Field Trips - Sweetwater Creek State Park | Department Of Natural Resources Division

Ranger-Led Programs

To schedule a ranger-led field trip, please fill out and submit a Field Trip Contract and Request Form. For more information call 770.732.5871.

Civil War History, Grades 2-12

Take a tour of the inside of New Manchester Mill Ruins, burnt down in 1864 during Sherman’s March to the Sea and learn about the forced relocation of over 200 women and children. Students will explore the museum and participate in a scavenger hunt to understand how people lived in the past.

Program length: (2 hours)
Program cost: ($5)
GPS: SSMGS7, SSMGS10, SSIPS6,SSIPS11, S4P3, S8P2

Earth Science, Grades 4-12

Students will partake in an ecology hike, during which they’ll put together the story of how what they’re seeing came to form by answering the following question how do geology, waterway systems, and human behavior all fit together to affect our biodiversity Students will have lab time looking at soil samples under the microscope and making observations about what they see. Can students predict where these samples came from around the park based on their observations?

Program length: (2 hours)
Program cost: ($7)
GPS: SSMGS1, SSMGS2, SSMGS7,SSMGS8, SSIPS1, SSIPS11, 2.GSR.7, SKE2, SKP1,S3E1, S3L1, S3L2, S5E1, S6E6, S7L1,SEV1, SES3, SES1

Geology, Grades K-12

Students will hike to see different types of rocks and formations in Sweetwater Creek State Park. Students will participate in Rock Cycle game, geology matching game, and an erosion game.

Program length: (2 hours)
Program cost: ($5)
GPS: SSMGS7, SSMGS8, SSIPS1, SKE2, SKP1, S2P2, S3E1, S5E1

Introduction to Nature, Grades K-12

Students will participate in a guided nature hike teaching basic plant and animal identification, students will learn map reading and how to use a compass. They will see and feel animal furs and see tracks from wildlife in the park. The program includes a short ranger-led hike on our nature trail and a migration game.

Program length: (2 hours)
Program cost: ($5)
GPS: SSMGS8, SSIPS1, 2.GSR.7.2, SKE2, SKP1,S1L1, S3E1,S3L1, S5L1, S6E6, S7L1, SBO1, SEV1, SES1

Waterway Systems, Grades 4-12

Explore life in the waters of Sweetwater Creek. Students will observe two key waterway systems, conduct a small macro-invertebrate observation and learn what critters call the creek home. Students will learn about the role of dissolved oxygen, Ph, and turbidity on waterway systems and participate in a hands-on stem activity.

Program length: (2 hours)
Program cost: ($7)
GPS: SSIPS1, SSIPS3,SKE2, SKP1, S1L1, S2P2, S3L1, S3L2, S4P1, S4P3, S5E1, S5P1, S6E6 S7L1, SEV1, SES1

Native American History, Grades 2-12

Students will engage in museum exploration learning about our Native American artifacts, how each would have been used, and what it means for art and culture.

Students will take a small plant identification hike and learn about the historic uses of those plants and the legacy of indigenous people and land stewardship.

Program length: (2 hours)
Program cost: ($5)
GPS: SSIPS1, SSIPS10, SSIPS11, 2.GSR.7.2

Ranger-Led FAQ:

Q: What comes included with the program cost?
A: Scavenger hunts and fact sheets are provided to all students, picnic tables under the museum porch available for lunch/snack, access to the programming room.

Q: Do you offer a discount to Title 1 schools?
A: No

Q: How do these programs relate to what I am teaching?
A: Each of these programs were designed to align specifically around the grade-specific standards outlined by Georgia’s Standards of Excellence.

Q: Is there a cost or limit for chaperones?
A:There is no limit for the number of chaperones that can come on a ranger-led program. Any chaperone who drives a personal vehicle must have a ParkPass tag displayed in their vehicle. The cost for a ParkPass is $10 per vehicle. Chaperones have an additional $5 fee for attendance.

Q: How early in advance do I need to book our program?
A: We require at least a two-week notice to book any ranger-led programs. In order to book your ranger-led program either call the Visitor Center at 770 732 2613 or email adrian.fox@dnr.ga.gov.

Ranger-Led Additional Information

All minors must be accompanied by a legal adult.
No minors may be left unattended.

Outreach Programs

If you can’t make the trip to the park, we will bring a little piece of the park to you. Outreach programs can be scheduled within a 20-mile radius of the park. The cost is $150.00 per program for a group. Programs are 60 minutes in length. The following outreach programs are available. Please either call 770-732-2613 or email adrian.fox@dnr.ga.gov for more information or to schedule an outreach program.

Introductions to the Georgia Piedmonts, Grades K-12

Students will see various animal pelts and skulls, see geologic samples of the Piedmonts,receive coloring pages of unique plants to the piedmonts and meet our ambassador animals. This program is a small sampler of what makes the Georgia Piedmonts unique.

Self-Guided Explorations

Educators and group leaders have the opportunity to experience Sweetwater Creek State Park on a self-guided basis. The red trail is the most popular, as it goes by the rapids and the historic mill ruins. A parking fee is required for all vehicles.