Accessible Trail: Paved Asphalt & Compacted Gravel
Mileage: 0.25 miles each way (0.5 miles total)
When most people think of Napa Valley, images of vineyards and tasting rooms immediately come to mind. If you look a little further, however, you'll see that the surrounding hills are full of natural and historic beauty. Just north of St. Helena, you can find one of the area's hidden gems: Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park.
As you head down Highway 29, between the towns of Calistoga and St. Helena, keep an eye out for the park entrance sign. Turn off the highway and make your way down the access road. As you near the end, you'll see a parking area followed by a turnabout in the road. A wooden display marks the beginning of the pathway.
Start your way down the pathway and you'll immediately notice the babble of nearby Mill Creek. In the springtime, you'll notice different species of wildflower popping up among the lush vegetation. Shortly, you'll come to a staircase overlooking a bridge which seems to put an end to the accessibility of the path. Look left, however, and you'll notice the paved path continuing. In fact, this accessible route down the small hill provides a much more enjoyable view: it offers a sneak peek of the creek before you get to the bridge.
Continue on the paved pathway and you'll cross the bridge over Mill Creek. Take your time to savor the views of the running water. Keep following the path and on your right you'll gaze upon the waterwheel of Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park.
The mill was originally constructed in 1846 and later restored in the 1970s. The restoration was so meticulous that one docent informed me that each board taken off was photographed and numbered so a similar board could take its place. The docents offer guided tours of the mill that show you the milling process and, of course, how the giant waterwheel works.
Bring lunch and a bottle of wine to take advantage of the picnic benches adjacent to the mill. The spray from the waterwheel is a welcome relief from the Napa Valley heat. When you're properly cooled down and have regained your strength, head back the way you came and enjoy the view of the creek on the way out.
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