Adams Mill Dams (Manchester, CT)

Abandoned Adams Mill Dams – Hidden Industrial Ruins in Manchester, Connecticut

Hidden behind Elicit Brewing Company in Manchester, Connecticut, the abandoned Adams Mill Dams offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s industrial past. Once part of a thriving paper mill that produced some of the finest paper in the world, these crumbling dams and ruins now lie tucked away in the woods — a perfect destination for history lovers and urban explorers alike.

The Legacy of Adams Mill

In the 19th century, the Hockanum River powered dozens of mills that helped fuel Connecticut’s industrial growth. One of the most successful of these was the Adams Mill, established by Peter C. Adams, who purchased the site in 1863.

Under Adams’ leadership, the mill flourished. By 1880, he had constructed the impressive brick building that still stands today — now home to Elicit Brewing Company and Beer Garden. Adams’ paper gained international fame, used in the 1879 Paris World’s Fair catalogue and even chosen by Mark Twain for several of his works.

To sustain production, a network of dams, dikes, and tunnels was built along the Hockanum River to regulate the flow of water and power the mill’s machinery. But nature proved unpredictable — a catastrophic flood in 1869 destroyed most of the river’s dams, leaving only a few survivors. The Adams Mill rebuilt and continued to thrive for several decades, until the decline of the paper industry in the early 20th century led to its eventual closure.

From Industry to Abandonment

By the late 1900s, the once-bustling mill complex fell into disuse. Parts of the property were repurposed — first as the Adams Mill Restaurant, a local landmark for decades, and later as Elicit Brewing Company, which opened in 2019 and carefully preserved the historic mill structure.

Yet beyond the brewery lies another world entirely — a quiet, overgrown stretch of river where the abandoned mill dams still stand.

Exploring the Adams Mill Dams

The Adams Mill Trailhead, located just behind the brewery parking lot, serves as the gateway to these forgotten ruins. The short Adams Mill Trail runs parallel to the Hockanum River and reveals three separate dams, each with its own distinct character and history.

Along the way, explorers can spot:

• 🌊 Abandoned stone and concrete dams, now blanketed in moss and vines
• 🏚 Collapsed water channels and iron pipes once used to control flow
• ⚙️ Old mill structures, tunnels, and the remains of a small brick wheelhouse
• 🌾 Wild vegetation and quiet river views, where nature has reclaimed industry

One of the most striking remnants is the massive abandoned dam building, hidden among the trees. Inside, explorers can still see steel bars over windows, brickwork, and rusted ladders connecting multiple levels. Beneath it, a network of sandstone tunnels once carried water and power — and they remain surprisingly intact even after more than a century.

⚠️ Note: While there are no posted “No Trespassing” signs at the time of writing, visitors should exercise extreme caution when exploring. Old industrial structures can be unstable, and debris or uneven footing can pose risks.

Adams Mill’s Role in Paper History

At its height, Adams Mill was renowned for producing fine writing and printing paper of exceptional quality. Its paper was used internationally and symbolized New England’s manufacturing excellence during the Industrial Revolution.

But like many mills of its era, the operation eventually succumbed to financial pressures, modernization, and environmental challenges. By the mid-1900s, only remnants remained — and those ruins now serve as a poignant reminder of a time when water and ingenuity powered entire communities.

Visiting the Ruins Today

• 📍 Address: Adams Street, Manchester, Connecticut
• 🌐 GPS Coordinates: 41.789083, -72.548833
• 🅿️ Parking: Free parking available at the northernmost lot of Elicit Brewing Company, directly beside the Adams Mill Trailhead
• 🚶‍♂️ Trail Access: The trail begins behind the brewery and loops along the river past the dams
• 🕰 Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk
• ⚠️ Safety Tip: Use caution around unstable areas and avoid entering enclosed structures

Quick Facts

• 🏗 Built: Mid-1800s (expanded in 1880)
• 🏭 Founder: Peter C. Adams
• 📜 Famous For: Producing paper used at the 1879 Paris World’s Fair and by Mark Twain
• 🌊 Power Source: Hockanum River and network of dams
• 🔥 Damaged By Flood: 1869
• 🧱 Current Site Use: Elicit Brewing Company & public trail
• 🚶‍♀️ Public Access: Via Adams Mill Trail behind brewery
• 🏚 Key Features: Three abandoned dams, tunnels, and remnants of the wheelhouse

Final Thoughts

The Adams Mill Dams offer a rare blend of history, beauty, and adventure. Just steps from one of Connecticut’s most popular breweries, the site bridges the past and present — where the hum of industry has given way to the sound of rushing water and rustling leaves. Whether you come to explore the ruins, walk the peaceful trail, or enjoy a beer in the historic mill itself, this spot in Manchester, Connecticut captures the enduring spirit of New England’s industrial heritage.