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"
Every Saturday - August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2008 (10:00am – 12:00pm)
Every week once a week
(Repeats Starting Saturday, Apr 5, 2008. Ending Saturday, Sep 27, 2008.)

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.

"Geology Hike"
Saturday, August 16, 2008 (10:00am - 12:00pm)

Geologist and “Friends of Sweetwater Creek State Park” volunteer John Johnston will lead a moderate 2-mile hike identifying rock types and explaining how they formed. This hike will also include a visit inside the ruins of the New Manchester Mill alongside the beautiful whitewater rapids of Sweetwater Creek. 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, August 9, 23, 2008 (1:00pm - 2:30pm)

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.

"Ruins to Rapids - Full Moon Hike"
Friday, August 16, 2008 (8:00pm - 10:00pm)

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.


"New Manchester Days Festival"
Saturday, September 20, 2008 (9 AM - 5 PM)
Sunday, September 21, 2008 (10 AM - 4 PM)

Commemorate life in New Manchester, a Civil War-era mill community, with history tours of the ruins, Civil War reenactors, artifact displays and living history presentations. Arts and Crafts show will be included. $3 parking. 770-732-5871.

 

Note: For Forms & applications see: Applications & Forms