Reservations 800-864-7275
Park
770-732-5871
FACILITIES AVAILABLE for May 24-27:
Picnic Shelters / Group Shelter / Conference Room (Please contact park directly for Conference Room reservation 770-732-5871.)
(as of May 21, 2013)
 Sweetwater Creek State Park Business Plan
Sweetwater Creek State Park is a peaceful tract of wilderness only minutes from downtown Atlanta. A wooded trail follows the 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 rapids below. Additional trails wind through fields and forest, showcasing ferns, magnolias, wild azaleas and hardwoods. Park rangers lead informative hikes to these areas throughout the year.
The 215-acre George Sparks Reservoir is popular for fishing and provides a pretty setting for feeding ducks and picnicking. Fishing supplies are available in the adjacent bait shop. During warmer months, the park rents fishing boats, canoes, kayaks and pedal boats. Visitors can join the Park Paddler’s Club, which challenges them to explore waterways in six state parks. An award-winning Visitor Center -- one of the most environmentally responsible buildings in the country -- features exhibits on the area’s history, wildlife displays, trail maps, snacks and a gift shop. A window-lined meeting room can be rented for small gatherings.
Park Hours: 7AM-Sunset
Visitor Center/Office Hours: 9AM-5PM
$5 parking. Annual passes available.
GeorgiaStateParks.org/SweetwaterCreek
FACILITIES:
- 2,549 Acres
- 215-Acre Lake
- Visitor Center and Gift Shop
- Conference Room (seats 40, $105)
- 11 Picnic Shelters ($70)
- Group Shelter (seats 150, $150-$205) and BBQ Pit
- 2 Fishing Docks
- Bait Shop (seasonal)
THINGS TO DO & SEE:
- Hiking – 9 miles of trails, closed at dark, ranger-led educational hikes
- Lake and Stream Fishing – boat ramp, electric motors only
- Canoe and Kayak Rental (seasonal)
- Fishing Boat Rental (seasonal)
- Pedal Boat Rental (seasonal)
- Picnicking
- GeoCaching
- Ranger Programs
- Birding
- Playgrounds
- Weddings (park approval required)
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:
Become a "Friend" of Sweetwater Creek State Park
Visit our Trading Post Gift Shop!
While visiting the park, be sure stop in at our Trading Post gift shop. You'll find gifts, books, apparel, toys for children, and much more to please nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Open daily between 8AM to 5PM, located inside the Interpretive Center.
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View by date Events
Historic New Manchester History Hike
Saturday, Jun 1, 2013 11 AM to 12:30 PM
Saturday, Jun 8, 2013 11 AM to 12:30 PM
Saturday, Jun 15, 2013 11 AM to 12:30 PM
Saturday, Jun 22, 2013 11 AM to 12:30 PM
Saturday, Jun 29, 2013 11 AM to 12:30 PM
   This mile-long hike (easy to moderate) will lead 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 ruins and seeing the lovely whitewater rapids which provide great photo opportunities. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871. |
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Sweetwater Creek by Kayak
Monday, May 27, 2013 11 AM to 1 PM
Saturday, Jun 8, 2013 11 AM to 1 PM
Saturday, Jun 15, 2013 11 AM to 1 PM
Saturday, Jun 22, 2013 11 AM to 1 PM
Saturday, Jun 29, 2013 11 AM to 1 PM
| Join us for a beautiful two-hour paddle through a peaceful stretch of Sweetwater Creek in a tandem kayak. There is an optional short hike to view the mill ruins and whitewater rapids. This outing is for adults (18 yrs. and older) who can swim and those 12 yrs. to 17 yrs. with a parent. Kayak, PFD, and paddle included. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871. |
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Full Moon Paddle
Saturday, Jun 22, 2013 8 PM to 9:30 PM
| Join us for this ranger-led peaceful paddle on the Sparks Reservoir under the full moon. This program is offered to all adults who can swim. You have a choice of a tandem kayak or a canoe. Reservations are required. $15 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871. |
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Ranger-led Lake Paddle
Sunday, May 26, 2013 2 PM to 3:30 PM
Sunday, Jun 2, 2013 2 PM to 3:30 PM
Sunday, Jun 9, 2013 2 PM to 3:30 PM
Sunday, Jun 16, 2013 2 PM to 3:30 PM
Sunday, Jun 23, 2013 2 PM to 3:30 PM
| Join us for a ranger-led, peaceful outing on the lake and up Beaver Creek. This trip is for those 16 years or older who can swim or children 6 years or older who can swim and are accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Bait Shop. Registration in advance is necessary. $15 includes canoe or tandem kayak, PFD, and paddle. $5 parking. 770-732-5871. |
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Twilight Lake Paddle
