Sweetwater Creek State Park
Sweetwater Creek is truly one of the most unique State Parks in Georgia
In late June, Jesse and I drove to Lithia Springs to visit Sweetwater Creek State Park. Sweetwater Creek is truly one of the most unique State Parks in Georgia – I might be biased because I used to work there! However, you would never expect this awesome park to be just 20 miles or so from downtown Atlanta to the Lithia Springs area. Because of its proximity to Atlanta, it is one of the busiest and most popular state parks in Georgia.
Sweetwater Creek has seven trails that add up to 15 miles. I suggest you look at a map when you get there to choose your hike because each trail is very different. In this article, I will be talking about the Red/History trail and the White trail.
Sweetwater Creek has a long history dating back to the 1800’s.
Sweetwater Creek combines two of my favorite things: history and nature. Sweetwater Creek has a long history dating back to the 1800’s. The mill ruins that are still on the property are located on the banks of Sweetwater Creek. This textile mill attracted workers from around the area, and soon after it was built, a mill town popped up called New Manchester. During the Civil War, New Manchester Mill was burned down by Union forces, the town was destroyed, and the remaining townspeople were deported North. All that remains are the mill ruins. However, Sweetwater Creek hosts ranger-led history hikes that give you an in-depth history and let you explore inside the mill. Those hikes are totally worth it! Other Civil War related hikes to see: Allatoona Pass Battlefield and Pickett’s Mill State Historic Site.
When Jesse and I arrived, we knew we wanted to go down the Red/History trail because that is the most scenic trail. The Red/History trail starts at the Visitor Center and goes directly to the creek. Sweetwater Creek is full of rapids and is so big that it actually looks like it is a river. It is not a river, but it does feed into the Chattahoochee River. As you hike along the creek, you will see remnants of the mill run, which was a man-made water diversion to power the textile mill. In half a mile, you will reach the mill ruins.
Sweetwater Creek State Park is a popular backdrop for the silver screen.
With its lush greenery and historic ruins, Sweetwater Creek State Park is a popular backdrop for the silver screen. This picturesque location has played host to numerous film and television productions, including the blockbuster franchise The Hunger Games, where the New Manchester Mill ruins provided a dramatic setting for pivotal scenes. Additionally, the park’s diverse landscapes served as a canvas for the adventurous spirit of Jungle Cruise, bringing the exotic world of the film to life amidst Georgia’s natural beauty.
Sweetwater Creek State Park has gone through some major renovations.
Sweetwater Creek State Park has gone through some major renovations. There is a huge observation deck of the mill. There are also new observation decks along the creek. After sitting a moment and looking down at the mill, go down the staircase if you can! It takes you directly to the creek. When Jesse and I were there, it was in the middle of a low rainfall period. We could have easily rock-hopped all the way across the creek. Definitely take some time to explore the creek. Watch out for herons and fish, but also watch out for copperhead snakes and fishing spiders!
After you get to the bottom of the stairs, you have a decision to make. You can either continue on the Red/History trail along the creek, go back up the stairs and go the way you came, or go back up the stairs and connect to the White trail. After the mill ruins, the Red/History trail gets very, very difficult. The trail gets very rocky, narrow, and you have to hold onto a cable in some parts. However, if you can make it down this trail, it is so worth it! We did not want to do all that on a 90-something degree day, so we went back up the stairs and connected to the White trail. At the top of the stairs, you can either take a left and long way (around 4-4/12 miles) or you can take a right and go 1.1 miles back to the Visitor Center.
Even though going back up the Red/History trail to get back to the Visitor Center is very scenic and the quickest way back, it is mostly uphill. So, we went to the shorter part of the White trail.
The White trail has some parts that are uphill. The trail is completely through the woods and follows a small forest creek. There are ferns, chipmunks, bugs, and toads all around. This is a fairly easy trail section. At the end of the trail, you will come up behind the visitor center.
I have hiked the trails many times at Sweetwater Creek. This state park is one of the best in Georgia, hands down. There is something for everyone here. The park is beautiful in all seasons. If you are ever in the area, this park is a must-visit!
After our visit to the park and in traditional Trails & Tap style, we stopped by Frog Rock Brewing for a few local brews.
Happy Trails,
Katie & Jesse
Tips for your trip to Sweetwater Creek State Park
- A great choice for families, the Red/History Trail offers a scenic one-mile loop. Starting from the Visitor Center, embark on a journey through history, visiting the impressive ruins of the New Manchester mill before returning to the center.
- During the summertime, Sweetwater Creek is very popular for swimming. But if you are swimming, watch out for snakes and spiders!
- Sweetwater Creek is a state park that has an All-Terrain Georgia Action Track Chair! If you are interested in reservations for the chair, you can visit this link: https://gastateparks.org/Accessibility/TrackChairs
- You MUST visit the Visitor Center! The center is part history museum and gives you tons of information about the history of the area. They also have a variety of taxidermy wildlife from the area and a few live snakes.
- Please keep your furry friends on a leash when at Sweetwater Creek State Park. You might love to say, “My dog would never run away” or “my dog is so well behaved.” Well guess what? Other people have those same thoughts. And at such a popular park, it is not worth the risk of your dog running off or getting in a tussle with another dog! Trust me, they will be fine with it on!
- The trails are very well maintained and marked at Sweetwater Creek State Park, but make sure you take a map or at least take a picture of one to have it handy!
Places to stay Near Sweetwater Creek State Park
- Camping at Sweetwater Creek State Park: There are 10 Yurts and five tent campsites at this state park. Visit Georgia State Parks Reservations to check availability.
- Hotels Near Sweetwater Creek State Park: There are several hotels within two miles of the park. Search for hotel accommodations close to Sweetwater Creek State Park.
Sweetwater Creek State Park Information
- Sweetwater Creek Trail Map: Click to View (pdf)
- Hours: Park: 7:00 am – Dark; Visitor Center and Office: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Parking: $5 per vehicle per day. Annual passes available.
- Phone Number: 770-732-5871
- Address: 1750 Mount Vernon Road, Lithia Springs, GA 30122 (Douglas County)
- GPS Coordinates: N 33.753783 | W -084.639000
- Directions to Sweetwater Creek State Park: View this Google Map to determine directions to the park from your location.
