Interpretive Programs Offered By Sweetwater Creek Park In April

DOUGLASVILLE, GA -- Sweetwater Creek State Park is a peaceful tract of wilderness located at 1750 Mount Vernon Road, Lithia Springs. 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 following are the interpretive programs offered By Sweetwater Creek Park in April.

Twilight Lake Paddle
Friday, April 5, 12, 26 6:30-8 p.m.
Saturday, April 27 6:30-8 p.m.

Join us for a peaceful, ranger-led kayak outing as we paddle the lake through the tunnel and up Beaver Creek to a beaver dam while watching for wading birds and raptors and enjoy the setting sun. This program is open to adults who can swim and children 6 years or older who can swim and are accompanied by an adult. Reservations required. Meet at the Bait Shop. $20 include canoe or tandem kayak, PFD, and paddle. $5/vehicle parking.

Wildflower Hike
Saturday, April 6 2-4 p.m.

This moderately strenuous, 2-mile hike will take us through a variety of lovely habitats to view many of our spring wildflowers as well as many trees and shrubs of our beautiful Piedmont forest. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes re required. $5 per person plus $5/vehicle parking.

Native American History Hike
Saturday, April 6 3-5 p.m.

Join us for a two-hour strenuous 1.5-mile hike focusing on the first inhabitants of our area, the Native Americans or American Indians, as we explore the Eastside including a visit to the "Indian Cave." Meet at the Visitor's Center.

Reservations recommended. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required. 6 years and older. $6 per person plus $5/vehicle parking.

Ranger-led Lake Paddle
Sunday, April 7, 14, 28 2-3:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 21 1:30-3 p.m.

Join us for a ranger-led, peaceful outing on the lake through the tunnel and up Beaver Creek to a beaver dam as we look for Eagles, Ospreys, Great Blue Herons, and Egrets. This trip is for those 18 years or older who can swim or children 6 years or older who can swim and are accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Bait Shop. Register in advance. $20 includes canoe or tandem kayak, PFD, and paddle. $5/vehicle parking.

Historic New Manchester Mill History Hike
Sunday, April 7, 14, 28 5-6:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 27 10-11:30 a.m.

This hike follows Sweetwater Creek down to and inside the historic five-story, Civil War era New Manchester mill with a Park Ranger. The mill, seen in "Hunger Games: Mockingjay" and other films, is situated alongside the lovely rapids (up to class IV+) of the creek. This walking tour requires a moderate mile-long hike (total) down to the mill and back. Meet at the Visitor’s Center. $5 per person plus $5/vehicle parking.

Introduction to Birdwatching Hike
Friday, April 12 9-11 a.m.

This hike is designed for anyone 12 years or older who is interested in learning more about birds, the important habitats critical to some species, and organizations like the Audubon Society which are dedicated to bird conservation. No pets please. Meet at the park's Visitor's Center. Bring your own binoculars. $5/vehicle parking.

Sweetwater Creek by Kayak
Saturdays, April 13, 20 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. & 3:30-6 p.m.

Join us for a beautiful still water paddle through a peaceful stretch of Sweetwater Creek in a tandem kayak. There is also a short walking tour to view the New Manchester mill ruins (including inside) and the magnificent whitewater rapids (up to class IV). This outing is for adults (18 yrs. and older) who can swim and those 12 yrs. to 17 yrs. who can swim and are with an adult. Kayak, PFD, and paddle included. Register in advance. Meet at the Visitor’s Center. $25 plus $5/vehicle parking.

Trails Work Day
Sunday, April 14 1:00PM-4:00PM

Join us for a volunteer work day performing general trail maintenance on the beautiful trails of the park. Bring gloves, water, comfortable work clothes, and closed-toe, sturdy shoes. Recommended age 12 and up. Meet at the Visitor's Center.

Candlelight Hike to the Mill
Saturday, April 20 8-10 p.m.

This mile-long guided night hike is moderately difficult and goes down to and inside the Civil War era textile mill ruins of the five story New Manchester Mill alongside the beautiful rapids of Sweetwater Creek. Candle lanterns are provided. No children under 6 years or dogs permitted. No reservations are possible. Meet and pay (cash only, exact change please) at the Visitor’s Center. $5 per person plus $5/vehicle parking.

Geology Hike
Saturday, April 27 1-4 p.m.

Geologist John Johnston will lead a moderate 2-mile hike identifying rocks and explaining how and when they formed. He will also explain the tectonic events that forced the rock units to be faulted and folded. There will be a visit down to the ruins of the Civil War-era New Manchester Mill alongside the lovely rapids of Sweetwater Creek. $5 plus $5/vehicle parking.