Cooper Gristmill

A working 1826 water-powered gristmill in Chester.

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The Cooper Gristmill is a fully operational water-powered gristmill built by Nathan Cooper in 1826 along the Black River in Chester. The Morris County Park Commission restored it to working order and runs flour-grinding demonstrations on summer weekends. The 16-foot overshot waterwheel, milled gears, and wooden hoppers all work as designed.

The mill is the centerpiece of the broader Black River Park, which includes:

  • The Cooper Mill site with the mill, the miller’s house, and interpretive exhibits;
  • Kay Environmental Center, a Morris County Park Commission education center nearby on Pottersville Road, with bird and pollinator demonstrations;
  • The Black River Trail, a 3.5-mile loop following the river through hemlock forest, mountain laurel, and the Hacklebarney State Park boundary.

The mill is a seasonal operation (mid-June through Labor Day, Saturdays and Sundays only). The trail and grounds are open year-round during daylight hours.

About 30 minutes west of Morristown via Route 24. Worth pairing with a stop at the nearby Chester downtown shopping district or Hacklebarney State Park for a half-day trip.