He Loved Sweetwater Creek State Park So Much, He Became Manager

DOUGLASVILLE, GA — When H. Smith McCullough II, his wife, his son and his daughter visited Sweetwater Creek State Park recently, he said he liked it so much he wanted to stay.

"Recently, my family and I visited Sweetwater Creek State Park, fell in love with the park," said McCullough. "We decided I should apply for the vacant manager’s position. The rest they say is history!"

McCullough III has become the new Park Manager at Sweetwater Creek State Park. He was born and raised in Georgia, and says he considers Cleveland, Georgia his hometown.

"I graduated from Georgia College and State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in outdoor education and later went back to school at Mercer University in Atlanta and received a Masters of Arts in teaching in early childhood education," he said.

"From college, I worked as a counselor for adjudicated youth for a year, moved back to Cleveland and became a naturalist for a nature center. I went to Unicoi State Park as a naturalist, and then became an interpretive ranger. I stayed with Unicoi for four and a half years. When I left I took two years to get my teaching degree, and started teaching in Fulton County. "

It was then that he and his family visited Sweetwater Creek Park and couldn't get enough.

According to the website: Sweetwater Creek State Park is a peaceful tract of wilderness only minutes from downtown Atlanta. 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 215 acre George Sparks Reservoir is popular for fishing and provides a pretty setting for feeding ducks and picnicking. However, there is no beach and swimming in the Reservoir is not allowed. Fishing supplies are available in the adjacent bait shop. During warmer months, the park rents fishing boats, canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and pedal boats. Visitors can join the Park Paddlers Club, which challenges them to explore waterways in six state parks.

An award-winning Visitor Center—one of the most environmentally responsible buildings in the country—features exhibits on the area’s history, wildlife displays, trail maps, snacks and a renovated gift shop. A window-lined meeting room that seats 40 can be rented for gatherings.

Photo courtesy Sweetwater Creek State Park