Explore with us... Wooded trails that follow the free-flowing stream to the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company. Beyond the mill, the trail climbs rocky bluffs to provide views of the beautiful shoals below. Discover hundreds of species of wildflowers, mosses and ferns or watch a deer leap through the bushes and out of sight. It's all part of the wonder that we know as Sweetwater Creek State Park.

The 215-acre George Sparks Reservoir is popular with anglers and provides a pretty setting for feeding ducks and canoeing. Fishing supplies and snacks are available in the park’s bait shop, while maps and park information may be found in the new Interpretive Center.

                                                
"New Manchester History Hikes"
Saturdays 1 PM - 3 PM until Mar 31, 2012

These mile-long hikes (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). Meet at the Visitor Center. For more information please call 770-732-5871. $4 plus $5 parking.


"Introduction to Wildlife Painting"
Saturday, Jan 28, 2012 3 PM to 5 PM

This classroom program held at the interpretive center will give participants a chance to render paintings of mounted animals and birds. Students will see accurate proportions and be able to look at real feathers and fur. Acrylic paint, paper and brushes will be supplied. Register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.


"Candle Light Hike to the Mill"
Saturday, Jan 28, 2012 7 PM to 9 PM
Saturday, Feb 18, 2012 7 PM to 9 PM
Saturday, Mar 24, 2012 7 PM to 9 PM
Saturday, Apr 28, 2012 8 PM to 10 PM
Saturday, May 19, 2012 8 PM to 10 PM
Saturday, Sep 22, 2012 8 PM to 10 PM
Saturday, Oct 20, 2012 7 PM to 9 PM
Saturday, Nov 17, 2012 7 PM to 9 PM
Saturday, Dec 15, 2012 7 PM to 9 PM

This mile-long guided night hike is easy to moderately difficult and goes inside the Civil War era textile mill ruins of New Manchester. Candle lanterns will be provided. No children under 6 years or dogs permitted. Space is limited and is on a first-come first-serve basis... $5 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.


"Chattahoochee Riverside Hike"
Sunday, Jan 29, 2012 1 PM to 4 PM
Sunday, Feb 19, 2012 1 PM to 4 PM

This moderate three-mile hike will take us mostly alongside the Chattahoochee River inside the park. Explore beautiful and seldom-visited areas. Meet at the Interpretive Center where we will carpool 10 minutes to the trailhead. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.


"Southside Backcountry Hike"
Sunday, Feb 5, 2012 1 PM to 4 PM

Join a park ranger and/or local historian on a rugged, mostly off-trail, strenuous hike to beautiful and rarely visited areas on the southside of the park. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.


"Ruins to Rapids" Full Moon Hike"
Friday, Feb 10, 2012 7 PM to 9 PM
Friday, Mar 9, 2012 7 PM to 9 PM
 
This 1.5-mile hike is moderately difficult and goes inside the Civil War-era textile mill ruins of New Manchester and follows the lovely rapids (up to class IV) of Sweetwater Creek. A flashlight and sturdy shoes are required. No children under 6 or dogs. Meet inside the Visitor Center... $6 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.


"Wagging Trails Dog Hike"
Sunday, Feb 12, 2012 2 PM to 4:30 PM

Bring your four-legged companion and join a ranger on this beautiful three-mile hike. Dogs must be leashed at all times. We'll explore beautiful and seldom-visited areas of the park. This hike is rated moderate/difficult. Please register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.


"Atlanta Audubon Society Intro to Bird watching Hike"
Saturday, Feb 18, 2012 8 AM to 10 AM

This field trip is designed for anyone interested in learning more about birds, the important habitats critical to some species, and organizations like the Audubon Society which are dedicated to bird conservation. Meet at the park's Interpretive Center. $5 parking. 770-732-5871.



"Green Building Tour"
Saturday, Feb 18, 2012 11 AM to 12:30 PM

The Park's Visitor Center/Museum 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. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5876.


"Vanishing Habitat"
Sunday, Feb 19, 2012 2 PM to 4 PM

This ranger-led hike will take visitors to a seldom-seen area where a trace of the globally imperiled Mountain Longleaf Pine habitat has survived. We will discuss trees that share this habitat, plans to restore habitat, and take in some beautiful vistas from the ridge tops of this incredible area... $5 parking. 770-732-5871.


"Forest Management - From Fire, to Beetles, to You"
Saturday, Feb 25, 2012 2 PM to 4 PM

What does it take to manage a healthy forest? Join Forester Seth Weatherford as he leads this 2-mile hike on the White Trail and discusses timber management, tree diseases, insects, and the use of fire and timber thinning to benefit forest health. Meet at the Interpretive Center. $5 parking. 770-732-5871.


"Night Sounds Hike"
Saturday, Feb 25, 2012 6 PM to 8 PM

This ranger-led hike will focus on being out at night and listening to owls, insects, frogs, and other "creatures of the night". $5 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.


"Backcountry Geology Hike"
Sunday, Feb 26, 2012 1 PM to 4 PM
Sunday, Mar 18, 2012 1 PM to 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. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.


"Moth Party"
Friday, Mar 23, 2012 7:30 PM to 10 PM

One of the little known joys of studying natural history is setting up a blacklight and watching for moths after dark. The event will begin with a talk about identification guides, maps, graphs and other tools. Afterward, photograph moths and remain late into the evening as more moths come in... $5 parking. 770-732-5871.







Park Hours: (7:00am - 10:00pm)
Office Hours: (8:00am - 5:00pm)
Trails close at dark; other areas close at dark if not in use.

FACILITIES:
2,549 Acres
215-Acre Lake
Visitor Center and Gift Shop
Meeting room (seats 40, $100)
11 Picnic Shelters ($65)
Group Shelter and BBQ Pit (seats 150, $200)
2 Fishing Docks
Playgrounds
 
ACTIVITIES:
Hiking - 9 miles of trails
Lake and stream fishing - electric motors only
Canoe (seasonal) and Fishing Boat Rental
Picnicking
Ranger Programs


Note: For Forms & applications see: Applications & Forms