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 Hike"
Saturdays until September 26, 2009
(10:00pm – 12:00pm)

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 $3 per car and a program fee of $2 for adults and $1 for children
(under 18).  For more information please call Sweetwater Creek State Park at
 (770) 732-5871.

"Ruins to Rapids - Full Moon Hike"
Saturday, May 9, 2009 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Sunday, June 7, 2009 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Tuesday, July 7, 2009 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Wednesday, August 5, 2009 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Friday, September 4, 2009 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Sunday, October 4, 2009 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Monday, November 2, 2009 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Wednesday, December 2, 2009 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Thursday, December 31, 2009 7:00pm - 9:00pm

This 1.5 mile ranger-led hike is moderately difficult and visits the Civil War era New Manchester Mills ruins alongside the lovely rapids of Sweetwater Creek. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring a flashlight. Children under 6 years and dogs will not be permitted on this hike. There is a parking fee of $3 per car and a program fee of $2 for adults and $1 for children (under 18).  For more information please call Sweetwater Creek State Park at (770) 732-5871.

"Green Building Tour"
Saturday, May, 16, 2009 2:00pm - 3:30 PM

The Park’s Interpretive Center/Museum is one of the most environmentally responsible buildings anywhere. It is one of only 21 in the world to receive the highest LEED certification (Platinum) from the U.S. Green Building Council. Learn about sustainability, green buildings, and what makes this one so special. There is a parking fee of $3 per car and a program fee of $2 for adults and $1 for children (under 18). For more information please call Sweetwater Creek State Park at (770) 732-5871.

"Backcountry Geology Hike"
Saturday, May 10, 2009 1:00pm - 3:00pm
 
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. $1-$2 plus $3 parking. 770-732-5876.



 

"Sweetwater Creek Summer Festival"
June 13-14
Saturday (9am-5pm)
Sunday (10am-4pm)

Join us for a day of arts, crafts, and picnicking
under the trees
by
Sweetwater Creek's sparkling lake.
We invite you to
Sweetwater Creek State Park
for Great family fun and Children activities.
Unique Handmade Arts & Crafts
Children's Amusement Area
Craft Demonstrations

Juried Exhibitors
Specially Selected Food Vendors
 

For additional information contact:
Pam Britt - Sweetwater Creek Festival Coordinator
pbbritt@comcast.net

Applications

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