LOCATION: 1750 Mt. Vernon Road Lithia Springs, GA 30122 770-732-5871 LENGTH: 9 Miles TYPE: Double Loop RANKING: Moderate to Difficult ACCESS: Dawn to Dusk USAGE: Moderate FEES: $5.00 Parking or purchase an annual ParkPass MAPS: At the visitor center SURFACE: Compact Soil FEATURES: Restrooms, Picnic areas, Ruins COMMENTS: The yellow trail is closed on the east side of the creek. PET FRIENDLY: Yes
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:
John Tanner State Park Six Flags Over Georgia Theme Park
This is a wonderful getaway close to Atlanta and a little history. Sweetwater Creek is one of the largest tributaries of the Chattahoochee River and the George Sparks Reservoir is a popular fishing and canoeing site.
We hiked the Red Trail first to view the ruins of the Sweetwater Manufacturing Company. In 1857 Sweetwater was reorganized as the New Manchester Manufacturing Company and was destroyed in 1864 by Union troops. This is a short 1 mile trail and fairly busy with visitors viewing the ruins.
The Blue Trail was a more interesting hike and at times difficult. There are several points where the trail narrows on rocky outcrops. A chain railing crosses the most difficult area leading to an overlook. A huge boulder then seems to block the way but there are wooden steps leading to the top.
DIRECTIONS FROM ATLANTA:
Take I 20 West from Atlanta to exit #44 (Thornton Road). Turn left on Thornton Road and travel 1/4 mile. Turn Right on Blairs Bridge Road and travel 2 miles. Turn Left on Mount Vernon Road and travel to park.
