Park Paddlers
Pick up your paddle to see Georgia's rivers, mill ponds, lakes and even the celebrated Okefenokee Swamp. Join the Park Paddlers Club and go 22 miles through six state parks.
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Sweetwater Creek State Park
Need a quick getaway from the city? Sweetwater Creek is a peaceful tract of wilderness only minutes from downtown Atlanta. A wooded hiking trail follows the free-flowing stream to the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company, a textile mill burned during the Civil War. Beyond the mill, the trail climbs rocky bluffs to provide great exercise and excellent views of the beautiful shoals below. The George Sparks Reservoir is popular with anglers and canoeing enthusiasts.
Activities at Sweetwater Creek State Park
Hiking
Boating
Fishing
Picnicking
Playgrounds
Boating
Fishing
Picnicking
Playgrounds
Hiking
RED (HISTORY) TRAIL
1 mile one way. Blazed red. Rated easy to difficult.
The Red Trail is the most frequently used trail in the park because it's the shortest trail to the mill ruins and best showcases the beauty of the creek valley.
BLUE (NATURE OR NON-GAME WILDLIFE) TRAIL
2 miles one way. Blazed blue. Rated moderate to difficult. A steep climb down to the falls deck.
The Blue Trail is a quieter alternative to the Red Trail and allows hikers to return to the trailhead via a loop instead of backtracking.
WHITE (NON-GAME WILDLIFE) TRAIL
3 miles one way. Blazed white. Rated moderate to difficult.
The White Trail passes through some of the most remote areas of the park west of Sweetwater Creek. It connects to the end of the Red and Blue trails following the rapids as they continue down the creek.
YELLOW (EAST SIDE) TRAIL
3-mile loop. Blazed yellow. Rated moderate to difficult.
The Yellow Trail is accessed by entering the Red Trail at the bottom corner of the parking area and then turning left after approximately 150 feet. This trail passes through some of the most beautiful hardwood forests in the park and has an elevation gain of approximately 350 feet.
Click here for more information about the trails at Sweetwater Creek.
Sweetwater has 9 miles of unique trails. Don't miss the ruins!
RED (HISTORY) TRAIL
1 mile one way. Blazed red. Rated easy to difficult.
The Red Trail is the most frequently used trail in the park because it's the shortest trail to the mill ruins and best showcases the beauty of the creek valley.
BLUE (NATURE OR NON-GAME WILDLIFE) TRAIL
2 miles one way. Blazed blue. Rated moderate to difficult. A steep climb down to the falls deck.
The Blue Trail is a quieter alternative to the Red Trail and allows hikers to return to the trailhead via a loop instead of backtracking.
WHITE (NON-GAME WILDLIFE) TRAIL
3 miles one way. Blazed white. Rated moderate to difficult.
The White Trail passes through some of the most remote areas of the park west of Sweetwater Creek. It connects to the end of the Red and Blue trails following the rapids as they continue down the creek.
YELLOW (EAST SIDE) TRAIL
3-mile loop. Blazed yellow. Rated moderate to difficult.
The Yellow Trail is accessed by entering the Red Trail at the bottom corner of the parking area and then turning left after approximately 150 feet. This trail passes through some of the most beautiful hardwood forests in the park and has an elevation gain of approximately 350 feet.
Click here for more information about the trails at Sweetwater Creek.
Boating
Canoe rentals are seasonal, but fishing boats are available year round. Electric motors only on this lake.
Fishing
This awesome park has 2 fishing docks on a 215-acre lake. Fishing supplies are available in the park's bait shop. Lake and stream fishing-electric motors only (fee).
For rates visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/SweetwaterCreek
Picnicking
Check out these clean and affordable picnic options:
- 11 Picnic Shelters
- Group Shelter and BBQ Pit (seats 150)
Playgrounds
Playgrounds are available at this exciting park.
Contact Sweetwater Creek State Park
Main Contact
Park (770) 732-5871
Reservations (800) 864-7275
Reservations (800) 864-7275
Hours of Operation
Park Hours
7 AM - 10 PM Trails close at dark; other areas close at dark if not in use.
Office Hours
8 AM - 5 PM
Events at Sweetwater Creek State Park
New Manchester History HikeSweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs, GA
Saturdays until Sep 25, 2010 / 10 AM - 12 PM
This mile-long hike (easy to moderate) will lead us to the five story ruins of the Civil War-era New Manchester textile mill and focus on the history of the Sweetwater Creek Valley. This Historian or Ranger-led hike will include going inside the impressive mill ruins and seeing the lovely whitewater rapids (both providing great photo opportunities). $3-$4 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
Facilities at Sweetwater Creek State Park
For rates visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/SweetwaterCreek
- 2,549 Acres
- 215-Acre Lake
- Visitor Center and Gift Shop
- Conference Room (seats 40)
- 11 Picnic Shelters
- Group Shelter and BBQ Pit (seats 150)
- 2 Fishing Docks
- Playgrounds
Clubs at Sweetwater Creek State Park
Programs at Sweetwater Creek State Park
Junior Ranger Gopher Badge
A new GO Georgia badge has been added to the successful Junior Ranger Program. Kids ages 7 - 14 choose from a list of activities to earn their Gopher badge. The younger ones, ages 7 - 10 must complete 5 activities while those in the older group, ages 11 - 14 must work toward completing 8 activities.
GO-for Junior Ranger Gopher Badge >>
A new GO Georgia badge has been added to the successful Junior Ranger Program. Kids ages 7 - 14 choose from a list of activities to earn their Gopher badge. The younger ones, ages 7 - 10 must complete 5 activities while those in the older group, ages 11 - 14 must work toward completing 8 activities.
GO-for Junior Ranger Gopher Badge >>
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