Sweetwater Creek State Conservation Park - Lithia Springs, Georgia

Trail Guide

OVERVIEW:

     We have over nine miles of hiking trails on over 2,000 acres of park land.  Sweetwater Creek State Conservation park was created to save the unique natural and cultural history in this area.  The many unique plant communities are greatly influence by the presence of the Brevard Fault zone which runs directly through the Sweetwater Creek basin.  This fault created higher elevation giving the park a more mountainous environment than the surrounding communities. 

TRAILS: 

YELLOW TRAIL

     The Yellow Trail, also known as the East Side Trail, is a three mile hike of moderate difficulty.  The difficulty stems from the trail first taking the hiker into the creek valley, then climbing to the top of the ridge on the opposite, or east bank.  What goes down, in this case, must also come back up.

     The Yellow trail is accessed by entering the Red trail at the bottom corner of the parking area, and turning left at the beginning of the yellow blazes (approx. 50 meters into the red trail).  The trail drops into the creek valley, heading upstream to the metal bridge across Sweetwater Creek.  This crossing has been known as Furguson’s Crossing since the 1840’s and was named after a successions of general purpose; water powered mills owed by the Furguson vicinity as they approached the New Manufacturing Company in July of 1864.  New Manchester was located downstream from this crossing

     After crossing Sweetwater Creek, the trail turns downstream.   Hikers are encouraged to turn to the left at the fork just past the wooden bridge.  By traveling “clockwise” on the trail loop you climb the  less steep route to the the top of the ridge.  Winter hikers should look for the view to the west.  On a clear day one can see 40 to 50 miles.  As the trail descends through the ravine on the south side of the trail loop, watch for the rock overhang on the left.  Archeologists have estimated that Native Americans used this overhang as a shelter for at least 2000 years.  NOTE:  What there is to be seen of this feature can be seen from the trail.

TO PROTECT THE RESOURCES, DO NOT CLIMB ON SLOPE OR ROCKS.

     When the trail leaves the ravine and flattens out again along Sweetwater creek, attractions include numerous stands of Mountain Laurel (beautiful in early spring) and the suspected site of a brick making facility active in the 1840’s.   The return to the parking area is recrosses the metal bridge and follows the same trail as was followed on the way in (watch for and follow the yellow blazes). 

RED OR HISTORY TRAIL

     Approximately ½ mile in length (one way) of easy walking reaches the Mill ruins alongside the creek.  Time frame: 30 – 45 minutes to an hour to walk this section.

     The Red trail is the most frequently used trail by the general public because of its easy walking and the beauty of the creek.  It will take you through the “main street” area of the old town of New Manchester.  Hikers will pass the old town store site, the dam area where the millrace starts and on to the Mill site itself.

     The creek side community abounds with various plants and wildlife.  Hikers will come across many area where Mtn. Luarel, wild Azaleas, and other spectacular wildflowers bloom year round.  The presence of so many different waterways insures a great variety of water dependent wildlife, as well.  Chances are good that hikers will come across turtles on the rocks in the creek, as well as various non-poisonous water snakes. 

BLUE NATURE OR NON-GAME WILDLIFE TRAIL

     Approximately two miles in length to the Falls area.  Time frame: two-hour slow walk.  This trail does intersect with the Red trail at the over look of the Mill ruins in approximately one mile.  The Blue trail was specifically designated to highlight the park’s non-game wildlife and natural plant communities.  The trail winds through several stream coves and ridge areas overlooking the creek bed and red trail. 

WHITE TRAIL OR NON-GAME WILDLIFE TRAIL

     This three-mile dog-leg completes a wonderful day hike.  Hikers should allow at least three hours for this section of trail.

     The white trail passes through some of the most remote areas of the park west of Sweetwater Creek. The trail follows the creek bed to the southern boundary of the park, then turns west and follows the Jack’s Hill Lake stream. This stream community has the most concentrated areas of wildflowers on the park.  Hikers will pass through areas covered with ferns, big-leaf magnolias, Mtn. Laurel, wild Azaleas, and many other wildflower varieties. 

     The trail will take hikers through the Jack’s Hill Meadow area and into the old picnic loop.  Please follow the trail through the picnic loop and on to the trails parking area. 

Some information has been provided by GA State Parks Dept.