Sweetwater Creek State Park
PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Call:
(770) 732-5871
or visit
gastateparks.org
Sweetwater Creek State Park is a peaceful tract of wilderness only minutes from downtown Atlanta. A wooded trail follows the stream to the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company, a textile mill burned during the Civil War. Beyond the mill, the trail climbs rocky bluffs to provide views of the beautiful rapids below. Additional trails wind through fields and forest, showcasing ferns, magnolias, wild azaleas and hardwoods. Park rangers lead informative hikes to these areas throughout the year.
The 215 acre George Sparks Reservoir is popular for fishing and provides a pretty setting for feeding ducks and picnicking. However, there is no beach and swimming in the Reservoir is not allowed. Fishing supplies are available in the adjacent bait shop. During warmer months, the park rents fishing boats, canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and pedal boats. Visitors can join the Park Paddlers Club, which challenges them to explore waterways in six state parks. An award-winning Visitor Center—one of the most environmentally responsible buildings in the country—features exhibits on the area’s history, wildlife displays, trail maps, snacks and a renovated gift shop. A window-lined meeting room that seats 40 can be rented for gatherings.
Waves in the Woods
Saturday September 19, 2015 08:00 pm EDT
This event takes the idea of a silent disco and combines it with a hike! Artists from the Atlanta area have composed songs specifically for the event with the idea of them being heard on a nature walk. We will meet at the park, with our headphones at the ready, and sync our playlist for the hike. Th...
Cost: $3-15
Sweetwater Creek State Park Yurt Village Grand Opening
Friday August 28, 2015 08:00 pm EDT
Georgia State Parks presents the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for yurts and camping at Sweetwater Creek State Park. This is a landmark occasion to showcase the first-ever overnight accommodations at Atlanta’s closest state park. Visitors can tour the 10-unit yurts and the park’s te...
Cost: Free
Junior Ranger Day Camp
Monday December 29, 2014 07:00 pm EST
This camp is for children ages 6 to 12 who have not previously been in a Junior Ranger program. It includes nature hikes, a live snake program, and nature-oriented projects. Registration is required. Lunch not included.
Cost: $25
Historic New Manchester Mill Hike
Friday December 26, 2014 07:00 pm EST
This mile-long hike involves a ranger or historian leading visitors to the New Manchester Mill along Sweetwater Creek. Closed-toed shoes are required. Reservations are recommended. $5 per vehicle parking.
Cost: $5 per person
Native American Heritage Hike
Saturday December 20, 2014 07:00 pm EST
This 1.5-mile hike takes visitors to the Indian Cave" as they learn about the Native American history of the area. Closed-toed shoes are required. Reservations are recommended. $5 parking along with admission."
Cost: $5
Snakes Alive
Friday December 19, 2014 07:00 pm EST
Visitors learn about live, non-venomous snakes in a presentation by Park Manager David Jordan. Advanced registration is recommended. $5 parking along with admission.
Cost: $5
Hayrides and S'mores
Friday December 19, 2014 07:00 pm EST
There is a tractor-pulled hayride to Jack's Hill and a campfire to make s'mores. Park rangers and local historians share stories from the park. Reservations are required. $5 parking along with admission.
Cost: $8
Stargazer Hike
Thursday December 18, 2014 07:00 pm EST
This 2-mile night-hike takes visitors to the yellow trail bridge to gaze at the stars and planets above. Binoculars are recommended. A flashlight and closed-toed shoes are required. No dogs or children under 12 years permitted. Reservations are required. $5 parking along with admission.
Cost: $6
Trails Work Day
Saturday December 13, 2014 07:00 pm EST
The public is invited to join staff and other volunteers in undergoing park maintenance. Bringing gloves and water are recommended, but bringing tools is optional. Registration is recommended. Free admission, but parking is $5.
Cost: Free
Candlelight Hike to the Mill
Friday December 12, 2014 07:00 pm EST
This mile-long guided night-hike goes to the New Manchester Mill along Sweetwater Creek. Candle lanterns are provided. No dogs are children under 6 years permitted. $5 parking along with admission.
Cost: $5
Geology Hike
Saturday December 6, 2014 07:00 pm EST
This 3-mile hike is led by geologist John Johnston who identifies rocks and explains how they formed. The path leads to Jack's Branch and the textile mill ruins of New Manchester. Reservations recommended. $5 parking along with admission.
Cost: $5
Eastside Hike
Saturday December 6, 2014 07:00 pm EST
This 2-mile, ranger-led hike takes place in the east side of the park. Reservations are recommended. $5 parking along with admission.
Cost: $5
Touch-a-Truck and Firewise
Friday December 5, 2014 07:00 pm EST
Touch-a-Truck and Firewise features the trucks and vehicles of officers and personnel from local police and fire departments. Smokey the Bear also makes an appearance to speak about fire safety and magician Jeff Hicks performs. Free admission, but parking is $5.
Cost: Free
Ruins to Rapids Full Moon Hike
Friday December 5, 2014 07:00 pm EST
Starting from the Visitor's Center, this 1.5 mile hike is moderately difficult and follows a path down to the textile mill ruins of New Manchester. The hike then unfolds along the rapids of Sweetwater Creek. A flashlight and closed-toed shows are required. Advanced registration is required. $5 parki...
