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.

                                                
"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.

"New Manchester History Hikes"
Saturdays 1 PM - 3 PM until Mar 31, 2012
Saturdays 3 PM - 5 PM until Mar 31, 2012
Sunday, Mar 25, 2012 2 PM to 4 PM
Saturdays 10 AM - 12 PM until Apr 28, 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. $5 plus $5 parking.

"Twilight Paddle"
Saturday, Mar 24, 2012 7 PM to 8:30 PM
Friday, Mar 30, 2012 7 PM to 8:30 PM
Saturday, Apr 7, 2012 7 PM to 8:30 PM
Friday, Apr 13, 2012 7 PM to 8:30 PM
Friday, Apr 20, 2012 7 PM to 8:30 PM
Friday, Apr 27, 2012 7 PM to 8:30 PM

Join us for a ranger-led, peaceful outing on the lake at sunset. This trip is for adults (18 and older) who can swim and have some experience canoeing or kayaking. $15 includes canoe or kayak, paddle and PFD. $5 parking 770-732-5871.

"Candlelight Hike to the Mill"
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.

"Ruins to Rapids" Full Moon Hike
Friday, Apr 6, 2012 8 PM to 10 PM
Saturday, May 5, 2012 8 PM to 10 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.

"6th Annual SweetH2O 50K Race"
Saturday, Apr 21, 2012 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM

This annual 50 kilometer (31 mile) race offers winding, moderately difficult trails and several creek crossings following the lovely rapids of Sweetwater Creek and venturing past the five-story Civil War era textile ruins of New Manchester $50 plus $5 parking.
404-587-9628.
"Green Building Tour"
 Saturday, Apr 21, 2012 10:30 AM to 12 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.

"Earth Day Cleanup"
Sunday, Apr 22, 2012 1 PM to 4 PM

Join us for a cleanup of the park on this 42nd annual Earth Day celebration.
770-732-5871.

 "Sweetwater Factory Days"
Saturday, Apr 28, 2012 10 AM to 5 PM

SWEETWATER FACTORY DAYS: EXPERIENCE EVERYDAY LIFE IN THE 1850’S

The Friends of Sweetwater Creek State Park will host Sweetwater Factory Days at Sweetwater Creek State Park in Lithia Springs, GA from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM. Visitors can experience and participate in the same daily tasks as the people who lived in the 1850’s town of New Manchester, now a ghost town located within Sweetwater Creek State Park.

Come out and dye a piece of cotton muslin with black walnut hulls or perhaps hand-dip your own birthday candle. Have you ever churned milk into creamy butter? Learn how to spin wool into yarn and then weave yarn into cloth on a two-harness loom. Other demonstrations lined up include chair caning, quilting and blacksmithing. Ken Panse, the Reptile Wrangler, will conduct a program on indigenous reptiles at 12:00 PM. Exhibits will include brick making, soap making and 19th century clothing. A three-piece string band, The Georgia Potlickers, will provide guests with some rousing, foot-stomping period music.

Guided hikes into the New Manchester Manufacturing Mill (also known as the Sweetwater Textile Factory) will be led by local historians. Hear the fascinating story of the once thriving town of New Manchester and why all that remains today are the ruins of a state-of-the-art textile mill that was once the tallest building in north Georgia. A guided candlelight hike to the Mill is scheduled for Saturday evening beginning at 8:00 PM. The fee for the candlelight hike is $5.00 per person and it is limited to ages 6 and older.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase. There is a $5 per car parking fee at Sweetwater Creek State Park. For additional information, please contact Sweetwater Creek State Park at 770-732-5871.

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If you would like more information about this event, or to schedule an interview with John E. Johnston, please contact John at johnston1960@gmail.com









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