple of minutes. See our Nacoochee Village guide. Parking is on site.
What to buy
Grits are what the mill is known for, along with cornmeal, flours, and pancake, waffle, biscuit and bread mixes. The line also includes Pioneer's Porridge. The country store next door, Nora Mill Next Door, carries candy, preserves, honey, cast iron cookware and kitchen supplies, and a demonstration kitchen lets you taste before you buy. Products run from $0.75 postcards to gift baskets over $100, and you can order online if you'd rather not carry bags of grits in the car.
Photo gallery
The mill was established in 1876
The mill's grinding stones are powered by the Chattahoochee
French Burr millstones inside the mill
The country store sells the mill's grits, mixes and flours
The Chattahoochee River provides the power
The Nacoochee Mound is nearby
Autumn in the Nacoochee Valley
A mountain stream in the valley
Nora Mill questions
Is Nora Mill still a working mill?
Yes. The mill says it uses its original 1,500-pound French Burr millstones, powered by the Chattahoochee River, and it was established in 1876.
What are Nora Mill's hours?
Monday to Friday 9 AM to 5 PM, and Saturday and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM, per the mill's website. Call (706) 878-2375 if you're making a special trip.
What does Nora Mill sell?
Stone-ground grits, cornmeal, pancake and waffle mixes, flours, biscuit and bread mixes and Pioneer's Porridge, plus a country store with candy, preserves, honey, cast iron and kitchen supplies.
How far is Nora Mill from downtown Helen?
About 2 miles south on GA-75 (7107 S Main St), a few minutes by car. Parking is on site.
Does it cost anything to visit?
No. Browsing the store is free, and a demonstration kitchen lets you taste products before you buy.
Can you buy Nora Mill products online?
Yes, the website offers shipping to your door and local pickup.
Explore more
Continue your Helen adventure
Fitting the mill into your day
The mill is on GA-75 about 2 miles south of downtown Helen, so it's a five-minute drive and an easy add to a valley loop. Parking is on site, and because it's free to browse, it works as a quick stop or a slow one while you taste your way through the demonstration kitchen.
| Stop | Why pair it |
|---|---|
| Nacoochee Village | The winery and antique mall are within a couple of minutes of the mill |
| Nacoochee Indian Mound | An ancient earthwork in the same valley |
| Hardman Farm Historic Site | The 1870 mansion and grounds in the same valley |
| Old Sautee Store | A country store farther up the valley |
The store opens at 10 AM on Saturday and Sunday and at 9 AM on weekdays, and it closes at 5 PM every day, so a late-morning start leaves room for the rest of the valley. If you want a meal, the restaurant guide lists what's open in town.
