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.

                                                          LOST DOG
                                                            "Maggie"

Maggie was lost Wednesday 7/28 in Sweetwater Creek State Park on the yellow trail,
east side of the creek.

Maggie is a Rottweiler mix about 75 pounds. She is wearing a red collar that has
an info tag on it with phone number and address.

Please help Kevin find Maggie.

                                               
Kevin Young
(214) 794-4632


"New Manchester History Hikes"
Saturdays (10:00am – 12:00pm) until September 25, 2010

These mile-long hikes (easy to moderate) lead to the ruins of the Civil War era New Manchester textile mill and will focus on the history of the Sweetwater Creek valley. Highlights of this tour will include going inside the impressive mill ruins and seeing the beautiful white-water rapids (both providing great photo opportunities). These hikes will be led by local historian and "Friends of Sweetwater Creek State Park" volunteer Dan Emsweller or a Park Interpretive Ranger. There is a parking fee of $5 per car and a program fee of $3-$4. 
For more information please call Sweetwater Creek State Park at  (770) 732-5871.

"Twilight Canoe Outing "
Friday, August 6, 2010 8:00pm to 9:30pm

Join us for an evening paddle on the lake. All participants must be able to swim and have some canoeing experience. Minimum age 12 years. Register in advance. $10 includes canoe rental. $5 for those bringing their own canoe or kayak. $5 parking.
For more information please call Sweetwater Creek State Park at (770) 732-5871.

"Geology Hike"
Saturday,  August 14, 2010 (9:00am – 11:00am)

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. $5 plus $5 parking.
For more information please call Sweetwater Creek State Park at  (770) 732-5871.

"Butterfly Safari"
Sunday, August 15, 2010 (11:00am - 12:30pm)

This event has additional updates which will be visible following review and activation.
Join this guided tour as we explore an open grassland in search of butterflies like the Tiger Swallowtail, Common Buckeye, and Fiery Skipper. Participants will meet at the interpretive center and caravan to the Riverside Parkway Property, an 80-acre mosaic of grassland. Pre-Registration required. $5 plus $5 parking.
For more information please call Sweetwater Creek State Park at (770) 732-5871.

"Introduction to Landscape Painting -
         Painting Sweetwater Creek "
Wednesday, August 25, 2010 (6:00pm - 8:00pm)
 
This class will meet at the Interpretive Center and caravan to a small sandy beach, a perfect spot to paint some of the scenic shoals and shores of Sweetwater Creek. Pre-Registration required. Materials will be provided. $10 plus $5 parking.
For more information please call Sweetwater Creek State Park at (770) 732-5871. 

"Ruins to Rapids" Full Moon Hike"
Wednesday, August 25, 2010 (8:00pm - 10:00pm)
 
This 1.5-mile ranger-led night 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. Bring a flashlight and sturdy shoes. No children under 6 or dogs. Meet inside the Visitor Center. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking.
For more information  please call Sweetwater Creek State Park at (770) 732-5871.

"New Manchester Days"
Saturday, September 18, 2010 (10:00am - 4:00pm)
Sunday, September 19, 2010 (10:00am - 4:00pm)

This two-day living history event will bring to life the New Manchester Community that prospered up to the Civil War. Visit an authentic Civil War-era encampment, and medical tent, take a historical tour to the New Manchester Mill, and learn about Civil War-era firearms during black powder demonstrations. $5 parking.
For more information please call Sweetwater Creek State Park at (770) 732-5871.

"Reptile Review"
Saturday, September 25, 2010 (9:00am - 11:00am)
 
Experienced "herpers" Ken Panse (Reptile Wrangler) and Dan Emsweller (SCSP Historian) are seeking volunteers to walk various areas of Sweetwater Creek State Park, and check off which species of reptiles and amphibians are seen or heard on a survey sheet, to be submitted to Georgia DNR.  Photography of specimens is encouraged, but capturing is not.

We will meet at the Visitors Center at 8:30 am to register and receive a map outlining the specific territories to be canvassed. Cell phones may lose the signal, so if you have walky talkies, please bring them.

For further information, please contact Ken Panse at reptilewranglerken@gmail.com

Meet in the Interpretive Center.  $5 parking.
For more information  please call Sweetwater Creek State Park at (770) 732-5871.

"Backcountry Geology Hike"
Saturday, November 20, 2010 (1:00pm - 4:00pm)
 
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.
For more information  please call Sweetwater Creek State Park at (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