The Historic Pipe Creek Falls

Pipe Creek Falls has been a scenic attraction for many years -- with photo evidence of picnickers on the rocks of the falls as early as the 1870s. The original grist mill stood on the property from 1854 - 1907. In 1914, a new owner rebuilt the mill and it operated as a cider and gristmill until the 1930s.

After the mill ceased operation, the building was turned into a restaurant. The kitchen was in the basement, and a dumbwaiter carried meals up to the main floor dining room. Illegal gambling was rumored to take place on the upper floors. The restaurant stayed in business until 1980.

One of the most important features of Pipe Creek Falls was the swimming area. When the property was renovated in 1906, a timber dam kept back the water for the swimming hole. Additional facilities such as a bath house, carousel, and generator shed were built. The bath house featured numbered baskets for clothing and valuables of the swimmers. A concession stand operated in part of the building.

Photos from the 1920's show dozens of people riding the carousel, picnicking and swimming. In 1938, the dam was destroyed by ice. Although the dam was rebuilt, the popularity of the swimming area waned after that.

Camping at Pipe Creek was at the height of its popularity in the 1930s and 1940s. In the 1980s, the new owners put in four mobile homes for summer visitors to rent.

From 1980-1996, Pipe Creek Falls was purchased by a new owner and operated as a campground/resort.

In 1996, Thomas and Chanda Malott purchased Pipe Creek Falls and renovated the mill into their private residence. They raised three daughters in their home and maintain the dam continually.

While recreation at Pipe Creek Falls is closed to the public, its scenic views can be enjoyed by all. (Source: National Register of Historic Places, 1995)