Cost: $6
Historic New Manchester Mill Hike
Friday November 28, 2014 07:00 pm EST
This hike involves following Sweetwater Creek down to the historic five-story Civil War era New Manchester Mill with a Park Ranger or Historian. The Mill is situated alongside the lovely rapids (up to class IV+) of Sweetwater Creek. This walking tour requires a moderate mile-long hike (total) down t...
Cost: $5
Hayrides and S'mores
Friday November 28, 2014 07:00 pm EST
Join us for a tractor-pulled hayride up to Jack’s Hill. We will also gather around a campfire and make S’mores. Park Rangers and local historians will lead these events sharing history and stories from the park. Meet at the Visitor’s Center.
Cost: $8
Native American Heritage Hike
Saturday November 22, 2014 07:00 pm EST
Join us for a strenuous 1.5 mile hike on the beautiful East Side as we visit the “Indian Cave†and learn about the Native American history of the area. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required. Meet at the Visitor’s Center
Cost:
Stargazer Hike
Thursday November 20, 2014 07:00 pm EST
This moderate two mile night hike will take us to the yellow trail bridge where we will search the sky for wonders like planets, stars, constellations, and shooting stars (weather permitting). Binoculars are recommended. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes and a flashlight are required. Meet at the Visitor’s...
Cost: $6
Fall Color Lake Paddle
Saturday November 15, 2014 07:00 pm EST
This peaceful, ranger-led paddle will allow us to explore Sparks Reservoir and Beaver Creek in the glory of fall. This program is for anyone 18 yrs. and over who can swim and children over 6 years who can swim and are accompanied by an adult. Includes choice of a canoe or tandem kayak, PFD, and pad...
Cost:
Kid's Craft
Friday November 14, 2014 07:00 pm EST
Kids and their parents are welcome to join us for this fun and educational program where we will construct a small craft turkey as well as learn about this magnificent bird from a Park Ranger. Meet at the Visitor’s Center.
Cost: $5
Candlelight Hike to the Mill
Friday November 14, 2014 07:00 pm EST
This mile-long guided night hike is rated moderate and goes down to the five-story Civil War era ruins of the New Manchester Mill and along the lovely rapids of Sweetwater Creek. Candle lanterns will be issued. No children under 6 years or dogs permitted.
Cost: $5
-?Park Nights, City Lights"?? Eastside Hike
Thursday November 13, 2014 07:00 pm EST
Join us for a strenuous, three mile night hike to the beautiful east side of the park where we will visit the “Indian Cave†and climb the East Ridge to view the Atlanta skyline. The hike is open to anyone sixteen years or older. A flashlight and sturdy, closed toe shoes are required. Dogs are no...
Cost: $6
Backcountry Geology Hike
Saturday November 8, 2014 07:00 pm EST
Geologist and “Friends of Sweetwater Creek†member John Johnston will lead a moderately strenuous three mile hike identifying rock types and explaining how they formed. Explore the beautiful Jack’s Branch area and the seldom-visited quarry of the New Manchester Mill. Meet in the Visitor’s Ce...
Cost: $5
Photography 101 (Class II-Composition & Point of View)
Saturday November 8, 2014 07:00 pm EST
Join Georgia State University professor Nancy Floyd 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 to the ol...
Cost: $15
Eastside Hike
Saturday November 8, 2014 07:00 pm EST
This ranger-led hike will take us to the beautiful east side of the park and will focus on both nature and history. Sturdy, closed toe shoes are required on this moderately strenuous two and a half mile hike. Meet at the Visitor’s Center.
Cost: $5
For Women by Women: Introduction to Kayaking
Friday November 7, 2014 07:00 pm EST
Join us for an introduction to kayaking on beautiful Sparks Reservoir. This program is for women 16 years or older who are able to swim and are new to kayaking. Includes a kayak, PFD, and paddle. Meet at the Bait Shop.
Cost: $20
Sweetwater Creek by Kayak
Friday November 7, 2014 07:00 pm EST
Join us for a peaceful paddle through a beautiful, calm stretch of Sweetwater Creek in a tandem kayak. There is also a short hike to the five-story New Manchester mill ruins and to view the whitewater rapids. This outing is for adults (18 yrs. and older) who can swim and those 12 yrs. to 17 yrs. wh...
Cost: $23
-?Ruins to Rapids"?? Full Moon Hike
Thursday November 6, 2014 07:00 pm EST
This 1.5 mile hike is moderately difficult and goes down to the five story Civil War-era textile mill ruins of New Manchester and follows the lovely rapids (up to class IV+) of Sweetwater Creek. A flashlight and sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required. Meet at the Visitor’s Center.
Cost: $6
Photography 101 (Class I-Lighting)
Saturday November 1, 2014 08:00 pm EDT
Join Georgia State University professor Nancy Floyd as we learn about lighting and photography. 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 five st...
Cost: $15
Eastside Evening Hike
Friday October 31, 2014 08:00 pm EDT
Join us for a strenuous, three mile night hike to the beautiful east side of the park where we will climb the East Ridge, visit the “Indian Cave†and other seldom-visited areas. This hike is open to anyone 16 years and older. A flashlight and sturdy, closed toe shoes are required. Dogs are not p...
Cost: $6
Junior Ranger Day Camp
Saturday October 25, 2014 08:00 pm EDT
This camp is for children ages six years to twelve years who have not previously been is a Junior Ranger program. This program focuses on attaining the Level 1 Deer Badge. There will be nature hikes, a live snake program, and nature oriented arts and craft projects.
Program fee includes Junior Ran...
Cost: $25
