Gena Koelker / CorrespondentRunning Tiger Creek flows under Sciples Mill, an historic grist mill in Kemper County. 

Writer/scientist Erol Ozan once said, “Some beautiful paths can’t be discovered without getting lost.”

This Sunday, it’s worth a drive to get a little lost in Kemper County.

Way out on a county road, after passing pastures of the greenest green, there’s a sign that points the way to Sciple’s Mill. 

After driving down the long, narrow Sciples Mill Road, where woods enclose you on both sides, a grist mill finally appears. It’s not something most people would expect to

It’s not something most people would expect to see sitting in a valley off the side of the road in Kemper County, Mississippi.

After parking and walking toward the mill, one can hear the sound of the Running Tiger Creek rushing over rocks and birds calling to one another. The past seems to enfold you with each step that you take closer to the mill. 

The mill, which was built in 1790, has been in operation almost continuously, changing very little since the day it opened.

Open most weekdays and on Saturday, there is still plenty to explore on a Sunday. On the side of the mill, there are business cards that have been left hanging from every type of person or business; some have obviously been there a very long time, serving as a testament to visitors. A guest book sitting on a table underneath is filled with signatures from travelers.

Right behind the guest book sits an open box filled with stone-ground whole-wheat flour, fish fry mix, grits, and meal, all ground at the mill.  There’s also another container – an honor box – where you leave your money after deciding what you wish to buy. in for whatever you decide to buy. 

After you making your purchase, there’s still more to explore.  Around the back of the mill, there’s a wood platform that spans the the creek. Its boards are old, and have carried many a visitor over the creek’s waters. 

Out behind the mill, there’s a grove of bamboo trees with a path cut in it. Along the path rest pieces of rusted mill parts that seem to be just thrown here or there, like a giant kid that got tired of his toys and just left them where they lay.

As you take your Sunday Drive to Sciple’s Mill you’ll get a glimpse at how things were made in 1790 as well as today. It’s a peaceful place to stop and enjoy a day, the ideal place to get a little lost and to get a little off the beaten track.

The mill stands as a testament to what man can do if he sets his mind to it; it also shows us some things do last.

Correspondent Gena Koelker writes Sunday Drives, which features day trips to locations in Mississippi and Alabama, for The Meridian Star. Submit ideas for drives to editor@themeridianstar.com.

If you go

From Meridian take Highway 45 North toward Macon; turn left onto Townsend Road; turn left onto Hwy 16 E;  turn right onto Hwy 39 N; turn left onto Kellis Store Road; turn right onto Sciples Mill Road.