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Welcome Visitors!
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Welcome from the Friends
of Sweetwater Creek State Park!
You are about to discover
Sweetwater Creek State Park, a peaceful
tract of wilderness only minutes from bustling
downtown Atlanta.
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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.

"Ruins
to Rapids" Comet Hike
Friday, Mar 15, 2013 7 PM to 9 PM
This will be a 2-hour, 1.5-mile moderately
difficult guided hike along the rapids of
Sweetwater Creek and into the ruins of the Civil
War-era textile mill of New Manchester. We will
be comet-watching, so bring binoculars if you
wish. Bring a flashlight and closed-toe shoes,
and meet at the Visitor's Center. $5 plus $5
parking. 770-732-5871.
"Historic New
Manchester History Hike"
Saturday, Mar 16, 2013 1 PM to 2:30 PM
Saturday, Mar 23, 2013 1 PM to 2:30 PM
Saturday, Mar 30, 2013 1 PM to 2:30 PM
This mile-long hike (easy to moderate) will lead
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
ruins and seeing the lovely whitewater rapids
which provide great photo opportunities. $5 plus
$5 parking.
770-732-5871.
"Ranger-led
Lake Paddle"
Saturday, Mar 16, 2013 2 PM to 3:30 PM
Sunday, Mar 17, 2013 2 PM to 3:30 PM
Saturday, Mar 23, 2013 2 PM to 3:30 PM
Sunday, Mar 24, 2013 2 PM to 3:30 PM
Saturday, Mar 30, 2013 2 PM to 3:30 PM
Sunday, Mar 31, 2013 2 PM to 3:30 PM
Join us for a ranger-led, peaceful outing on the
lake and up Beaver Creek. This trip is for those
16 years or older who can swim or children 6
years or older who can swim and are accompanied
by an adult. Meet at the Bait Shop. Registration
in advance is necessary. $15 includes canoe or
tandem kayak, PFD, and paddle. $5 parking.
770-732-5871.
"Candlelight
Hike to the Mill"
Saturday, Mar 16, 2013 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. Sturdy,
closed-toe shoes are required. Space is limited
and is on a first-come first-serve basis. Meet
and register at the Interpretive Center. $5 plus
$5 parking. 770-732-5871.

"Wagging
Trails Evening Dog Hike"
Thursday, Mar 21, 2013 6 PM to 7:30 PM
Bring your dog and join us for a most enjoyable
evening dog hike. We will cover approximately
two miles including walking alongside the
whitewater rapids and visiting the five story
ruins of the Civil War-era New Manchester
textile mill. Dogs must be leashed.
$5 plus $5
parking. 770-732-5871.
"Art
in the Park"
Friday, Mar 22, 2013 1 PM to 3 PM
Bring your canvas and paint, clay, camera, or
oil pastels for exclusive access to the interior
of the five-story New Manchester Mill. Create
your own artwork while you enjoy beautiful views
of the Sweetwater Creek rapids alongside the
dramatic mill ruins as spring blossoms in the
park. Reservations required. $10 plus $5
parking. 770-732-5871.

"Park
Nights, City Lights" Night Hike"
Saturday, Mar 23, 2013 7 PM to 9 PM
Join us for a strenuous, 3 mile night hike to
the beautiful east side of the park where we
will hike to the "Indian Cave" and climb the
East Ridge to view the Atlanta skyline. This
hike is open to anyone 16 years and older. A
flashlight and sturdy, closed toe shoes are
required. Dogs not permitted. Meet at the
visitor's center. Registration recommended at
770-732-5871. $6 plus $5 parking.

"Spring
Wildflower Hike"
Saturday, Mar 30, 2013 11 AM to 1 PM
This moderately strenuous 2-mile hike with
elevation changes will visit several beautiful
areas to admire our early spring woodland
wildflowers. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
"Photography
101 (Class 1-Lighting)"
Saturday, Mar 30, 2013 11 AM to 1 PM
Join Georgia State University professor Nancy
Floyd, the artist-in-residence at Sweetwater
Creek, as we learn about lighting. You don't
need an expensive camera to take good pictures.
A simple point-and-shoot will do. Bring your
manual. This class offers easy to understand
instructions, classroom time and a hike to the
old mill to learn about natural light. Ages 12
and older. $15 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
"Ruins
to Rapids" Almost Full Moon Hike"
Saturday, Mar 30, 2013 7 PM to 9 PM
This 1.5 mile ranger-led hike is rated
"moderate" and follows the lovely rapids of
Sweetwater Creek to the Civil War-era mill ruins
of New Manchester where we will tour inside the
mill. Hikes will continue if it is overcast but
will be cancelled if it is raining. A flashlight
and sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required. No
children under 6 or dogs allowed. $6 plus $5
parking. 770-732-5871.
"Photography
101 (Class 2-Composition and Point of View)"
Saturday, Apr 6, 2013 11 AM
Join Georgia State University professor Nancy
Floyd, the artist-in-residence at Sweetwater
Creek State Park, as we learn about Composition
and Point of View. You don't need an expensive
camera to take good pictures. A simple
point-and-shoot will do. Bring your manual. This
class offers easy to understand instructions,
classroom time and a hike in the woods. Ages 12
and older. $15 plus $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
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