Sweetwater Creek State Park

Deer, History, and rushing Whitewaters 

Sweetwater Creek State Park is a nice little escape from the city-life without the long drive. Being only 20 minutes away from Atlanta, these 9 miles of hiking trails run along the Sweetwater Creek and into the forest featuring beautiful nature along the way. The Red, Yellow, and White Trails are the three main hiking trails varying in distance and scenery. All trails start from the main entrance by the Interpretive Center. The Interpretive Center includes exhibits of the Civil War, plants and animals found in the park, water, restrooms, and snacks. 

My friend Berlin and I decided to go on a longer hike this time around. Being the anxious amateur hiker that I am, I did not hesitate to take on the challenge of hiking the 5.2 mile White Trail. 5.2 miles may not sound like much to experienced hikers or regular runners, but for me, 5.2 is a jump from my usual 3 mile walks/jogs. Luckily for me, I was mesmerized (mostly by the deer) with the scenery that I didn't even realize I was getting tired until we reached the last half-mile, which at that point, the mentality was "Almost there! Push through!" 

 Meet Bambi and his little family

As we arrived to the park, we were greeted by four deer just hanging out by the Interpretive Center, right at the trail-head. The only encounters I've had with deer in the past have been when we have gone to my aunt's house in Newnan, where I've seen their eyes glow in the dark, or sadly, their corpse along the side of the road. This had been the first time that I've been close to any. Both Berlin and I were too excited to see them, maybe a little more than I'd like to admit. After stalking the deer for about 2-3 minutes, we decided to go ahead and hike the White Trail. 

New Manchester Mill Ruins 

After hiking for a mile, we reached the historic New Manchester Mill Ruins building and the intersection with the Red Trail. The information posted at the park indicated that it used to be a 5 story with a basement brick factory before it was destroyed during the Civil War by the Union troops on the march to Atlanta. 

On the right side of the Manchester Mill ruins are these long wooden stairs that take you to the creek once again. The stairs offer a different perspective of the building. I would have liked to have access to go inside the fence and get a closer look at the ruins from within, but alas it was still interesting to see. For those interested in seeing the ruins closer, the park offers excursions with a ranger on certain days by appointment.

Sweetwater Creek State Park has been my favorite hike thus far! From seeing Bambi and his family to the rolling forest, creek, and the Manchester Mill Ruins, I loved it all! It was moderately difficult for me distance wise, but the elevation was steady for the majority of the hike. We decided to take a break at the creek before it deviated from it and into the forest once again. The rushing water, the birds, and the deer were a relaxing panorama to take in for a while at the creek. Incredible how something so relaxing and full of life is a merely 20 minute drive from Atlanta!