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