Sweetwater Creek Park Interpretive Programs Offered In December

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 December.

Photographer's Morning Out Hike
Saturday. December 15 8:30 AM-10:00 AM

Join a Park Ranger who will take you to their favorite photogenic areas alongside the magnificent rapids (up to class IV) of Sweetwater Creek as well as into the spectacular five-story, Civil War era New Manchester mill. $6 plus $5 parking.

Historic New Manchester Mill History Hike
Saturday, December 8, 15 11:00AM-12:30PM
Sunday, December 9, 30 12:30PM-2:00PM
Sunday, December 16 1:00PM-2:30PM
Sunday, December 23 1:30PM-3:00PM

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, see in the "Hunger Games:Mockingjay” film, 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. $5 plus $5 parking.

Winter Tree Identification Walk
Saturday, December 8 2:00PM-3:30PM

Ever wonder what all those incredible trees in the park are? This 1.5-mile ranger-led hike will cover identification of trees in the winter mostly by bark and habitats (what trees tend to grow near water, or on ridges, for example), and sorting out the leaves that are still left on the ground. We will also be identifying our evergreens. Meet at the Visitor's Center. $6 plus $5 parking.

Native American Heritage Hike
Saturday, December 8 3:00PM-5:00PM
Sunday, December 16 2:00PM-4:00PM

Join us for a two and a half hour strenuous 1.5-mile hike focusing on the first inhabitants of our area, the Native Americans or American Indians, as we explore the east side which will include 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 plus $5 parking.

Candlelight Hike to the Mill
Saturday, December 8 6:00PM-8:00PM

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, Civil War era 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 plus $5 parking.

Backcountry Geology Hike
Sunday, December 9 1:00PM-4:00PM

Geologist and "Friends of Sweetwater Creek State Park" president John Johnston will lead a moderately strenuous three-mile hike
identifying rock types and explaining how they formed. Explore the beautiful Jack's Branch area and the seldom-visited quarry of the

New Manchester mill. Meet in the Visitor's Center. Sturdy, closed toe shoes required. $6 plus $5 parking

"Bark in the Park" Dog Hike
Sunday, December 9 1:00 PM-2:30PM
Saturday, December 22 2:30PM-4:00PM
Sunday, December 30 3:00PM-4:30PM

Walk the beautiful trails of the park with your four-legged companion. We will enjoy a guided hike by a park ranger alongside the rapids of Sweetwater Creek and view the five story New Manchester mill from the film "Hunger Games: Mockingjay." Reservations recommended. Meet outside the Visitor's Center. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required. $5 plus $5 parking.

Hike through the Piedmont Forest
Saturday, December 15 12:00PM-1:30PM

Join a park ranger for a leisurely hike through our beautiful Piedmont forest as we discuss the animals of the park and identify the
trees and shrubs along the way and discuss the medicinal and edible plants. Meet at the Visitor’s Center. $5 plus $5 parking.

Children's Nature Hike
Thursdays, December 20, 27 11:00AM-1:00PM

This hike for children (6 years and older) will focus on learning more about the beautiful Piedmont forest we live in, especially the
animals and plants of this area. We will be hiking down to the five story, Civil War-era mill and whitewater rapids of Sweetwater Creek. Parents are welcome. $5 plus $5 parking.

First Day of Winter Hike
Friday, December 21 1:00PM-2:30PM

Celebrate the first day of Winter with a hike guided by a park ranger to the most scenic areas of Sweetwater Creek. Along the way we will discuss the winter traditions of the residents of the town of New Manchester, along with winter tree identification. (meet at the Visitor Center). $5 plus $5 parking.

Full Moon Hike
Saturday, December 22 5:30PM-7:30PM

This 1.5-mile hike is moderately difficult and goes down to and inside the five story 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, closed-toe shoes are required.

No children under 6 or dogs. Meet outside the Visitor's Center. Reservations recommended (if no reservations please bring cash, exact change). $6 plus $5 parking.

Eastside Hike
Saturday, December 23 1:00PM-4:00 PM

This ranger-led hike will take us to the beautiful east side of the park and will focus on both nature and history. Sturdy, closed toe shoes are required on this moderately strenuous 3-mile hike. Meet at the Visitor's Center. For ages 12 and up. Reservations recommended. $6 plus $5 parking.

Junior Ranger Day Camp
Friday, December 28 10:00AM-2:00PM

Join us for 4 hours of fun and education learning about nature and history. Highlights include walking down to and inside the five story, Civil War era New Manchester mill alongside the rapids of Sweetwater Creek. There will be other hikes and fun activities. Lunch is not included. Ages 6 to 12. $20 plus $5 parking.

Winter Splendor East Ridge Hike
Saturday, December 29 12:00PM-3:00PM

This ranger-led hike to the remote and beautiful East Ridge will focus on the splendor of nature in winter. Hike three miles with an emphasis on winter tree identification, topography, and the vistas high above the whitewater rapids (up to class IV) of Sweetwater Creek. This hike is rated moderate/strenuous. Reservations recommended. Meet at the Visitor&s Center. $6 plus $5 parking.

"Off the Beaten Path" Hike
Saturday, December 29 1:00PM-4:00PM

Join us for a ranger-led, two and a half hour moderate hike to an interesting, seldom-visited area of the park. Eight years old minimum. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes (boots preferred) are required. Meet at the Visitor's Center. $6 plus $5 parking.

Last Day Hike
Monday, December 31 1:00PM-3:00PM

Finish out 2018 with a glorious hike with a park ranger for a moderately difficult hike to see the park’s highlights. Wear closed toed shoes and bring water for this 2-mile hike which will take us alongside the rapids and into the New Manchester mill. Meet at the Visitor’s Center. $5 plus $5 parking.

Photo courtesy Sweetwater Creek Park