Monday, May 27, 2013 7 PM to 8:30 PM
Friday, May 31, 2013 7 PM to 8:30 PM
Saturday, Jun 1, 2013 7 PM to 8:30 PM
Friday, Jun 7, 2013 7 PM to 8:30 PM
Saturday, Jun 8, 2013 7 PM to 8:30 PM
Friday, Jun 14, 2013 7 PM to 8:30 PM
Saturday, Jun 15, 2013 7 PM to 8:30 PM
Friday, Jun 21, 2013 7 PM to 8:30 PM
Friday, Jun 28, 2013 7 PM to 8:30 PM
Saturday, Jun 29, 2013 7 PM to 8:30 PM
| Join us for a peaceful, ranger-led outing as we watch for wading birds and enjoy the setting sun. This program is open to adults and children 6 years or older who are accompanied by an adult. You may choose a canoe or kayak for this trip. Reservations required. $15 includes gear. $5 parking. 770-732-5871. |
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For Women By Women: Introduction to Kayaking
Wednesday, May 29, 2013 7 PM to 8:30 PM
Sunday, Jun 2, 2013 10:30 AM to 12 PM
Sunday, Jun 23, 2013 10:30 AM to 12 PM
| Join us for an introduction to kayaking on beautiful Sparks Reservoir. This program is for girls and women 12 years and older who are able to swim and are new to kayaking. Reservations are necessary. Meet at the Bait Shop. $15 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871. |
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National Trails Day - with REI, Georgia Conservancy, and Friends of Ga State Parks
Saturday, Jun 1, 2013 8:30 AM to 1 PM
June 1st is National Trails Day. Come volunteer from 8:30-1pm with Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites, Friends of Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites & REI Atlanta Market. Projects are available for the whole family!!!
*Lunch and t-shirts provided for those registered*
Register at website linked below. 770-901-9200. |
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Atlanta REI-National Trails Day Workday
Saturday, Jun 1, 2013 8:30 AM to 1 PM
| Join us in beautifying the trails of lovely Sweetwater Creek State Park as we cut limbs, dig in the dirt, and spread mulch. All ages and abilities are welcome. Registered participants will receive a wicking REI Volunteer t-shirt as well as a coupon. A small lunch will be provided after the project. Volunteers should bring water, work gloves, and wear long pants and closed toed shoes. $5 parking. 770-732-5871. |
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Junior Ranger Camp
Tuesday, Jun 4, 2013 until Thursday, Jun 6, 2013 9 AM to 5 PM
Tuesday, Jun 18, 2013 to Thursday, Jun 20, 2013 9 AM to 5 PM
| Children 6 yrs. to 12 yrs. are invited to join us for this three-day camp (9am-5pm, Tue, Wed, & Thur) as they work to earn their Junior Ranger badges. The days will be filled with Junior Ranger book activities, boating, learning about wilderness survival, nature-oriented arts and crafts, bird watching, nature and history hikes, and games. $80 includes Junior Ranger book and badge. 770-732-5871. |
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Art in the Park
Friday, Jun 7, 2013 1 PM to 3 PM
Friday, Jun 21, 2013 1 AM to 3 PM
| Bring your canvas and paint, clay, camera, or oil pastels for exclusive access to the interior of the five-story New Manchester Mill. Create your own artwork while you enjoy beautiful views of the Sweetwater Creek rapids alongside the dramatic mill ruins as spring blossoms in the park. Reservations required. plus $10. $5 parking. 770-732-5871. |
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Sweetwater Creek Canoe Cleanup
Sunday, Jun 9, 2013 11 AM to 1 PM
| Join us in beautifying Sweetwater Creek as we pick up trash from the water by canoe and along the banks. Pre-registration is required. Meet at the Visitor's Center. $5 parking. 770-732-5871. |
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"Wednesday Night Mid-Week Wind Down" Paddle
Wednesday, Jun 12, 2013 7 PM to 8:30 PM
| Join us for a peaceful paddle on the beautiful George H. Sparks Reservoir as the sun sets and we refresh ourselves in preparation for the end of the work week. You may choose a canoe or kayak for this program. Open to anyone 16 or older and children 6 or over accompanied by an adult. Register in advance. $15 includes boat, PFD, and paddle. $5 parking. 770-732-5871. |
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Geology Hike
Saturday, Jun 22, 2013 9 AM to 11 AM
| Geologist and "Friends of Sweetwater Creek State Park" member John Johnston will lead a moderate 2-mile hike identifying rock types and explaining how they formed. There will also be a visit inside the ruins of the Civil War era New Manchester Mill alongside the beautiful rapids of Sweetwater Creek. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871. |
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