New Manchester Mill Grand Reopening Dec 17 With Free Tours

DOUGLASVILLE, GA — The New Manchester Mill at Sweetwater Creek State Park will hold a grand reopening Sunday, Dec. 17 from noon to 4 p.m. Park staff and Friends of Sweetwater Creek State Park volunteers will lead trips into the mill and share their knowledge of the park at no cost.

The ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company textile mill, which was closed for three years for renovations, burned during the Civil War.

The improvements to the mill were mostly stabilization efforts, according to Don Scarbrough, Sweetwater Creek State Park interpretive ranger.

"The stabilization included concrete caps, steel reinforcements and new brick construction using the original 1849 bricks that had fallen," he said. "It is such a historic structure and it’s setting alongside the rapids of Sweetwater Creek makes it quite dramatic. The mill was the principal reason the park was established in 1972 and is a big reason that Sweetwater Creek State park is Georgia’s most visited with 780,000 visitors this past year."

According to the park's website, Sweetwater Creek State Park is a peaceful tract of wilderness only minutes from downtown Atlanta. A wooded trail follows the stream to the mill ruins. 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.

Parking at the park is $5.

For more information about the park or the reopening event, call 770-732-5871.

Sweetwater Creek State Park is located at 1750 Mount Vernon Road, Lithia Springs, GA 30122, Douglas County.

Photo courtesy Sweetwater Creek State Park