Sweetwater Creek is a peaceful tract of wilderness only minutes from bustling downtown Atlanta. A wooded trail follows the free-flowing 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 shoals below. The 215-acre George Sparks Reservoir is popular with anglers and provides a pretty setting for feeding ducks and canoing. Fishing supplies and snacks are available in the parks bait shop, while maps and park information may be found in the Visitor Center.




Sweetwater Creek Park is somewhat unknown even to many residents here, but it's an excellent way to spend the day and relax.
There are several trails from easy to hard, and the most popular trail travels along Sweetwater Creek to the old Mill ruins. Great place to walk your dogs (on a leash!), hike, and take photos. No bikes or motor vehicles allowed on the trails. In cooler months very early or later, you might even see Deer along the trail as well. There is also a large lake with boating available, fishing, or just sit and feed the Geese and Ducks. There are also outdoor shelters for picnics and events.
Well worth the parking fee.

This day camp is for children ages 6-12 who have not previously been in a Junior Ranger program. This program focuses on attaining the Level I Deer Badge. There will be nature hikes, a live animal program, and nature oriented arts and craft projects. Register in advance. $20 includes lunch.

Join us for a ranger-led, peaceful outing on the lake at sunset. Meet at the Bait Shop. Registration in advance is necessary. $15 includes canoe or tandem kayak, PFD, and paddle. Must be able to swim. $5 parking. 770-732-5871.

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 guided hike includes going inside the ruins and seeing the lovely whitewater rapids. $5 plus $5 parking.

This 1.5-mile hike is moderately difficult and goes inside the 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 shoes are required. No children under 6 or dogs. Meet inside the Visitor Center.

Join us for a beautiful two-hour paddle through a lovely and peaceful stretch of Sweetwater Creek in a tandem kayak. This outing is for adults (18 yrs. and older) who can swim. Kayak, PFD, and paddle included. Register in advance. $15 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.

Geologist and "Friends of Sweetwater Creek State Park" member John Johnston will lead a moderate 2-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.

Join us for our first nightime dog hike. We will cover approximately three miles including walking alongside the rapids and visiting the five story ruins of the Civil War era New Manchester textile mill. Dogs are welcomed but must be leashed at all times. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.

Join an expert angler and learn about the art of fly casting on the banks of Sweetwater Creek. Poles will be provided, or anglers can bring their own tackle. Class is geared toward 7 years and older. Register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.

The Park's Visitor Center/Museum is one of the most environmentally friendly buildings anywhere. It has received the highest LEED certification (Platinum) from the U.S. Green Building Council. Learn about sustainability, green buildings and what makes this one so special. $5 plus $5 parking.

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. Space is limited and is on a first-come first-serve basis.

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. Space is limited and is on a first-come first-serve basis.