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     Sweetwater Creek State Park

Reservations (800) 864-7275
Park (770) 732-5871

Sweetwater Creek is a peaceful tract of wilderness only minutes from bustling downtown Atlanta. The most popular trail (red) 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 views of the beautiful mile-long stretch of white-water rapids below. The 215-acre George Sparks Reservoir is popular with anglers and provides a pretty setting for feeding ducks and canoeing. Fishing supplies are available in the park's bait shop, while wildlife and history displays, trail maps, snacks and gift items may be found in the Visitor Center -- the most environmentally responsible building in Georgia (LEED-NC PLATINUM).

Park Hours: 7AM-10PM
Office Hours: 8AM-5PM
Trails close at dark; other areas close at dark if not in use.
  • Sweetwater Creek School Program Brochure (pdf document)

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      Make a reservation . . .
    		  

    Events
    Get Outdoors Georgia New Manchester History Hike
    Saturdays 1 PM - 3 PM until Mar 28, 2009 
    This mile-long hike (easy to moderate) will lead us to the ruins of the Civil War-era New Manchester textile mill and focus on the history of the Sweetwater Creek valley...  $1-$2 plus $3 parking. 770-732-5871.
    Green Building Tour
    Sunday, Nov 23, 2008 2 PM - 3:30 PM
    Handicapped AccessibleThe park's visitor center is one of the most environmentally friendly buildings anywhere. It has received the highest LEED certification (platinum) from the U.S. Green Building Council. Learn about sustainability, green buildings and what makes this one so special.  $1-$2 plus $3 parking. 770-732-5876.
    Get Outdoors Georgia Backcountry Geology Hike
    Sunday, Dec 7, 2008 1 PM - 4 PM
    Geologist and Friends member John Johnston will lead a moderate three-mile hike identifying rock types and explaining how they formed. Explore the beautiful Jack's Branch area and the seldom visited rock quarry of New Manchester. Meet in the Interpretive Center.  $1-$2 plus $3 parking. 770-732-5871.
    Get Outdoors Georgia "Ruins to Rapids" Full Moon Hike
    Friday, Dec 12, 2008 7 PM - 9 PM
    This 1.5-mile guided hike is moderately difficult and visits the Civil War-era textile mill ruins of New Manchester and follows the lovely rapids (up to class IV) of Sweetwater Creek. The hike will continue if it is overcast but will be cancelled if raining. Bring a flashlight and sturdy shoes...  $1-$2 plus $3 parking. 770-732-5876.
    FACILITIES:
  • 2,549 Acres
  • 215-Acre Lake
  • Visitor Center and Gift Shop
  • Conference Room (seats 40, $100)
  • 11 Picnic Shelters ($60)
  • Group Shelter and BBQ Pit (seats 150, $115-$175)
  • 2 Fishing Docks
  • Playgrounds

    ACTIVITIES:
  • Hiking - 9 miles of trails
  • Lake and stream fishing-electric motors only ($2 boat ramp fee)
  • Canoe (seasonal) and Fishing Boat Rental
  • Picnicking
  • Ranger Programs

    NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:
  • Carrollton, Georgia
  • Georgia's Treasures Along I-20
  • Sandy Springs, Georgia
  • John Tanner State Park (camping)
  • Pickett's Mill Battlefield State Historic Site
  • Atlanta, Georgia
  • Historic Douglasville, Georgia
  • Six Flags Over Georgia Theme Park

    OTHER:
  • Brown's Guides

    Become a "Friend" of Sweetwater Creek State Park

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      Address/Directions
    Sweetwater Creek State Park
    1750 Mt. Vernon Road
    Lithia Springs , GA 30122

    Mailing Address
    P. O. Box 816
    Lithia Springs, GA 30122

     Take I-20 west from Atlanta, exit #44 at Thornton Road, turn left and go 1/4 mile. Turn right on Blairs Bridge Road, go 2 miles and turn left on Mount Vernon Road.

    		 
     
    Make reservations using the options above or call 1-800-864-7275 (Monday-Friday, 8AM-8PM; Saturday-Sunday, 9AM-5PM EST).
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