Georgia State Parks - Sweetwater Creek State Park

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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. A wooded 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 views of the beautiful shoals 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 -- it is the most environmentally responsible building in Georgia.

Park Hours: 7AM-10PM
Office Hours: 8AM-5PM
Trails close at dark; other areas close at dark if not in use.

Make a reservation . . .

1 Conference Room - Reserve

11 Picnic Shelters - Reserve

1 Group Shelter - Reserve

Events

New Manchester History Hike
Saturday, May 10, 2008 10 AM - 12 PM
Every week once a week
(Repeats Starting Saturday, Apr 5, 2008. Ending Saturday, Sep 27, 2008.)

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.

Geology Hike
Saturday, May 17, 2008 11 AM - 1 PM
(Ending Saturday, Jul 19, 2008. Skips days.)

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. $1-$2 plus $3 parking. 770-732-5876.

Green Building Tour
Sunday, May 18, 2008 2 PM - 3:30 PM
(Ending Saturday, Jul 5, 2008. Skips days.)

The park's Interpretive Center/Museum is one of the most environmentally friendly buildings anywhere. It is one of only 21 in the world to receive the highest LEED certification (Platinum) from the U.S. Green Building Council... $1-$2 plus $3 parking. 770-732-5876.

"Ruins to Rapids" Full Moon Hike
Monday, May 19, 2008 8 PM - 10 PM
(Ending Friday, Jul 18, 2008. Skips days.)

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 (suspended due to low water levels)
Picnicking
Ranger Programs

Nearby Attractions
Atlanta
Six Flags Over Georgia Theme Park
Historic Douglasville
John Tanner State Park - camping
Pickett's Mill Battlefield State Historic Site
Georgia's Treasures Along I-20

Friends of Sweetwater Creek Website Link

Driving Directions

Park Map

Photo Gallery

Weather Report

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.

View Close-Up Map

View Photo Gallery

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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