Sweetwater Creek State Park: Civil War Mill Ruins & Rapids Winter Hike
Visit on your scheduleNov 1 – Feb 28 · 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM · Daily 7:00 AM–Dark; Visitor Center open 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Sweetwater Creek State Park1750 Mount Vernon Rd, Lithia Springs, GA 30122 · 13.9 mi approx. from AtlantaDirections
All ages; Red Trail (2-mile loop) is rugged near ruins; visitor center exhibits and lakeside picnic grounds are stroller friendly
From $10$10 daily Georgia State ParkPass per vehicle (free with Georgia State Parks Annual Pass)
About this adventure
Located just 20 minutes west of downtown Atlanta in Lithia Springs, Sweetwater Creek State Park offers one of Georgia's most scenic and historic winter hikes. The park's famous Red Trail (2 miles round-trip) winds along the churning whitewater rapids of Sweetwater Creek, leading hikers directly to the towering, five-story brick ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company mill, burned during the Civil War in 1864. Winter is the ideal time to explore Sweetwater Creek: bare hardwood canopies unveil dramatic canyon vistas and churning Class IV rapids that are hidden by dense foliage in summer. The LEED-certified visitor center features an interactive museum with Civil War artifacts and wildlife displays, and wide boardwalks and picnic lawns offer relaxing post-hike spaces for families.
Similar picks in Atlanta
- Christmas lights
TodayThrough Jan 3
Stone Mountain Christmas & Winter Summit: 2 Million Lights & Scenic Skyride
Stone Mountain Park
From $40All ages
Nov21SatOutdoors5 mi awayThrough Jan 3
Six Flags Over Georgia: Holiday in the Park
Six Flags Over Georgia
From $69All ages
- Outdoors
Visit on your schedule
Red Top Mountain State Park: Lake Allatoona Iron Hill Loop Winter Trail
Red Top Mountain State Park
From $10All ages
Loading organizer reviews…
Questions & tips
Ask other families about this activity or share a tip. Comments don’t count toward the organizer’s rating; for anything official, check with the organizer.
Loading comments…