The History Trail is a 1.2 mile hike to the Bale Grist Mill.  It starts by the Mill at the Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park and provides a connection to Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. The trail passes the remains of the pond and ditches that brought water from Mill Creek to power the mill’s overshot waterwheel.

 The trail passes through a riparian corridor along Mill Creek, passes through clearing filled with chaparral shrubs, then moves into a dense forest. The trail parallels Highway 29 along a ridge. The trail then descends into a pioneer cemetery. Nearby is the site of the first church in Napa County, built in 1853. It was named after Reverend Asa White, who gave sermons on this site.  

Note: There is an additional fee of $5.00 per adult/ $2.00 per child to enjoy the mill grounds and take a tour of the mill. On weekends you can watch grain being milled with the historic stones powered by the 36 ½ foot wooden water wheel.