Sweetwater Creek State Conservation Park - Lithia Springs, Georgia
 
 
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Overview
Sweetwater Creek State Conservation Park, opened in 1976, provides recreational
opportunities in a 1,986-acre area maintained in as near a natural state as possible. The park has no overnight facilities but offers a
variety of natural, cultural and recreational resources, including hiking and fishing. Ruins of a Civil War-era textile mill can be
viewed as well as hundreds of acres of rugged, wooded scenery. The park was created to protect the natural
character of the Factory Shoals section of Sweetwater Creek and the historic integrity of
the New Manchester Manufacturing Company mill and town site ruins. Virtually untouched since it was burned during the
Civil War, the factory ruins present a unique opportunity for visitors to imagine the
lives of persons living and working in a 19th century milltown. A
historical walking tour is also available, for more information on that click here.
Activities & Amenities
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Playground |
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Canoe & Fishing boat rentals |
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Restrooms |
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Hiking Trails |
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Fishing & Dock |
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Picnicking |
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Handicapped Access |
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Telephones |
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Boat Ramp |
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| Picnicking |
Picnicking -
The park offers 75 open picnic tables with grills, 11 picnic shelters and one group
shelter. Picnic shelters with grills, water,
electricity and capacity for 50 are reservable or, if not reserved, are available on a
first come, first serve basis at no charge. A
group shelter (capacity 150) is available by reservation only. |
| Fishing |
Fishing – Fishing is available in the
215-acre lake or in Sweetwater Creek. Most
common freshwater species are found here. Persons
age 16 or older must have a valid resident or non-resident
fishing license. See the park office
for fishing hours and special regulations. |
| Boating |
Boating – Private boats are allowed with
electric motors but must pay a launch fee. Canoes
and jon boats are rented at the bait shop. Check
with the park office for times and costs. Pool
and beach floats are not allowed, and all boats must comply with the Georgia Boating
Safety Law. |
| Hiking |
Hiking – Trails lead along the scenic
Sweetwater Creek, past the historic factory ruins and through the hills and coves
surrounding the area. Walks can be planned
from less than a mile to several miles at a time, with varying difficulty. |
| Interpretive Programs |
Interpretive Programs – The park offers a
variety of interpretive and programming services ranging from scheduled special events or
walking tours to ranger guided natural/historical interpretive programs for organized
groups. Regular program schedules are posted
at the park office. Call (770) 732-5876 for
program assistance. |
| Annual Events |
Annual Events – New Manchester
Commemoration, History Lecture Series and Native American Festival |
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Nearby Attractions
John Tanner State Park
Atlanta, GA
Pickett’s Mill Battlefield
Six Flags Over Georgia Theme Park State Historic Site
Lithia Pure Water Springs
Park Times and Information
Contact Sweetwater Creek State Conservation
Park
P.O. Box 816
Lithia Springs, Georgia 30122
(770) 732-5871.
Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites
205 Butler Street, Suite 1352 East
Atlanta, GA 30334
Park Pass Information
A $2 daily or $25 annual parking fee is
required. The ParkPass is valid at all state parks visited that day, and Wednesdays
are free days. Annual ParkPasses are sold at park offices (senior
discounts available) or by calling (404) 657-9851.
Some information has been provided by GA State Parks Dept. |
