Interpretive Programs Offered By Sweetwater Creek Park In March

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 March.

"Ruins to Rapids" Full Moon Hike
Friday, March 2 6:30PM- 8:00PM

This 1.5-mile ranger-led hike is rated "moderate" and follows the lovely rapids of Sweetwater Creek to the five-story Civil War-era mill ruins of New Manchester (as seen in "Hunger Games: Mockingjay"). The mill stabilization project is finished and we will be able to tour the inside of the ruins. The hike will be cancelled if it is raining. A flashlight and sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required. No children under 6 or dogs allowed. $6 plus $5 parking.

"Bark in the Park" Dog Hike
Saturday & Sundays, March 3, 4, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 10:00AM-11:30AM

Historic New Manchester Mill
History Hike
Saturdays, March 3, 17, 24, 31 11:00AM-12:30PM
Sundays, March 4, 11 3:00PM-4:30PM
& Sundays, March 18, 25 11:00AM-12:30PM

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.

Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required. $5 plus $5 parking.

Late Winter/Early Spring Wildflower Hikes
Saturday, March 3, 10 2:00PM- 4:00PM
Sunday, March 4, 11 2:00PM- 4:00PM

This 2-mile hike will be moderately strenuous and will pass through several beautiful wildflower habitats. Early favorites we may see are Hepatica, Bloodroot, Wild Geranium, Wild Iris, and Green and Gold. Generally, we see 20 to 25 species on this “early in the spring” hike. Meet in the Interpretive Center. $5 plus $5 parking.

"John Muir Inspired" Identification Hike
Saturday, March 3 3:00PM-5:00PM

No cameras or search engines, only pencil and paper. This hike will be an educational program geared toward identifying native and non-native animal and plant species. Pencil and sketch pad recommended. 8 yrs. and older. Reservations required.

Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required. $5 plus $5 parking.

*Requests for auxiliary aids and services should be made directly with the park. Please provide advance notice for scheduled events to allow time for scheduling.

Native American Heritage Hike
Sunday, March 4, 11 11:00AM-1:00PM

Join us for a two-hour strenuous 3-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.

Homeschool Wednesdays
Wednesdays, March 7, 14, 21 12:00PM-1:30 PM

Home-school students of all ages are welcomed to come join park rangers on an educational nature/history hike to the historic five story New Manchester Manufacturing Mill alongside the rapids of Sweetwater Creek (up to class IV). This hike meets GPS standards. Meet at the Visitor's Center. Reservation recommended. $3 plus $5 parking.

Ranger-led Lake Paddle
Saturdays, March 17, 24, 31 2:00PM-3:30PM
Sundays, March 18, 25 2:00PM-3:30PM
Backcountry Geology Hike
Sunday, March 18 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.

Owl Prowl
Sunday, March 18 6:00PM-7:30PM

Join park rangers on this nighttime excursion on the white trail and listen and watch for these nocturnal birds of prey. Meet at the Visitor’s Center. The hike will follow the White Trail to the Jack's Hill area and back (about 2 miles round trip). Sturdy, closed toe shoes are required. Wear comfortable clothes, dress for the weather, and bring a flashlight. Register in advance.

12 years and up. $5 plus $5 parking.

Twilight Lake Paddle
Friday, March 23 6:00PM-7:30PM

Candlelight Hike to the Mill
Saturday, March 24 8:00PM-10:00PM

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 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) in the Visitor’s Center parking lot. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required. $5 plus $5 parking.

"Once in a Blue Moon" Full Moon Hike
Saturday, March 31 7:30PM-9:00PM

This 1.5-mile hike is moderately difficult and goes down to the 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, please. Meet inside the Visitor's Center. Reservations required. $6 plus $5 parking.

Photo courtesy Sweetwater Creek State Park