Thompson Mills Forest - Georgia State Arboretum

Georgia, United States

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Thompson Mills Forest, located near Braselton, Georgia, is a 330-acre research forest and the official State Arboretum of Georgia, managed by the University of Georgia. It was deeded to the university in 1980 by Lenox T. Thornton for teaching, research, and public education about native and exotic trees.

The forest originally featured a diverse late-secondary Piedmont oak-hickory ecosystem harboring about 80 native species, which has since expanded to include over 100 additional species, now representing around 90% of Georgia's native trees. Key features include a large pinetum with more than 100 conifer species, the seven-acre Eva Thompson Thornton Memorial Garden with ornamental trees from around the world, miles of walking trails, and a notable granite outcrop.

The arboretum offers visitors a peaceful environment to explore Georgia’s tree diversity and learn about forest ecology through self-guided walks and educational signage.