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 until March 27, 2010
(1:00pm – 3:00pm)

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 $2.  For more information
please call Sweetwater Creek State Park at  (770) 732-5871.

"Introduction to Winter Bird watching "
Saturday, January 16, 2010 10:00am - 12:30pm
 
A ranger will teach up-and-coming birdwatchers about different types of binoculars,
field guides and habitat types. A guided walk will cover the reservoir and the White Trail
up to Jack's Hill as we look for winter migrants like waterfowl, hawks, sparrows and
other songbirds. Winter is a great time to see a variety of ducks at Sweetwater Creek.
$5 plus $5 parking.  For more information please call Sweetwater Creek State Park at
(770) 732-5871.

"Winter Splendor Hike "
Sunday, January 17, 2010 1:30pm - 4:30pm
 
This ranger-led hike will be a longer, more strenuous hike to a beautiful and
seldom-visited area of the park to appreciate the glorious splendor of wintertime.
The hike will be approximately 3.5 miles long and rated moderate. $5 plus $5 parking.
For more information please call Sweetwater Creek State Park at
(770) 732-5871.

"Introduction to Wildlife Painting "
Saturday, January 23, 2010 10:00am - 12:00pm
 
This classroom program will give participants a chance to render paintings of
stuffed animals and birds. This is a hands on workshop, and will give participants
the chance to paint from a real 3-D form, with real feathers, fur, and correct
proportions needed for accurate wildlife painting. Acrylic paint, paper, and brushes
will be supplied. Register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. For more information
please call Sweetwater Creek State Park at  (770) 732-5871.

"Backcountry Geology Hike"
Saturday, January 23, 2010 1:00am - 4:00pm
 
Geologist and "Friends of Sweetwater Creek State Park" member John Johnston will lead
a moderate 3-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.

"Green Building Tour  "
Sunday, January 24, 2010 2:00am - 3:30pm
 
The Park’s Interpretive Center/Museum is one of the most environmentally
responsible buildings anywhere. It has received the highest LEED certification
possible (Platinum) from the U. S. Green Building Council. Learn about
sustainability, Green buildings, and what makes this one so special on this tour.
$5 plus $5 parking. For more information  please call Sweetwater Creek State Park at
(770) 732-5871.

"Introduction to Flyfishing"
Saturday, January 30, 2010 1:00am - 3:00pm
 
Join an expert angler and learn about the art of flycasting. Poles will be provided for
the class, or anglers can bring their own tackle. In case of inclement weather the class
will be held indoors. Pre-registration is required. This class will be limited to
10 participants, class will be geared toward 7 years and up. Meet near the
Sweetwater Creek Baitshop. $10 plus $5 parking.  For more information please
call Sweetwater Creek State Park at (770) 732-5871.

"Ruins to Rapids - Full Moon Hike"
Saturday, January 30, 2010 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Rain Date: January 31, 2010 7:00pm - 9:00pm
 
This 1.5-mile guided hike is moderately difficult and visits 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. $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